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
- 5
- Format
- In person
- Next course
- 6 to 7 November 2026, Keystone Academy, Beijing
About the course
The role of the librarian has evolved far beyond bookshelves and borrowing systems. The Leading Your International School Library course is designed to equip school librarians with the advanced leadership, pedagogical and strategic skills needed to thrive in this expanded role, aligned with the professional standards advocated by CILIP.
Through a blend of interactive sessions, practical design challenges and reflective learning, delegates gain actionable insights and tools to transform their libraries into vibrant learning hubs that support whole-school goals.
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
Strategic leadership in international library settings
Articulate and apply leadership philosophies tailored to multicultural, multilingual educational environments.
Designing inclusive learning environments
Create library spaces that are accessible, inclusive and responsive to diverse learner needs.
Resource curation with cultural sensitivity
Critically evaluate and select resources that support international curricula and reflect cultural diversity.
Fostering lifelong reading and research skills
Promote reading and inquiry through engaging strategies that draw on technology and cultural understanding.
Measuring and communicating library impact
Assess library programmes effectively and communicate outcomes to stakeholders.
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.
