+44 (0) 1273 386849Stay connected: The best blogs, podcasts, and social media for school librarians
What do you read, watch or listen to in order to stay on top of library trends? School librarians play a crucial role in fostering a love for reading, supporting curriculum goals, and creating inclusive spaces. With limited time and budgets, making the most of the right tools and networks is essential.
To help you stay connected and engaged, we have put together a curated list of the best online material available! Blogs and podcasts often offer longer explorations of the topic, whilst social media can provide instant visual inspiration. Read on – and feel free to share your thoughts!
Blogs: The perfect way to stay current
We all know that blogs are a fantastic way to stay informed and inspired. Written by fellow library professionals, they offer real-world insights, practical advice, and innovative ideas. Here are some must-read blogs for school librarians:
- A Library Lady: Useful for finding new books.
- AZ Library Lady: Some great classroom ideas for when your learners are feeling creative!
- Elizabeth Hutchinson: This blog is about the value of school libraries. Elizabeth advocates for the role of the school library within the educational process of every school.
- Ned Potter: Although not strictly a school library blog, Ned provides information people with excellent content about marketing, social media and libraries.
- Readerpants: This is a good place to start. Although some material is premium, there are plenty of freebies. There is also a monthly newsletter, with an archive chock-full of seasonal inspiration!
- SLA: Practical advice and tips for school librarians.
- School Library Journal: A selection of blogs to fit your needs – do you need material for teens or younger children? There is other content which you might find useful.
- Schools Library Service: A vendor blog with some great advice
And don’t forget the Simple Little Library System blog where we publish regular posts on library management, interesting tech matters, and user engagement.
💡 Top Tip: Short on time? Use free current awareness tools like Feedly to follow all these blogs in one place and get notified about new posts.
Podcasts: A convenient learning tool
I love podcasts because they provide entertainment, insight and thought-provoking conversation whilst you’re walking, driving, exercising or anything you like! There are many podcasts on leadership and management but here I have focused on library specific ones.
- The Creative Classroom with John Spencer: This podcast invites you to get equipped and inspired to boost creativity and spark innovation in your classroom. Roughly half of the podcasts are a deep dive into a single topic, where he is speaking. The other half are one-on-one interviews with experts in creativity, design, and education.
- Engaging and Empowering School Libraries: This podcast aims to raise the profile of school libraries by talking about topics that are current across education and teaching. They talk about issues that impact school libraries and invite guests to come along and speak on selected topics keeping chats lively, engaging and current.
- School Librarian Learning Network: This programme features school librarians discussing issues with host Steve Tetreault. His website also includes links to resources.
- School Librarians United: This podcast is dedicated to the nuts and bolts of running a successful school library. Tune in to learn all about the issues and challenges school librarians face every day!
Look out for Call Number and FOSIL: Education and school libraries, as well as The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast and the Science of Reading: The Podcast. Let me know if there are any that you listen to regularly and we can update our list.
💡 Top Tip: Did you miss an episode? Subscribe to your favourite podcasts on your preferred platform, and never miss out again.
Social media: Inspiration and connection
Social media is a great way to discover ideas, connect with others, and showcase your library. LinkedIn is ideal for professional networking, but platforms like Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram also offer plenty of inspiration:
Pinterest for School Librarians
Pinterest has been around for some time and remains a visual treasure trove for anyone looking for inspiration!
- Library Displays: Boards full of creative bulletin board ideas.
- Craft Projects: Activities to incorporate into library programs.
- Book Clubs: Resources for starting and running engaging student book clubs.
And so much more. Here are some accounts to get you started. The Trapped Librarian, Staying Cool in the Library and Library Learners Blog.
TikTok for School Librarians
TikTok has a community of librarians sharing tips and fun content. Explore:
- #BookTok: Popular books and student-friendly reading challenges.
- LibraryTok and TikTok Librarian: A collection of librarians and library insights!
- Library Creators: Accounts showcasing displays, library makeovers, and engagement strategies.
For more information and recommendations of accounts to follow, check out this Tik Tok blogpost!
Instagram for School Librarians
Instagram provides visual inspiration and professional networking opportunities. These are mostly US examples:
💡 Top Tip Don’t forget that social media engagement goes both ways. If you have stories to share, you might be able to inspire others, and get your students and learners excited about their library space – and the people that run it! When you meet someone at a conference or event, make sure you swap social media details.
Bluesky for School Librarians
Bluesky is an emerging social media platform offering a fresh approach to networking and engagement. With a growing community of educators, librarians, and tech enthusiasts, it’s quickly becoming a space for meaningful conversations and resource sharing.
On Bluesky, you can:
- Engage with like-minded professionals: Connect with a diverse group of school librarians, information professionals, and EdTech innovators.
- Discover fresh ideas: From library program inspiration to discussions on technology and accessibility, Bluesky is a hub for thoughtful dialogue.
- Showcase your library: Share updates, celebrate your achievements, and highlight the creative initiatives that make your library unique.
Simple Little Library System (SLLS) is excited to join Bluesky! Follow us at simplelibrary.bsky.social to stay updated on the latest library management tips, cataloguing insights, and user engagement strategies.
💡 Top Tip: As Bluesky is still evolving, it’s a great opportunity to connect with early adopters and shape conversations that matter most to school libraries. Don’t miss the chance to grow your network in this exciting new space!
Professional associations and networks
Make a case to join the most relevant professional body. Membership of professional associations will give you access to CPD material, online and in-person events to ensure you are connected with like-minded individuals and resources:
- CILIP School Libraries Group: Advocacy and professional development for UK school librarians.
- School Library Association (SLA): Guidance, resources, and a vibrant community.
Benefits of engaging with these resources
Short on time and inspiration? Check out Instagram or Pinterest. Got a lunch break or commute? Listen to a podcast or read a blogpost. The beauty of these platforms is their flexibility – many creators share content across different formats, making it easier to fit professional development into your busy schedule.
Want to inspire others? Consider managing your library’s own social media presence. Be sure to follow school guidelines and maintain professionalism and privacy, but don’t be afraid to showcase your creative ideas. You might just motivate someone else to reimagine their library!
Using these tools can:
- Inspire new programs and strategies.
- Build a professional support network.
- Save time with ready-made ideas and templates.
By reading blogs, listening to podcasts, and leveraging social media, you can find creative solutions to enhance your school library and foster a love for reading in your community.
Library Glossary for School Librarians
As a school librarian, understanding key library terms is essential. Our comprehensive library glossary provides clear definitions to help you navigate the world of library science with confidence.
Download your free glossary here:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Why should school librarians follow blogs, podcasts, and social media?
Staying up to date with reliable blogs, podcasts, and social media ensures school librarians remain current with emerging trends and tools. These resources offer practical ideas, innovative approaches, and a supportive community to help librarians enhance their services and create engaging, student-focused spaces.
2. Which blogs are best for school library professionals?
Blogs like A Library Lady, AZ Library Lady, Elizabeth Hutchinson, Ned Potter, and Readerpants offer real-world insights, fresh ideas, and creative inspiration. These blogs are written by library experts and practitioners, making them a valuable source of up-to-date advice on reading promotion, library management, and curriculum support.
3. Why listen to library-focused podcasts?
Podcasts such as The Creative Classroom, Engaging and Empowering School Libraries, School Librarian Learning Network, and School Librarians United provide in-depth discussions and interviews with industry experts. They’re an easy way to learn on-the-go, offering fresh perspectives on library innovation, leadership, and day-to-day challenges.
4. Which social media platforms are most useful for school librarians?
- Pinterest: Great for bulletin board inspiration, craft projects, and book club ideas.
- TikTok: Connect with #BookTok, LibraryTok, and other library creators to share tips and fun content.
- Instagram: Perfect for visual inspiration and professional networking—follow accounts like @thelibraryvoice and @schoollibrariansunited.
- LinkedIn: Ideal for more formal networking opportunities and connecting with industry professionals.
5. What is Bluesky, and why should school librarians join?
Bluesky is an emerging social media platform for educators, librarians, and tech enthusiasts. By participating early, school librarians can help shape conversations, share valuable insights, and network with other professionals who are passionate about education and accessibility.
6. How do professional associations benefit school librarians?
Organisations like AISL, AASL, CILIP School Libraries Group, and the School Library Association (SLA) offer continuing professional development (CPD), advocacy resources, and networking opportunities. Members can access exclusive events, training sessions, and supportive communities dedicated to advancing school library practice.
7. Can I manage a school library on a tight schedule and budget?
Yes! Following curated blogs, subscribing to relevant podcasts, and engaging on social media can help you discover quick, cost-effective strategies. Tools like Feedly streamline updates from multiple sources, saving you time by delivering posts directly to your inbox or app.
8. How can social media help me boost student engagement in the library?
Social media platforms allow you to showcase creative displays, reading challenges, and success stories that can excite learners. By sharing your library’s activities, you can spark interest among students, parents, and fellow educators—encouraging more involvement and support for library programmes.
9. Is it worth creating my own library-focused social media presence?
Yes! By managing a dedicated account, you can highlight your library’s achievements, share event photos, and gather feedback. Remember to follow any school guidelines on professionalism and privacy. You may also inspire other librarians and become part of a wider professional community.
10. Where can I find more library management tips and strategies?
Visit the Simple Little Library System blog for in-depth articles on library management, technology insights, and user engagement strategies. It’s a one-stop resource for any school librarian looking to optimise their library services.
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