It was a pleasure to attend and facilitate the SAIBSA (South Asia International Baccalaureate Schools Association) Job-Alike Library Workshop for the Primary Years Programme (PYP), held on February 8, 2025, at NES International School, Mulund, Mumbai.
The SAIBSA Job-Alike brought together teachers, coordinators, specialists, and even a few principals. It catered to the diverse roles within an IB school, creating a collaborative space for shared learning.
The librarian Job-Alike served as a valuable platform for professional growth, focused on the sharing and enhancement of knowledge. Participating librarians attended two sessions. This time at NES International School, the Librarian’s Share-Alike day was divided into two sessions.The first half of the day, Ketki Bedekar from École Mondiale World School, Mumbai, presented and conducted a Comprehensive Discussion of the IB’s Best Practices: Ideal library. I, Maruska Desouza from Don Bosco International School, Mumbai, led the second session, presenting on Academic Integrity, The Evolving Role of the Teacher-Librarian, and Professional Development Resources for Librarians.
Ketki Bedekar’s session provided a vibrant and interactive space for professional dialogue. It began with an engaging “donut strategy” to break the ice and build confidence through partnered interactions with unfamiliar peers. This activity set the tone for collaborative exploration of the 6 Cs of an Ideal Library. Participants actively discussed and brainstormed practical activities aligned with each principle. The session thoughtfully addressed the multifaceted roles librarians play, sparking insightful discussions around proactive outreach, self-marketing strategies, and the value of partnerships in amplifying library services.
In my session, I presented real-life case studies related to academic integrity, highlighting challenges posed by the digital age and the emergence of AI. Lively discussions followed, with participants sharing strategies and resources to promote ethical research practices.
To illustrate the multifaceted role of the Teacher-Librarian, I invited participants to map out the various “hats” they wear in their respective schools on chart paper—revealing the many ways librarians support teaching and learning. I also shared personal experiences, including initiatives such as literature circles, cross-departmental collaborations, policy development, read-aloud sessions, and collection development.
Both sessions were interactive and thought-provoking, offering a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas and advancing professional practice. Participants appreciated the creative approaches and innovative strategies, leaving with a toolkit of practical ideas to enrich their library programs. The event fostered meaningful professional connections and knowledge-sharing. For us as presenters, the experience encouraged reflection on our own practices and decisions, contributing to our growth. We returned with renewed confidence, valuable insights, and new friendships within our librarian tribe.
Finally, a variety of professional development resources—including IB links, recommended books, and thought-provoking blogs—were shared among participants. This spirit of collaboration reinforced the importance of continuous learning and strengthened the professional identity of the IB librarian community.
By Maruska Desouza
PYP Teacher-Librarian, Don Bosco International School, Mumbai
