New Face in the Library: Amy Hollingsworth

Over this week and next, we will introduce you to two new faces in the library. This week we introduce you to Acting Head of Library, Amy Hollingsworth, who is taking on the role while Amanda Crossley is on maternity leave.

What is your role at Santa Maria College? 

Acting Head of Library and Information

What has been the professional journey that brought you to Santa Maria? 

After working as a primary teacher for many years in Western Australia (metro area, rural and regional) and overseas, I ventured into the mining industry where I worked for over 10 years. As a participant in the Women in Mining Mentoring program, I reflected on my time in the mining industry and decided my heart was in teaching. This program inspired me to complete a Master of Education – Teacher Librarianship, which combined my love of books, information management, information literacy, digital literacy, and teaching in one degree. Since completing the degree I have worked as a Teacher Librarian at Scotch College and Servite College, and now have found a place at Santa Maria.

What philosophies do you hold about the use and function of libraries in schools? 

My aim as a teacher librarian along with the aim of school libraries, is to embed and enhance students’ required 21st-century skills. Such as literacy, digital literacy, digital citizenship, information literacy, inquiry, leadership, critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration. These transferable skills are essential for young people to excel in the future job market. At Santa Maria, the library is supporting these transferrable skills through an in-house online platform, UpGrade. School libraries, thankfully, are also still a place of quiet and understanding for those who seek refuge.

How do you encourage reluctant readers? 

We are very lucky at Santa Maria to have a vast and varied hardcopy collection as well as access to online audio and digital texts. That being the case, there is something for everyone, no matter the ability or taste and I do my utmost to pair the right text for each student.  

Who is your favourite author and what is your favourite book? 

This is the hardest question! I jump from genre to genre, however, I am currently enjoying all of Juliet Marillier historical fantasy series. My all-time favourite book is ‘In Cold Blood’ by Truman Capote