A Placement to Remember: Exploring the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature
by Christina Bowman

During my Master of Librarianship studies with Charles Sturt University, I had the privilege of completing a two-week placement at the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature (NCACL), located at the University of Canberra. From the moment I first stepped into the centre, I was struck by the sheer richness of its collection—books, ephemera, and original artworks that celebrate and preserve the legacy of Australian children’s literature.

Beyond its physical treasures, the centre also offers several digital databases that support educators and researchers:

• Picture Books for Older Readers
• Cultural Diversity Database
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resource Database

One of my key tasks during the placement was to review the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander database to ensure its listed resources aligned with current AIATSIS guidelines. This was a timely and meaningful exercise, especially as I had recently transitioned to a new school where the library had been neglected and lacked a teacher librarian for several years. The experience not only helped me prepare for similar work in my own school library but also allowed me to evaluate potential resources for purchase that would enrich our collection.

Another highlight of my placement was writing annotations and sourcing teaching materials linked to various picture books. It was a joy to dive into new titles and explore how they could be used to foster visual literacy among upper primary and secondary students—blending education with the pleasure of storytelling.

I wholeheartedly encourage teacher education students, teachers, teacher librarian students, and teacher librarians to visit NCACL—either in person or online. The centre offers a wealth of knowledge, not just through its resources but through its incredible volunteers, many of whom come from education and library backgrounds.

If you have the opportunity, bring your class to experience the vast array of Australian literature and the stunning original artworks donated by authors and illustrators. It’s a chance for students to see the creative process behind their favourite childhood books and to appreciate the artistry and effort that goes into each one.

 

Christina Bowman is a dedicated educator with over a decade of experience in primary education, having taught across multiple schools in Canberra. Her diverse roles have included classroom teaching, working in learning support units, and supporting EALD (English as an Additional Language or Dialect) students. Driven by a passion for literacy and learning, Christina transitioned into the field of librarianship, completing her Master of Librarianship at Charles Sturt University. She now serves as a Teacher Librarian in a college library, where she combines her teaching expertise with her love for literature and information literacy to support students and staff in a dynamic learning environment.

Posted by: NCACL | Published: 30 Oct 2025