Radical School Librarianship

Radical School Librarianship is a truly international publication that should be required reading for all new and practicing school librarians. Written by authors from around the world and taking the stance that school librarians need to be warriors, this book explores essential topics such as empathy, inclusion, diversity, belonging, intellectual freedom, LGBTQIA+ fiction, authentic sense-making, collaboration, access to resources, and collections. The vignettes from school librarians provide real-world examples and ground the book in professional practice.

-- Jennifer Branch-Mueller, President, International Association of School Librarianship

A compelling tribute to school librarians’ transformative vision—championing literacy promotion, digital and AI literacy, equity, academic integrity, while instilling the critical, ethical and responsible use of information and technology. Their unwavering dedication empowers students with future-ready skills, nurtures critical thinking, and builds vibrant, inclusive learning communities.

-- Zakir Hossain, Vice President Advocacy and Promotion, International Association of School Librarianship

In a time when a librarian's presence in a school is more critical than ever, Radical School Librarianship is an essential read for school librarian practitioners and library and information science educators alike. In this book, a diverse and informed panel of well-respected school librarian leaders from around the globe share school library program development ideas, personalized vignettes, and thought-provoking discussion questions sure to help the school librarian navigate the uncertain, challenging, and promising future for school libraries.

-- Jennifer Moore, Associate Professor, University of South Carolina, US

Read Radical School Librarianship to learn about meeting the challenges of students who are living in a global society. This book is written by school librarians from around the globe who explain their situations, demonstrate their commitment to library values, and share their strategies for meeting today’s teaching and learning challenges. It's time to join these "Radical School Librarians!"

-- Blanche Woolls, Past President AASL and IASL, and Director and Professor Emerita, San José State University, US

I learned a great deal about the positive impact school librarians have on learning from working with Vuyokazi Jamieson, author of Chapter 5 in Radical School Librarianship. Vuyo flourished as she co-designed a modern learning space for the school but, much more importantly, she reached out to the entire community to build equity and develop a reading culture - radically challenging the extremes of affluence and poverty that are a feature of South Africa.

-- Alan Thompson, Executive Head: Get Ahead Project Trust, Komani, South Africa, Former Headmaster of St Andrew's College, Makhanda

Radical School Librarianship is filled with nuggets of wisdom and actionable strategies from school librarians around the world that any school librarian could infuse into their own practice to better support their entire school community. I truly appreciate this global perspective as it illustrates how connected we are in our professional goals while also showcasing insights and experiences that translate across borders and continents.

-- Courtney Pentland, 2023-24 President, American Association of School Librarians School Librarian, US

This important volume positions school librarians as pivotal contributors to educational and social transformation. Radical School Librarianship brings together international perspectives to explore equity, diversity, inclusion, intellectual freedom, and collaborative leadership. It moves beyond abstract ideals, offering concrete examples that connect theory and practice. For educators, researchers, and practitioners alike, the book provides a roadmap for embedding core library values into meaningful, justice-driven action across diverse learning environments.

-- Mihaela Banek Zorica, University of Zagreb Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Information and Communication Sciences, Croatia

This inspiring book is both a call to action and a powerful companion for school librarians. Grounded in the values we uphold (equity, diversity, inclusion, intellectual freedom), it affirms our purpose and suggests practical change. With brave, global voices and real-world strategies, it reminds us that even one school librarian can make a difference. Essential reading for UK librarians believing in the power of libraries to challenge, include, and confer impact on the wider school community.

-- Sarah Pavey, Education Consultant, UK

Radical School Librarianship is a timely and inspiring collection that celebrates the meaningful work librarians are doing worldwide to break down barriers, amplify student voices, and advocate for equity in education. Whether it’s defending the right to read or making literacy more inclusive, the stories shared here are real, relevant, and rooted in the everyday experiences of our profession. It’s a powerful reminder that school librarians are leaders, advocates, and changemakers helping to build a more just and connected world.

-- Kristina A. Holzweiss, School Library Journal School Librarian of the Year and Library Journal Mover & Shaker