Conducted by Softlink on behalf of the school library sector, the annual New Zealand School Library Survey looks at key statistical information related to school libraries. The aim of survey is to support staff to advocate for school libraries by providing relevant data.
In the 2021 Survey, we asked questions about school library staffing.
The survey also asked an open-ended question about qualifications held by staff in their school library.
Overall, 50% of New Zealand schools reported that no staff in their library had school library related qualifications, 10% reported that they have more than one qualified staff member working in the library, and 4% reported that at least one member of their library staff is currently studying to obtain a qualification or upgrade their qualification.
A breakdown of reported specific qualifications by school library staff has been provided below.
When looking at the qualifications held by contributing school library staff, 80% reported that no staff in their library had school library related qualifications, 2% reported that they have more than one qualified staff member working in the library, and 2% reported that at least one member of their library staff is currently studying to obtain a qualification or upgrade their qualification.
The top reported qualifications held by contributing school library staff include:
Other reported qualifications held by contributing school library staff include: Master of Library and Information Science, Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Science, Diploma in Library and Information Management, Diploma in Library and Information Studies (Level 5), New Zealand Certificate in Library Studies, Certificate in Library and Information Services for Children and Teens (Level 6).
When looking at the qualifications held by full primary school library staff, 65% reported that no staff in their library had school library related qualifications, 9% reported that they have more than one qualified staff member working in the library, and 2% reported that at least one member of their library staff is currently studying to obtain a qualification or upgrade their qualification.
The top reported qualifications held by full primary school library staff include:
Other reported qualifications held by full primary school library staff include: Master of Library and Information Science, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Applied Science (Information and Library Studies), Diploma of Teaching, New Zealand Certificate in Library Studies, Certificate in Library and Information Services for Children and Teens (Level 6).
When looking at the qualifications held by secondary (year 7-15) school library staff, 33% reported that no staff in their library had school library related qualifications, 11% reported that they have more than one qualified staff member working in the library, and 4% reported that at least one member of their library staff is currently studying to obtain a qualification or upgrade their qualification.
The top reported qualifications held by secondary (year 7-15) school library staff include:
Other reported qualifications held by secondary (year 7-15) school library staff include: Master of Library and Information Science, Postgraduate Diploma in Information Studies, Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Library and Information Studies, Diploma in Library and Information Science (Level 6), Diploma in Library and Information Studies (Level 5), Diploma in Children's and Young Peoples Literature, Certificate in Library and Information Services for Children and Teens (Level 6), Qualified Librarian.
When looking at the qualifications held by secondary (year 9-15) school library staff, 20% reported that no staff in their library had school library related qualifications, 22% reported that they have more than one qualified staff member working in the library, and 4% reported that at least one member of their library staff is currently studying to obtain a qualification or upgrade their qualification.
The top reported qualifications held by secondary (year 9-15) school library staff include:
Other reported qualifications held by secondary (year 9-15) school library staff include: Master of Library and Information Science, Postgraduate Diploma in Information Studies, Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Humanities & Information & Library Studies, Bachelor of Library and Information Studies, Bachelor of Arts (Library and Information Sciences), Diploma in Library and Information Science (Level 6), Diploma in Library and Information Studies (Level 5).
When looking at the qualifications held by composite school library staff, 33% reported that no staff in their library had school library related qualifications, 20% reported that they have more than one qualified staff member working in the library, and 13% reported that at least one member of their library staff is currently studying to obtain a qualification or upgrade their qualification.
The top reported qualifications held by composite school library staff include:
Other reported qualifications held by composite school library staff include: Master of Education (Teacher Librarianship), Diploma of Library and Information Services, Diploma in Library and Information Studies (Level 6), Diploma in Library and Information Science (Level 6), Certificate in Library and Information Services for Children and Teens (Level 6).