Leading Your International School Library
LYIS-L Library
Librarians are now leaders in digital literacy, champions of inclusive education and partners in curriculum design. This two-day, in-person course equips school librarians with the leadership, pedagogical and strategic skills to thrive in that expanded role.
- Duration
- 2 days
- Sessions
- 8
- Format
- In person
- Next courses
- 13 to 14 November 2026, Shekou International School, Shenzhen. More dates coming soon.
About the course
The international school librarian’s role has changed! You are no longer just a curator looking after the books. You lead learning, guide students and staff through technology and champion reading and research across a diverse school community. This two-day, in-person course gives you the knowledge, confidence and practical strategies to do all of that well.
Across eight interactive sessions, you will look at your own leadership approach, ways to create a welcoming and inclusive library space and discover how to build collections for globally minded learners. You’ll also explore how to grow a culture of reading that reaches every student. The second day covers the digital landscape, including using AI ethically and teaching digital citizenship. It also covers strengthening inquiry and research skills, measuring and showing the school library’s impact and the trends shaping the future of school librarianship.
The course is led by Dr Sarah Pavey FCLIP FRSA and mixes expert input with discussion, reflection and shared experience. You’ll go back to school with ideas you can use straight away and a clear vision for your library. You’ll also join a growing network of international school librarians around the world. The course suits both new and experienced librarians who want to raise their school library’s profile and show its value to the whole school.
What you will take away
- Demonstrate strategic leadership in international school library settings
- Design inclusive, dynamic learning environments
- Curate and evaluate resources with cultural and curricular sensitivity
- Foster lifelong reading and research skills across age groups
- Measure and communicate library impact to drive continuous improvement
Course modules
Leading the Learning Journey
Explore personal leadership, collective leadership, and collaborative vision development.
Cultivating a Welcoming Space
Design inclusive library spaces, understand diverse learner needs, and create accessible information retrieval systems.
Curating Resources for Global Learners
Develop comprehensive collection development policies, master resource selection techniques, and understand cultural sensitivity in resource curation.
Fostering a Culture of Reading
Design multilingual reading engagement strategies, integrate technology to enhance reading motivation, and develop assessment methods for reading initiatives.
Empowering Inquiry & Research Skills
Empower students through inquiry-based learning, fostering critical thinking and intercultural understanding in research.
Navigating the Digital Landscape: Information Literacy & Technology
Use digital technologies responsibly in education, encouraging critical thinking and ethical use of AI while ensuring digital citizenship.
Measuring Success: Assessment & Evaluation
Evaluate library impact effectively through comprehensive assessment strategies, data-driven insights, and strategic communication.
The Evolving Landscape: Leading & Learning in School Libraries
Stay ahead in the evolving landscape of international school libraries by embracing continuous learning, networking, and personalised professional development.
Course leader
Dr Sarah Pavey MSc FCLIP FRSA
Sarah has over 20 years’ experience as a school librarian in many different types of school. For more than ten years she has run her training and consultancy business SP4IL, providing courses for schools around the globe. She holds a degree in biochemistry, a masters in information science and a Fellowship of CILIP, and has written many professional books including The Innovative School Librarian, Playing Games in the Library and The Networked Librarian.
Why invest in this course?
Practical and relevant
Insights and tools you can use in your own school the following week.
A global network
Learn alongside leaders from international schools across Asia and beyond.
Expert faculty
Taught by experienced international school leaders and specialists.
Enquire about LYIS-L
Tell us a little about yourself and the course team will reply with dates, places and next steps.
Lead alongside people who get it.
Membership from £95 a year. Mentoring, member pricing on courses, first call on conference places, and a community that has your back.
