“I would recommend Barbara without reservation to any school. She understands Safeguarding and operating Child Protection procedures.  She understands the curriculum and the needs across the age and ability spectrum, but above all she understands libraries and has an undiminished passion for books and the opportunities they provide to all young people.”
Nigel Matthias, Headteacher, The Emmbrook School, Berkshire, 2006 – 2016

“Barbara is a highly energetic and massively enthusiastic book worm. She knows precisely how things should be and makes things happen. Whether it’s suggesting reading material for an Oxbridge hopeful, or supporting an extended project pupil, I have valued Barbara’s support. Moreover, Barbara’s ‘library helpers’ were always well trained and motivated in their support and respect of their librarian.”
Taj Bhambra MSc, BSc, BSc (OPEN), C.Math, F.R.A.S. (Secondary Senior Leader)

“Barbara stepped in to run one of the sessions at our Writing for Teenagers conference when one of the speakers was unable to attend. With only a day’s notice she produced a fantastic presentation and led the teenage audience in a lively discussion about censorship. Barbara’s courses for librarians and teachers are always packed with up-to-date information and great ideas. Her positivity about all things to do with libraries is inspirational.”
Chris Routh, School Librarian

“Barbara is an inspirational speaker and trainer. I have attended a number of her workshops and talks, and always leave enthused and informed. Her recent session on supporting LGBTQ* students in the school library was particularly helpful and informative. Barbara has a wealth of experience as a librarian and makes her sessions hands-on and fun.”
Lucy Atherton, Head Librarian, Wellington College, Berkshire

“I first worked with Barbara when I was KS3 and Literacy Co-ordinator at a popular Berkshire school. I have always been struck by her passion for her subject and her determination to introduce students to the joy of reading. Due to her hard work and enthusiasm, students had the chance to take part in activities such a the CKG Awards, The Times Spelling Bee and a whole host of literary competitions. In a world of social media and technology, Barbara made reading “cool” again.”
Dianne Saunders, English Teacher

“Barbara is a leading light in the world of school libraries, reading and literacy. She combines an infectious enthusiasm with a highly professional approach that has a real impact on everyone she works with. I really value her unique combination of a strategic overview and practical, effective methods which deliver real, positive change.”
Nick Poole, CEO, Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP)

“I have known Barbara for many years and have always been impressed with her professionalism and knowledge. I have attended several training sessions she has led and have found her to be an engaging, lively speaker whom enjoys interacting with delegates and always has so much to share. Barbara is extremely generous with her advice and enjoys helping people to reach their full potential. Her years of experience in the field of librarianship certainly shine out and her friendly manner makes her a delight to work with.”
Bev Humphrey, Literacy & Technology Consultant

“Barbara’s drive and energy is legendary. There is no doubt her passion for effective libraries and her professional experience will bring superb insight to any new situation. Having worked with Barbara on judging panels and library events, I know that her ability to keep to deadlines is second to none.”
Lin Smith MCLIP; Independent Trainer and Libraries in Schools Consultant; SLA Board Member 2007 – 2016

“Barbara is both an experienced school librarian and a dynamic personality. She has enormous knowledge of the range of support services a school librarian can offer a school, from reading for pleasure programmes to targeted information literacy teaching. I have been privileged to use the materials she developed to teach the Project Qualification (Higher Level) and gained enormously from her support. She is well able to deliver high quality training to both teachers and librarians. Her ability to offer advice to senior leadership teams in schools on how to support learning through the effective use of the library would enhance any school.”
Elizabeth Bentley BA, DipLib, DipEd, MCLIP

“Barbara is a fount of knowledge.  Ask any library related question, and she usually knows the answer!  She is innovative, and has shown this in the way she has run her own school library for many years.  She cares passionately about the profession, which has led her to become the President of our professional association, CILIP.  She advocated for the Student Librarian Award, now in its third successful year.  Barbara is the person I go to first with any professional concerns or questions.”
Mrs Caroline Roche MA, MCLIP; CILIP SLG National Committee Member; School Librarian

“Barbara has been consistently supportive of all the co-curricular activities offered to our KS3 and EAL students. Her knowledge of books and authors is most impressive and her enthusiasm to share this knowledge with students and staff is admirable. Through her efforts, students and staff have had the opportunities to meet many published authors and engage in wonderful literary discussions.”
Nalini Bheamadu, English teacher/Co-ordinator of Sixth Form Guided Reading Mentor Programme, Denefield School, Berkshire; former teacher The Emmbrook School, Berkshire