Hey \u2013 a girl can dream, can\u2019t she?<\/p>\n Because sometimes the library isn\u2019t at the center of the school, and instead it\u2019s in the basement. (Albeit the basement of an old mansion house.) And sometimes it\u2019s a \u2018Learning Commons\u2019 or a \u201cMedia Center\u2019 or it\u2019s called-something-else-other-than-a-library. As is the case with most international schools, all international school libraries are not created equal.<\/p>\n I\u2019ve been working as an International School Teacher Librarian for nine years now, and the more colleagues I meet and Facebook groups I join and listservs I read, that idea is drilled home. All libraries are not created equal. Some<\/em> librarians have multiple assistants, healthy budgets, abundant resources and administrative support. A lot of librarians don\u2019t have any or all of those things. Some libraries are full of amazing resources for their school community, and some are full of dusty old books that are older than I am.<\/p>\n Every library seems to have its issues. Here are a few examples from my own international career:<\/p>\n BUT.<\/p>\n But \u2013 each of these libraries has given me opportunities that I didn\u2019t have as a librarian in the USA. I have always had the autonomy and support to make the library a central part of the school and of student learning. I\u2019ve been able to collaborate with amazing teachers, had opportunities to win over reluctant teachers, and been involved with planning exciting interdisciplinary units. The Teacher Librarian role has been a leadership role, seated at the table with other leaders making decisions about what\u2019s best for our students. And I\u2019ve been supported to take leadership roles in the librarian community \u2013 to attend great PD, present at international conferences, join professional organizations, and to serve on the ECIS Librarian Special Interest Committee.<\/p>\n When schools in the US are getting rid of librarians, closing libraries, moving away from the written word \u2013 these have been blessings that make the rest of the issues worth it.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re thinking about working in an International School library, do your homework. We are research specialists, after all! Find out about staffing, budgets, PD opportunities, leadership roles, curriculum, attitudes toward the library and the challenges the current librarian faces. You know which of things these are most important to you, what you can handle and what\u2019s a deal breaker. Automating an entire collection was not how I wanted to spend my time as a Teacher Librarian, but perhaps the thought excites you. Find the right fit for what you are looking for in your international experience, where you are in your career, and what fits your strengths.<\/p>\n The International School Community website<\/a> has great resources to help you do this! See below for specifics on how to use the comment search to find information about libraries.<\/p>\n My last bit of advice \u2013 find a network! Librarians are often the lone librarian in a school or part of a small team. It\u2019s important to find the connections and support of other librarians. Because most international schools are in big cities, there are often other international school librarians nearby to connect with. There are also regional associations \u2013 your school should be able to point you towards the ones they participate in.<\/p>\n There are always other librarians who have dealt with the same issues, solved the same problems, created the same resources, etc. And I\u2019ve found the librarian community to be great at sharing, commiserating with and supporting one another. Some personal favorites are the Int\u2019l School Library Connection<\/a> Facebook group and the ECIS iSkoodle<\/a> listserv. AND \u2013 most excitingly \u2013 the ECIS Triennial Librarian Conference<\/a> is in February 2018 in Chennai, India. International school librarians from all over the world will come together to learn from each other, get inspired by each other, and learn how we can continue to be Leaders in our school communities. Please join us!<\/p>\n This article was submitted to us by an International School Community member.<\/em><\/p>\n Using our unique Comment Search<\/a> feature on our website (premium membership access needed), we found 61 comments<\/a> that have the keyword “library” in them, and 20 comments<\/a> that had the word “libraries” in them.<\/p>\n Here are some comments that shown a positive light on the library and their international schools:<\/p>\n “The library<\/strong> department recently got a lot of money to do some renovations which were done this past summer. It is almost complete and looks very nice.”\u00a0International School of Tanganyika<\/p>\n “The SIS library<\/strong> supports the school curriculum, promotes the appreciation of literature, and guides all its patrons in information problem-solving with over 28,000 print and electronic resources.” –\u00a0Surabaya Intercultural School<\/p>\n “The library<\/strong> also is great because we have 25,000 books for such a small sized school, in English and Italian.” –\u00a0The Bilingual School of Monza<\/p>\n “The library<\/strong> has a new video viewing room that is useful for a small class of IB Film Making, or webinars, or our face to faith programme.” –\u00a0Sekolah Victory Plus<\/p>\n and here are a few comments that stated their school library was in need of updating or some tender-loving care:<\/p>\n “The school’s library<\/strong> was very small and I was given no materials to use to teach language arts and social studies. Picture books were essential for my young learners and if you can, bring them from the states.” –\u00a0Antigua International School Guatemala<\/p>\n “There are text books for main subjects but the media library<\/strong> resources are next to nil and specialists have zero to bare basics.” –\u00a0Jeddah Knowledge International School<\/p>\n “No library<\/strong> for middle of high school!” –\u00a0Canadian International School (Tokyo)<\/p>\n “There are more computers in the library<\/strong> but some are so old they still run Windows XP!” –\u00a0EtonHouse International Schools, Wuxi<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Let\u2019s daydream for moment, shall we? A successful international school library is the center of the school, both physically and metaphorically. It is the hub of student learning, active and buzzing with the newest technologies, inquiry-driven investigations, maker space or STEM stations, and thousands of books available on any and all topics that could occur […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6216,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[2414],"tags":[2416,2415,186,64,2417],"class_list":["post-6212","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-an-insiders-story","tag-international-school-librarians","tag-international-school-libraries","tag-international-school-teacher","tag-interviewing","tag-libraries"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/bookcase-1845888_640.jpg?fit=640%2C426&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p2flVT-1Cc","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":9258,"url":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/international-school-counsellors-an-insiders-story\/","url_meta":{"origin":6212,"position":0},"title":"International School Counsellors: An Insider\u2019s Story","author":"ISCommunity","date":"July 9, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"The road to becoming an international school counsellor typically involves obtaining relevant qualifications, gaining experience in counselling, obtaining relevant certifications, gaining international experience, networking and seeking mentorship, staying updated with best practices, researching and applying for international positions, being well-versed in safeguarding and child protection, and considering a Postgraduate Certificate\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "An Insider's Story"","block_context":{"text":"An Insider's Story","link":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/category\/an-insiders-story\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/counselling-gc3d15f37a_640.png?fit=640%2C340&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/counselling-gc3d15f37a_640.png?fit=640%2C340&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/counselling-gc3d15f37a_640.png?fit=640%2C340&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6443,"url":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/international-school-learning-support-teachers-insiders-story\/","url_meta":{"origin":6212,"position":1},"title":"International School Learning Support Teachers: An Insider\u2019s Story","author":"ISCommunity","date":"October 25, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Learning Support, or teaching students with Special Education Needs is consistently referred to as one of the most difficult jobs in teaching. And with good reason. Typically, we work with the most challenged students. This can mean anything from a simple learning disability to severe mental health disorders or life-threatening\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "An Insider's Story"","block_context":{"text":"An Insider's Story","link":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/category\/an-insiders-story\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/morning-2784473_640.jpg?fit=640%2C426&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/morning-2784473_640.jpg?fit=640%2C426&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/morning-2784473_640.jpg?fit=640%2C426&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":11498,"url":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/international-school-humanities-teacher-an-insiders-story\/","url_meta":{"origin":6212,"position":2},"title":"International School Humanities Teacher: An Insider\u2019s Story","author":"ISCommunity","date":"November 2, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"I've thought a lot about my own educational journey \u2014 and one word stands out \u2014 faithfulness. That's how I'd describe my path from becoming an educator to becoming the Head of Humanities at Braeburn Mombasa International School. It's certainly not been linear. Rather, it's been one of faith, perseverance,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "An Insider's Story"","block_context":{"text":"An Insider's Story","link":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/category\/an-insiders-story\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/mountains-7004455_1280.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/mountains-7004455_1280.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/mountains-7004455_1280.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/mountains-7004455_1280.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/mountains-7004455_1280.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7774,"url":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/international-school-design-teachers-an-insiders-story\/","url_meta":{"origin":6212,"position":3},"title":"International School Design Teachers: An Insider\u2019s Story","author":"ISCommunity","date":"February 22, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"How it all started... I was in middle school in the 1980s.\u00a0 At this time \u2018shop\u2019 or \u2018industrial arts\u2019 was still being taught with wood, bandsaws, glue and sandpaper.\u00a0 During my high school years things began to change in the \u2018vocational\u2019 teaching world. 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The arts always seemed to be under threat in the public education system, and in my experience Music, Art and Drama teachers always seemed to be fighting for their survival. We had thriving Drama classes\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "An Insider's Story"","block_context":{"text":"An Insider's Story","link":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/category\/an-insiders-story\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Theatre-Stage.jpg?fit=960%2C720&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Theatre-Stage.jpg?fit=960%2C720&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Theatre-Stage.jpg?fit=960%2C720&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Theatre-Stage.jpg?fit=960%2C720&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1554,"url":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/international-school-community-member-spotlight-20-jack-murphy-an-veteran-intl-teacher-currently-working-as-an-intl-school-consultant\/","url_meta":{"origin":6212,"position":5},"title":"Member Spotlight #20: Jack Murphy (An veteran int’l teacher currently working as an Int’l School Consultant)","author":"ISCommunity","date":"January 3, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Every 1-2 months\u00a0International School Community\u00a0will highlight one of our members in our\u00a0Member Spotlight\u00a0feature.\u00a0 This month we interviewed Jack Murphy: Tell us about your background.\u00a0 Where are you from? I grew up on Long Island about 30 miles from New York City. I attended college in North Carolina and did graduate\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Member Spotlights"","block_context":{"text":"Member Spotlights","link":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/category\/member-spotlights\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Screen Shot 2012-12-19 at 8.53.56 PM","src":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.files.wordpress.com\/2012\/12\/screen-shot-2012-12-19-at-8-53-56-pm.png?w=350&h=200&crop=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6212","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6212"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6212\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6216"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6212"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6212"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6212"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"libraries\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/internationalschoolcommunity.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/bookcase-1845888_640.jpg?resize=525%2C349&ssl=1\" "\\"libraries\\"")
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