The research by Dymocks Children’s Charities found that out of 47 state schools surveyed, 12 had no budget allocated for new books and 31 had either one or no librarian on staff.   

In response, the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and the Australian Coalition for School Libraries (ACSL) have called for targeted resourcing for school libraries nationally.

Dymocks said the research demonstrates what has been known for some time – that the provision of school library services to Australian teachers and students is currently inequitable and disparate.  

“Through our work with schools across Australia, we’re seeing firsthand the impact of underfunded libraries, from limited or no budgets for new books to reduced access to qualified librarians,” Melanie Smith, general manager of Dymocks Children’s Charities, said.

“For children, particularly in disadvantaged communities, that directly affects their ability to engage with reading and succeed at school.” 

Qualified teacher librarians have a significant impact on students’ literacy and engagement with reading, yet their vital role is increasingly overlooked by school leaders struggling with tight budgets, Smith said. 

Research shows that when students have access to a school library, reading enjoyment increases, along with reading amount and frequency, self-reported reading ability, and positive attitudes towards reading. 

ALIA CEO Cathie Warburton said while standardised testing has its place, the best way to increase literacy is to get children reading for pleasure.

“Research shows that children who choose to read have better educational outcomes. And school libraries, staffed by qualified teacher librarians, are the key to this" she said. 

In a time of teacher and resource shortage, a school library with a teacher librarian is one of the best investments a school can make, providing teachers with additional support to reduce workload, boosting reading and digital literacy, and improving student educational and wellbeing outcomes across the board. 

This is why ALIA and ACSL are calling for federal, state and territory governments to commit to ensuring all students having access to a well-resourced school library run by appropriately qualified staff.  

Every year, Softlink undertakes an Australian School Library Survey on behalf of the school library sector, to explore significant trends and issues affecting government, independent and Catholic school libraries.

Data and analysis includes budgets and staffing, the availability of digital resources and other trends in school library services.

In the most recent 2025 survey, 43 per cent of respondents indicated that they think their school library budget is inadequate, while 56 per cent indicated that they think their library is not adequately staffed.

Fifty-two per cent of respondents reported that their library budget had not changed from the previous year, 18 per cent reported it had increased, and 30 per cent reported it had decreased, while 68 per cent reported no change to their staffing levels from the previous year, 7 per cent reported it had increased, and 25 per cent reported a decrease.

Budget cutbacks and new leadership were attributed as a reason for both budget and staffing decreases.

The findings made it clear: school libraries need more support.

They play an essential role in student success, yet many need better funding and staffing to continue providing the services that students and teachers rely on.

As the ALIA ACSL Statement on School Library Funding and Resource Provision makes clear: investment in school library staffing, collections, programs and facilities is essential to delivering a quality education and supporting student learning and wellbeing.