PANEL
Presentation Title:
2025-26 Queensland Public Library Leaders
Presenter:
Kaley Schelks
Workshop Date:
Thursday 14 May 2026 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Presentation Description:
“The Library Leaders Program aims to support the growth of Queensland public library staff by investing in their development through attendance at industry events and professional development programs. ALIA National 2026 is the finale event for the 2025-26 cohort with the Library Leaders travelling from all over Queensland to participate in the learnings, networking, and fun that is on offer in Sydney.
State Library of Queensland’s Public Library and IKC Road Map commits to supporting library staff as leaders in their community, skilled to meet local needs and aspirations as well as to deliver services of impact. Over the last 8 months, ten public library staff have been part of the second round of the Library Leaders Program.
This program has been developed by State Library in partnership with the Queensland Public Library Association to build the leadership skills, knowledge, confidence, and networks needed to lead vibrant public libraries now and into the future. Throughout the program, participants have worked with mentors on the development of a project, policy, process, or service improvement that strengthens their local public library services, and which contributes towards their career development.
The projects from this year’s Library Leaders focus on everything from community engagement and diverse programming to collection management and AI, with all projects focused on making libraries more welcoming and inclusive spaces which meet the needs of their diverse and ever evolving communities.
A key part of the program is building on the interconnectedness of the library network. The Leaders are supported to share their project outcomes and resources developed to grow the skills and knowledge of others and enable uplift of the public library sector.
This session will provide an insight into the program model as well as provide a platform for a selection of Library Leaders to share their projects, outcomes, and impacts, personally, for their community and the broader library network.”
Kaley Schelks
Coordinator Capability, State Library of Queensland
Presenter Bio
Kaley Schelks is a librarian and public programming specialist with a passion for community engagement and evidence based library practice. She earned a Master of Information Management from the University of South Australia, during which time she conducted research around the value and impact of public library programming.
In 2022, she was awarded the inaugural Charlotte Henry Study Grant by ALIA to support her master’s work, particularly focused on measurement of impact, ROI, and research methods in library programs.
Kaley is the Coordinator Capability at State Library of Queensland, where she supports the Queensland public library network through the development and implementation of statewide professional development programs designed to uplift the skills and knowledge of the public library sector.
She is known for her focus on inclusivity, her commitment to reaching disengaged cohorts, and her ability to communicate effectively through speaking, event hosting, and stakeholder engagement.