PISA results show Australia’s average reading score fell 37 points from 2000 to 2025, and the share of students meeting the National Proficient Standard dropped two points between 2022 and 2025.

Researchers argue that qualified teacher‑librarians are essential for building a reading culture, teaching digital and media literacy, and supporting diverse learners, including neurodivergent students. Their expertise links students with books, authors and reliable information.

In South Australia, fewer than 15 % of schools currently employ a dual‑qualified teacher‑librarian. Before 2011 these roles were funded by the state, but a shift to a ‘student‑centred funding model’ now leaves each school to decide whether it can afford the position.

The combination of falling reading scores and the shrinking presence of teacher‑librarians suggests that schools may be losing a key resource for improving literacy. If the trend continues, students could face even lower proficiency and fewer opportunities to develop a love of reading.