School libraries are no longer defined solely by print collections and quiet spaces. Today, they serve as dynamic hubs for literacy, collaboration, and digital learning—and technology is at the center of that evolution. 

As districts plan for the years ahead, understanding where school library technology is headed is critical. From student engagement tools to data-driven advocacy, these five trends will shape how K–12 libraries operate and demonstrate value in 2026 and beyond. 

Here are five library tech trends to watch in the year ahead, including how school districts can prepare for what’s next. 

1. Student Engagement Tools Will Take Center Stage
Libraries have always played a central role in fostering a love of reading. In 2026, that role is becoming more personalized, more social, and more digital. Instead of static reading logs or one-size-fits-all challenges, we’re seeing an explosion in student engagement platforms that support book clubs, shared reading programs, and individual goal setting.

The best platforms meet students where they are—on mobile devices, in personalized dashboards, and with the flexibility to log reading across genres, formats, and interests. At the same time, these tools give librarians and educators better visibility into participation trends, allowing them to adjust programs in real time.
What to look for: student-friendly interfaces, flexible reading programs, and real-time reporting.

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2. AI Will Start Small—but Deliver Big Results
AI continues to dominate headlines, but in school libraries, its most promising use cases are small, focused, and deeply practical. In 2026, the most effective implementations won’t be flashy—they’ll be efficient.

Expect to see AI powering simple but time-saving tasks:

• Automating overdue notices or communication with students 
• Suggesting new titles based on circulation trends 
• Assisting with collection development decisions 

Reducing manual entry in scheduling and reporting

These “micro-automations” give back hours of time every week—freeing up librarians to focus on programming, partnerships, and instruction. As part of a broader district-wide AI strategy, school libraries can lead the way in thoughtful, transparent AI adoption that supports learning rather than distracting from it.

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3. Mobile Tools Will Become the Default for Staff and Students
As librarians juggle book checkouts, device management, event programming, and classroom support, they’re spending less time at the desk—and more time in motion. That’s why mobile tools will be critical in 2026 and beyond.

Whether it’s scanning barcodes on a tablet, pulling up circulation stats on a phone, or checking in books from a cart, the future of library work is increasingly mobile. Expect more vendors to prioritize responsive interfaces and mobile-first design, reducing friction for both staff and students.

Bonus: mobile-friendly tools can help engage younger students, families, and community members outside the school walls.

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4. Library Systems Will Need to Talk to Each Other 

With district tech stacks growing more complex, school libraries are no longer standalone environments. They’re deeply connected to SIS platforms, IT tools, learning management systems, and more. In 2026, integration will no longer be a nice-to-have—it will be a necessity. 

Districts are looking for unified ecosystems where: 

• A student’s reading log connects to their academic profile
• Books assigned in a library challenge match available inventory
• Program participation data can be used in broader instructional planning 

Tools like Destiny Engage and Destiny Discover are designed to work together, so library staff can manage programs, track impact, and streamline workflows from a single platform. Fewer logins, fewer spreadsheets, and fewer silos mean more time for students.

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5. Data Will Drive Advocacy in New Ways 

For many school librarians, the biggest challenge isn’t doing impactful work—it’s proving it. As budgets tighten and roles expand, librarians in 2026 will need to tell a stronger story about their contribution to student success. That story starts with data. 

With tools that capture reading engagement, book club participation, and program outcomes, librarians can move beyond anecdotes and show how their work drives academic growth, supports equity, and improves school culture. 

The key is using systems that make data collection intuitive—and reporting easy to act on. New features in Destiny Engage, for example, help library teams monitor student-level participation, spot trends by title or grade, and highlight program ROI during budget reviews. 

In 2026, data isn’t just about reports—it’s about advocacy. 

Looking Ahead 

The school library of the future is more than shelves and scanners. It’s a dynamic, data-rich environment where students engage deeply with learning, and educators have the tools to create real impact.

As you look ahead to the next year of library planning, consider where you are on these five trends—and where you want to be. From reading engagement to mobile tools, small changes today can spark lasting improvements tomorrow.

Want to explore how Destiny Engage and other Follett library tools are evolving to support these trends?