2024 School Library Survey Report Australia

Softlink conducted the Australian School Library Survey on behalf of the school library sector, to explore significant trends and issues affecting school libraries. 

The 2024 report provides a summary of survey findings from all schools, in addition to reports on the participating Australian Government, Independent or Private and Catholic Education schools.

Data and analysis captured includes school library budgets and staffing, the availability of digital resources and other trends in school library services. Today, the report has grown to become key to understanding and advocating the role of school libraries and library professionals to education decision makers, industry associations and networks.

About the Survey

The Australian Federal Government called for submissions to the 'Inquiry into school libraries and Teacher Librarians in Australian schools' in 2010. Softlink conducted a survey of Australian school libraries to gather data, which was instrumental in providing a distinctive and well-informed response to the inquiry.

Since then, Softlink has been conducting annual surveys of Australian school libraries, as well as extending this to include New Zealand and UK schools in 2015. This ongoing survey aims to shed light on the challenges and opportunities faced by school libraries and to track changes, impacts, and trends over time.

The latest Softlink Australian School Library Survey was conducted late last year. All schools in Australia were invited to participate, including those that are not Softlink customers, through various channels such as email, Twitter, LinkedIn, OZTL_Net, and promotions by Softlink's partners, associates, and school library groups. A total of 961 schools participated in the survey, which is an impressive achievement.

Key Findings from the 2024 Report

Key findings for Australia from the 2024 Survey include:

• 51% of respondents indicated that they think their school library budget is inadequate.
• 52% indicated that they think their school library is not adequately staffed.
• 54% of respondents reported that their library budget had not changed from the previous year, 17% reported it had increased, and 29% reported it had decreased.
• 67% of respondents reported no change to their staffing levels from the previous year, 9% reported it had increased, and 24% reported a decrease
• Budget cutbacks and new leadership were attributed as a reason for both budget and staffing decreases.
• When asked about their school library space, respondents reported that the following best describes their library:
  o    Classroom library/libraries: 1%
  o    Designated library area in an open-plan space: 17%
  o    Designated library in a separate room/classroom/floor/building: 70%
  o    Shared space: 8%
  o    Other: 4%
• The top 3 responsibilities of school library staff (over and above managing the collection) were:
  o    Curating relevant information and resources to support the curriculum (58%)
  o    Providing regular timetabled library lessons (54%)
  o    Providing 1 on 1 research assistance to students (40%)
• The top 3 avenues school library staff use to promote the library and resources were:
  o    School library displays (96%)
  o    In the school newsletter (43%)
  o    Via the Library Management System (41%)
• When asked how long they have offered eBooks or e-audiobooks in the library, respondents reported the following:
  o     less than 1 year (4%) 
  o    1-2 years (4%)
  o    2-3 years (5%) 
  o    3+ years (27%) 
  o    We do not have eBooks or e-audiobooks in the library (60%)
• When asked how long they have offered subscription databases in the library, respondents reported the following:
  o     less than 1 year (1%) 
  o    1-2 years (2%)
  o    2-3 years (3%) 
  o    3+ years (33%) 
  o    We do not have subscription databases in the library (61%)
• When asked about the level of support the school library receives from the Senior Leadership Team, 37% of respondents reported a high to very high level of support, 36% reported a moderate level of support, and 27% reported a low to very low level of support.
• When asked about the level of teacher engagement with the library, 31% of respondents reported a high to very high level of engagement, 46% reported a moderate level of engagement, and 23% reported a low to very low level of support.
• When asked about the level of student engagement with the library, 56% of respondents reported a high to very high level of engagement, 35% reported a moderate level of engagement, and 9% reported a low to very low level of support.

The Need for Advocacy

The findings make it clear—school libraries need more support. They play an essential role in student success, but many need better funding and staffing to continue providing the services that students and teachers rely on.

Softlink Education is committed to working alongside industry associations and library networks to push for the recognition and investment school libraries deserve.

To explore the findings in more detail and support advocacy efforts, download the 2024 Australian School Library Survey Report here.

Thank you 

We extend our thank you to all the participants of the 2024 Australian Survey. 

The survey results serve as a crucial reference to monitor the changes, impacts, and trends in school libraries. Softlink will collaborate with industry associations to advocate for the significance of school libraries and teacher librarians to Education Ministers, departments, decision-makers, and industry networks.

We appreciate your willingness to share information about your school library, which enables us to present this valuable, annual analysis of school libraries. We would also like to express our thanks to the School Library Associations and Partners who aided in promoting the Survey. 

We strive to include all the promoters of the survey, but in case we missed anyone, please reach out to us so we can update the page accordingly.

Softlink takes pride in sponsoring and growing this initiative. We continuously strive to enhance and refine the School Library Survey, reports, and whitepapers. If you wish to provide feedback, please send an email to communications@softlinkint.com.

Additional Resources

The Softlink School Library Surveys are used to produce a range reports and feature documents to help inform and support school library staff and the greater school community. A selection of these have been included below, to view more visit softlinkint.com/resources/reports-and-whitepapers/

How can school libraries improve students’ emotional health or well-being?

This feature shares responses from school library staff on how their libraries contribute to student well-being. It highlights real-world examples of how libraries create safe, inclusive, and supportive environments for students.

2023 Whitepaper: Why I Love Working in a School Library

This whitepaper compiles heartfelt responses from school library staff, sharing what they love most about their roles and the impact they have on students and the school community.

2023 Australian Librarians Share: The Impact of AI on School Libraries

Based on survey responses, this feature explores how AI is affecting school libraries, with insights into both the opportunities and challenges AI presents for the future of library services.

Australian school libraries share: The best thing about working in a school library

Published in 2023, this feature shares comments from the 2022 surveys demonstrating the love and passion school library staff have and what they love most about coming to work. It also shares comments that demonstrate the love the school has for the library.

New Zealand school libraries share: The best thing about working in a school library

The comments from the 2022 survey are shared in this feature, highlighting what New Zealand respondents enjoy about their library or role.

Qualifications held by school library staff in Australia

This feature shares comments from the 2021 survey, highlighting qualifications held by school library staff in Australia.

Our team consistently seeks ways to enhance and polish the School Library Survey, along with its related reports and whitepapers. Should you have any feedback, we welcome your suggestions. Please feel free to send us an email at communications@softlinkint.com.