Why now is the time to rethink the role of school librarians

Reimagining the librarian as an inquiry partner and co-educator

Why it's time to rethink the role of school librarians

“I trusted her as a colleague and a librarian, and working with the FOSIL framework was transformative.”— Dr. Julie Greenhough, English Teacher

In many schools, the librarian is still seen as helpful support, resourceful, organised, often quietly brilliant, but rarely viewed as a teaching equal.

That needs to change.

School librarians are trained educators. Many are already co-planning units, guiding inquiry-based learning, and helping students build the skills they need to thrive: curiosity, independence, and critical thinking.

“When librarians co-teach inquiry, students don’t just locate sources — they learn how to think.”— Kappan Online, 2020

And yet, as highlighted by the latest Great School Libraries research, 70% of UK primary schools don’t have a dedicated library professional. In schools serving disadvantaged communities, library resources are often 60% lower than average.

We’re not just underutilising librarians — we’re underestimating them. The role of school librarians is exciting and varied.

In my latest blog, I explore:

• Why librarians are essential to teaching inquiry, not just managing information

• What research tells us from the UK and the US

• How schools like Blanchelande, Connaught, and Tonbridge Grammar are doing it right

• 5 steps to begin reconnecting librarians with curriculum and teaching

“This isn’t about reinventing the librarian. It’s about unleashing the educator they’ve always been.”

👉 Read the full blog on Substack → https://elizabethhutchinson.substack.com/p/not-just-literacy-the-librarians

Tell me: What’s one way your librarian has supported student learning? Reply in the comments or email me — I’d love to share more examples in future posts.