About
Dr Kay Oddone
Educational leader, researcher and consultant
Connecting research, strategy, and practical implementation
to help organisations respond to complexity and change.
Career journey
Early career
Teacher, teacher librarian, deputy principal
Foundation in schools, digital pedagogy, and curriculum design. Leadership of teaching and learning at primary school level.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Business (HRM) — QUT, Distinction
Graduate Diploma Education: Primary — QUT
Graduate Diploma Religious Education — ACU, Dean’s List
Master of Education (Teacher Librarianship) — CSU, Distinction
Systemic leadership
Education Officer and Librarian
Consultancy, pedagogical guidance, and library services across a network of 120 schools within Brisbane Catholic Education.
Qualifications
Graduate Certificate ICT in Education — CSU
Research
PhD: Professional learning through online networks
Research into how educators learn and connect through open networked practice. Queensland University of Technology.
Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy — QUT
QUT Outstanding Contribution to Research — HDR Student Commendation
QUT Sessional Academic Teaching Award
Higher education
Senior Lecturer and Course Director, Charles Sturt University
Leading the Master of Education (Teacher Librarianship). Curriculum design, accreditation, governance, and student support for a 500-strong cohort. Acting Associate Head of School (Learning and Teaching).
Recognition
ALIA Library Achiever of the Year — Queensland
Change One Thing Award — CSU
Geeral Director, Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA)
Now
Linking Learning Advisory
Strategic advisory, professional learning, and resource design for education and beyond.
Research leadership
Chief Investigator, Voices of Change — ALIA-funded cross-sector research project
17+ refereed publications; 22+ Professional Publications
32+ keynotes and workshops (including keynotes in Poland, Singapore, Rome, Hong Kong, and Sweden)
My approach
What drives my work is the belief that the most valuable capability we can develop is the capacity to navigate, evaluate and create value in whatever information or digital environment we find ourselves. Tools and technology will change, but transferable literacy skills will endure.
Through over 25 years in education I’ve come to realise that the best place to begin learning is the place where you already are.
Respecting and building upon the value people already bring is central to my practice.
Skills that stay with you
I focus on transferable capabilities — the kind of thinking and practice that holds up as tools, platforms, and information landscapes keep changing.
Research that reaches practice
The work draws on rigorous research, but that’s not where it stays. Everything is translated into practical approaches your team or organisation can actually use.
Honesty about complexity
AI and digital change are genuinely complex. You’ll get grounded, evidence-informed guidance — not hype, not oversimplification, not easy answers that won’t last.
Building capacity, not reliance
The goal is always for you to leave stronger than when we started. You’ll have what you need to keep going — with or without continued support.
Selected work
Recent publications, presentations and conversations
Publications
“I am the Only One Teaching It”: Australian Primary Teacher Librarians Leading Information Literacy
Refereed Publication
Journal of Library Administration, 2026.
With Garrison, K.L.
“Some level of skill for life”: Transferring information literacy skills beyond secondary school
Refereed Publication
Communications in Information Literacy, 2025.
With Garrison, K.
Evaluation strategies of school students accessing health information in social media videos: A case study investigation
Refereed Publication
Journal of Library Administration, 2025.
With Merga, M.
Beyond the cardigan: Unpacking bias in ChatGPT’s visualisations of library spaces and staff
Professional Publication
Access, 2025.
With Spennemann, D. H.
Presentations
Educating for Ethical Futures: Cultivating AI Literacy Through Inquiry, Integrity, and Real-World Engagement
Keynote Presentation
Silesian University of Technology, Poland (In Person), 2025.
AI in education
State Panel presentation
School Library Association of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia, 2025.
Generative AI and academic integrity: Empowering ethical school communities
State conference presentation
School Library Association of South Australia, Adelaide in person, 2025.
AI in Education: Navigating the Perfect Storm
National Webinar
ALIA Schools Webinar (Virtual), 2024.
Podcasts and conversations
“I believe in the value of libraries”: A replication study investigating collaboration between Australian public and school libraries
National Webinar Presentation
LARK Webinar Series (Online), 2025.
You’re Not Alone: Networking Secrets for School Librarians
International podcast
Online, 2025.
With Hajnalka Molloy
Being AI Ready
Podcast
School Librarians United (Online), 2023.
Literacies of Education
Podcast
Tao of Wao (Online), 2023.
Every context is different
Book a free 30 minute conversation if you are planning a conference
or professional learning, reviewing AI or information strategy, or
seeking guidance to navigate digital change.