We are starting off 2025 looking at some research done by Margaret Merga on international school libraries.
While school library professionals work across many nations, supporting student learning and wellbeing, there is limited current research capturing shared issues faced by this educational workforce. The International School Library Workforce Survey collected insights from 971 respondents across 63 countries derived from analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data. Findings suggest that in an international context, school library professionals are experiencing notable issues that impact upon their morale and their ability to enact their professional roles.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments. This discussion is open to all...
This is an amazing piece of research and captures the need for more support for school librarians. I would like to post my thanks to all the librarians who took the time to fill in the questionnaire because without them this research would mean little.
I liked the conclusion, including, but going beyond advocacy. Here are the 5 which you can read for yourself in the research paper.
The 5 steps to improvement
Research to support advocacy
Leadership and policy maker influence
Local evaluation to support advocacy
Invigoration and creation of training pathways.
Promotion of SLP career possibilities
I am particularly interested in the training pathways and career possibilities as both of these make complete sense to me.
I would love to hear your own thoughts on this research. Did it surprise you? What are the main high lights for you? Post your replies below...