Library & Information Services SIG Webinar – View From the Top: A Leadership Perspective on Libraries: April 16
Library & Information Services SIG Webinar – View From the Top: A Leadership Perspective on Libraries: April 16
16:30 London time
Facilitated by: Rebecca Leonhard
Facilitated by: Rebecca Leonhard
What does your school administration really think about the library’s role in your school for now and in the future? Join a candid conversation with school leaders as they discuss their vision for a library and answer your most pressing questions about advocacy, budget, and impact.
This panel discussion bridges the critical gap between librarians and school administration by bringing Heads of School and other senior leadership directly to the table. In a moderated conversation, a diverse panel of school leaders will explore the evolving role of the library from a strategic, whole-school perspective. The discussion will move beyond the day-to-day operations to address the big-picture questions that define the library’s future and its role.
Topics will include:
• What leaders look for as evidence of a successful library program.
• The librarian’s role in driving school-wide strategic initiatives.
• Leadership perspectives on budgeting, staffing, and navigating the challenges of AI.
• How to effectively advocate for the library in a language that resonates with administrators.
A significant portion of the session will be dedicated to a live Q&A, giving attendees a rare opportunity to ask school leaders their most pressing questions directly.
Panelist Biographies
- Meredith Phinney- Head of Secondary at Beijing International Bilingual School in Beijing, China
I’m Meredith Phinney, a Canadian who has had the good fortune to teach and lead for over 26 years in a variety of countries and curricula, including the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Turkey, Indonesia, and China. I am an educator and school leader who cares deeply about connection, relationships, and learning that extends beyond the classroom walls. I’ve spent much of my career in international and bilingual schools, working alongside teachers and students to design learning that feels purposeful and connected to the real world. I believe in empowering learners to think for themselves, to ask good questions, and to engage with ideas in meaningful ways. At the heart of my work is a commitment to growth, helping students and teachers alike build confidence, take risks, and keep on learning.
- Sandra Chow, Deputy Director and Director of Learning, Nanjing International School
Sandra Chow has taught in public and international schools in Toronto, Taiwan, and Beijing, and is currently the Deputy Director and Director of Learning at Nanjing International School. She brings over 25 years of global education experience. With her diverse professional background as a professional accountant, educational consultant, and cross-cultural educator, she offers a unique perspective to her leadership role. She enjoys meaningful connections and community and is passionate about empowering students and educators to thrive in a globally diverse society.
- Malcolm Mckenzie, Former Principal and Head of School, Educational Board Member, Author
Malcolm Mckenzie grew up in South Africa, and studied at the Universities of Cape Town, Oxford and Lancaster. He has degrees in Literature, Philosophy and Applied Linguistics. At Oxford and Lancaster, he was a Rhodes Scholar. Malcolm started his academic career as a university lecturer, but moved into school teaching, and school leading, almost 40 years ago. He has been Principal of six schools, starting from 1991: Maru-a-Pula School in Botswana, the United World College of the Atlantic in Wales, The Hotchkiss School in Connecticut, USA, Keystone Academy in Beijing, UWC ISAK Japan, and the American International School of Lagos. He was also the first Bicentennial Fellow at Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts. Malcolm has served on the Board of the Round Square Association, which numbers over 250 schools worldwide, and is an Honorary Member of Round Square. He was a co-founder of the Global Connections Foundation in 1997 and has been on the Board of this confederation of schools since its inception. Malcolm is a hands-on school leader, who loves spending time with students, but he has also extensively on education and has published widely.