All too often, school librarians find themselves in roles without adequate training or a clear understanding of what their professional contribution entails, leading to frustration and the risk of the library not being perceived as an essential part of a school’s educational process.

Advocating for the professional development of school librarians, this vital guide champions the idea that school librarians are integral to fostering independent learners and critical thinkers, teaching essential inquiry skills that support students through their academic journey and beyond. Drawing on the IFLA School Library Guidelines and the FOSIL (Framework Of Skills for Inquiry Learning) framework, the book uses these comprehensive tools to guide practice, define professional standards, and explicitly link library work to student learning outcomes, literacy, inquiry, reading, and research.

Each chapter addresses a core aspect of school library practice, focusing on:

• the purpose of the school library
• literacy and reading promotion
• media and information literacy instruction
• inquiry-based learning models
• technology integration
• professional development for teachers.

Ultimately, this book empowers school librarians to embrace their role as leaders and heads of departments. It equips them with the knowledge and confidence to articulate their value, drive strategic change, and ensure their expertise is fully integrated into the school’s educational mission, transforming their libraries into dynamic and essential learning centres. A must-read for any school librarian, educator or senior leader in primary and secondary education.