The award for SLANSW Teacher Librarian of the Year is given to a teacher librarian or team of teacher librarians in recognition of their outstanding contribution to teaching and learning in their school and their engagement with the school library community. The 2026 SLANSW Teacher Librarian of the Year is Barbara McGuigan, Teacher Librarian at Bourke High School.
As a Teacher Librarian, Barbara McGuigan embodies the principles of lifelong learning. She is committed to professional growth through membership and participation in the ASLA and SLANSW, engaging in mentoring programs as both mentor and mentee. Barbara collaborates with neighbouring small schools without Teacher Librarians to support their library programs and resource access. She actively demonstrates leadership within her school and the wider professional community, presenting at the National Education Summit, WATL network conferences, and panels for webinars delivered by ALIA and SLANSW.
Using the Information Fluency Framework (IFF) Barabra collaboratively developed lesson plans across various subjects, aligning them with curriculum and IFF outcomes. Her rich understanding of the school community and curriculum is reflected in how she curates and maintains a library collection that meets the unique needs and interests of students and staff. By collaborating with teachers and responding to the community’s cultural and educational context, Barbara ensures that resources are relevant, inclusive, and support the school’s broader curriculum goals.
Barabra’s specialist knowledge in information, resources, technology, and library management enables her to maintain a well-run, dynamic library that integrates ICT effectively. This positions the library as a vibrant hub that supports information fluency, digital literacy, and lifelong learning for all members of the school community. Barbara helps students decode assessment question terminology and teaches critical research and referencing skills that apply across subjects. She intentionally links learning by integrating content from different faculties.
Barbara has helped staff establish meaningful connections with students in their remote community, building trust and rapport in ways that students to feel comfortable reaching out for mental health support. Barbara creates a safe, welcoming space for students both during and after school, organises literacy challenges, author visits, and community programs that bring students together and sparks engagement far beyond the curriculum. She provides inclusive spaces, including confidential access to sensitive library materials, ensuring every student feels respected and supported.
Barbara exemplifies dedication, generosity, and leadership through action, transforming not just the library, but the entire school community through her energy, commitment, and care.
The School Library Association is proud to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of Barbara McGuigan to her School Community by awarding her the Teacher Librarian of the Year Award for 2026.
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