Diversifying Your School Library Collection

Representation matters. When students see themselves reflected in library collections, they feel valued and connected. At the same time, diverse resources help build empathy, support curriculum needs, and prepare young people for life in multicultural communities.

In our 2024 Australian School Library Survey, we asked librarians what strategies they are using or would like to use to diversify their collections. The responses revealed six clear themes:

Inclusive Collections 

Many schools are prioritising First Nations voices, multicultural experiences, LGBTQIA+ representation, and wellbeing-related texts.

“We have created a separate collection for Indigenous fiction and non-fiction. The LGBTQI+ collection is already well represented, and we have increased the number of books to support ‘Respectful Relationships’.”

“For the first two years in the library I prioritised spending on books that would diversify our collection, specifically characters and authors from the same cultural background as our students. I subscribed to Magabala Books for First Nations titles.”

Student & Community Voice

Many libraries are letting student and family perspectives shape the collection.

“I ask students what they would like to read. After all, it is their library, not mine.”

“Together with the PYP coordinator, we surveyed all families on their backgrounds and purchased resources to reflect each one.”

Bilingual & Accessible Formats

Libraries are extending access through bilingual books, audiobooks, large print, and dyslexia-friendly editions to reach every learner.

“Provision of dyslexia-friendly texts and audiobooks with read-to-you functions.”

“We have a selection of bilingual books for the main language groups in our school.”

Promotion & Visibility

Diverse resources are celebrated through displays, author visits, themed events, and genrefication to improve discovery.

“We use displays and book promotion events to celebrate cultural diversity and highlight underrepresented voices.”

“We have author spotlights and themed weeks to draw attention to diverse titles.”

Audits, Weeding & Policy

Regular auditing and updating of collection policies ensures resources remain current, balanced, and culturally respectful.

“We are decolonising the current collection by removing resources about First Nations Peoples written by white authors and sourcing books by First Nations authors.”

“We are currently doing a diversity audit of the fiction collection.”

Challenges

Despite their commitment, many school libraries face barriers such as budget cuts, difficulty sourcing resources, and leadership priorities.

“This year, none, as my budget has been removed.”

“Senior leaders are advocating for a bookless library… the library is in the process of being defunded.”

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These themes show the commitment of school libraries to building inclusive and representative collections, often achieved despite significant obstacles.

Want to explore the full strategies, challenges, and real-world examples from librarians across Australia?