School libraries lead the way in AI

Over 50 teacher librarians from schools throughout Sydney gathered for a special seminar on artificial intelligence in school libraries.

Over 50 teacher librarians from Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese as well as public, independent and private schools across Sydney have come together at St John Paul II Catholic College, Schofields & Nirimba for an Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) schools seminar about artificial intelligence (AI) in education to inform practice and staffing in school libraries.

The seminar was titled ‘Keeping School Libraries Relevant’ and saw a keynote speech by renowned educator Dr Kay Oddone, Lecturer and researcher at Charles Sturt University and Course Director of the Master of Education: Teacher Librarianship.

Dr Oddone lent her expertise in the area of digital literacies and schools being “AI Ready: How school libraries can lead in the era of algorithms.”

"It was a great presentation from Dr Kay Oddone as she gave all participants a better understanding of artificial intelligence and how schools and school libraries can be AI ready,” said Jim Gallagher, Wollongong Diocese Library Services Manager.

“I always really enjoy meeting and learning with school library staff, their energy and enthusiasm for staying abreast of the ever-changing education landscape and their openness to considering new ideas affirms that school libraries are ‘my place’ and that school library staff are ‘my people’,” said Dr Oddone.

“Even in challenging times, where so many Teacher Librarians are being taken out of the library and asked to teach in completely different areas, their belief in the value of school libraries and the vital contribution they make to the entire school community remains strong.”

St John Paul II Catholic College Teacher Librarian Helen Wynd also presented on libraries as a shared space and how it matters. She detailed how library staff at St John Paul II ensure its library remains relevant to students in the modern school setting.

The day also saw participants get involved in a workshop where they discussed and planned practical strategies for using data to enhance library and literacy programs for improving student learning. They also addressed the challenges of staffing in libraries.

“With a focus on AI and meaningful data analysis, the ALIA school conference on 'Keeping School Libraries Relevant' was an informative and eye-opening day,” said Rebecca Johnson, Teacher Librarian, St John Paull II Catholic College.