PRESENTATION
Presentation Title:
Slip into Change: School Library Improvement Project
Presenter:
Katie-Jane Thompson, Rachel Hyland
Date:
Tuesday 12 May 2026 | 2:00pm – 2:30pm
Presentation Description:
School Libraries as Literacy Game Changers:
The Tasmanian Story
Can 3 library professionals drive change in Tasmania? Can reinvigorated school libraries lift literacy in Tasmania? What are the unique factors in Tasmania that can drive change? What can library professionals learn from the unique structure in Tasmania?
Tasmania is at a pivotal moment in its mission to lift literacy outcomes for every student. With the state government’s ambitious literacy targets outlined in the Lifting Literacy Implementation Plan 2024–2025, there is a renewed focus on ensuring all learners develop the reading and writing skills they need to thrive in a complex, fast-changing world.
What makes Tasmania unique is its scale, its strong sense of community, and its ability to pilot bold, system-wide initiatives. But Tasmanian school libraries face real challenges: inconsistent staffing, underutilised spaces, outdated collections, and a lack of visibility in whole-school planning. These issues have long limited the potential of school libraries to contribute meaningfully to student learning.
School Library Improvement Project (SLIP)—a game changer for the school library landscape in Tasmania. At the heart of this initiative is the formation of a dedicated School Libraries Team within Libraries Tasmania. This team is working shoulder-to-shoulder with schools to reimagine what a modern, dynamic school library can be.
In this session, we’ll explore how the SLIP is transforming school libraries into vibrant, literacy-rich environments. We’ll unpack key strategies, including:
- Story Box and Sora: Providing students with access to rich, diverse, and engaging reading experiences.
- Professional Learning: Upskilling library staff and reigniting their passion for literacy leadership.
- Advocacy: Shifting perceptions among school leaders about the value of libraries in driving literacy outcomes.
- Library Design Support: Helping schools create welcoming, functional spaces that invite reading and learning.
- Hands-on Help: From revitalising collections to reorganising shelving, we’re not afraid to get our hands dirty.
- Student Engagement: Promoting creative ways to bring students into the library and foster a love of reading.
- Evidence-Based Practice: Using case studies and data to demonstrate impact and guide continuous improvement.
- Shifting the Focus: Moving from “back-of-house” tasks to a Reading for Pleasure (R4P) mindset.
Who should attend this presentation:
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Katie-Jane Thompson
Project Support Officer, Libraries Tasmania
Presenter Bio
Katie-Jane Thompson is a Project Support Officer at Libraries Tasmania. She brings energy and drive to the School Libraries Team. Katie majored in Librarianship and Corporate Information Management at Curtin University and has worked in government schools for over 20 years. She creates and shares ways to engage young people in reading.
Rachel Hyland
Presenter Bio
Rachel Hyland is a dedicated library professional with extensive experience managing both primary and high school libraries. She has delivered engaging training sessions for students and staff and regularly speaks to groups of all sizes about the diverse and evolving role of libraries in education. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Information Studies and is currently pursuing her master’s degree, further deepening her expertise in the field. Her passion lies in empowering school communities through innovative library services.