International School Librarianship

International school librarians come from various backgrounds and work in diverse situations, but it is common for them to serve as the sole library professional in large educational institutions. Despite their shared challenges, these practitioners lack robust peer networks for knowledge sharing and to support professional growth.

This collection of narrative essays bridges that gap by bringing together the voices of experienced and award-winning librarians from around the world, including the UK, US, Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Kenya, Mexico and New Zealand. Each contributor begins with an anecdote from their career, then extrapolates that vignette into a working methodology for library practice, intertwining theory from research and applications from their own library. Each vignette addresses a particular topic or practice, such as:

• Imagination and storytelling beyond the pages of a book
• Collection development and cultural sensitivity
• Transitioning from university to school librarianship
• AI and student wellbeing.

Written in an accessible yet professional tone, this book transforms individual experiences into collective wisdom. It serves both as a comprehensive introduction for newcomers to the field and as inspiration for seasoned professionals seeking fresh perspectives on familiar challenges.

Alan Jacques has spent twenty years as an international school librarian and now dedicates his time to building sustainable training and support networks for this specialized community. He is the founder of 'Beyond Books', a training organization tailored to the career development of international school librarians, and 'The Librarian's Peace', a global non-profit library network. In 2020, the Emirates Literature Foundation recognized him as UAE School Librarian of the Year.