The Information Society

Where do libraries fall under this definition?

The information society is defined five key areas: technological, economic, occupational, spatial and cultural. Libraries encompass varying elements of each these areas. They provide technology for users to access information, they are economical as often provide free access to technology for users to access information and data processing. Libraries have become occupational as librarians have had to upskill in their roles as agents of change to be able to provide information. Libraries have become spatial as a result of the changing nature of society and no longer have to be bound by a physical building. They now offer services and resources electronically. Libraries have become cultural through offering different platforms for people to access information.

Are libraries managers, creators, and distributors of information, or data processors?

Libraries are managers and distributors of information from a wide variety of sources and platforms. They also create collections and physical displays of information, books and resources, however unless they are creating digital or written content, I would not define them as creators.

Are school libraries contributors to the education industry, the information industry or both? How might this contribution be measured?

School libraries are both contributors to the education industry and the information industry. While majority of information is aimed at educating students and limited by policy of the setting, school libraries contribute to both education and information by distributing information within a school setting that contributes to students’ education.

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Collection Development Policy

The Collection Development Process based on Oddone, K. (2019). School library collection development: It’s not as simple as you might think. Linking Learning. https://www.linkinglearning.com.au/school-library-collection-development-its-not-as-simple-as-you-might-think/

As a TL, before I started collection management, I would reflect upon the core values of librarianship that were developed by Ranganathan (1928), as they underpin all policies and practices of the library which should be evident when I develop and manage a collection.

I would start stocktaking and evaluation the collection, so I was aware what was in the collection, what was being borrowed, what was popular, what was not being popular or not being borrowed, the currency of the text, assessing if the texts were of quality or not.

The once I was aware of the collections content and I had evaluated it, I could begin the follow the collection development process.

The key considerations would I make when applying collection development steps to a school library collection would be to consider and apply the 5 Laws of Library Science (Ranganathan, 1928) together with Gorman’s (1998) additional thinkings and more modern thinkings that are considerate of the adapting and changing environments before, during and after the process as they should guide me as a TL:

Books are for use- libraries serve humanity
Every person his or her book- respect all forms by which knowledge is communicated
Every book its reader- using technology intelligently to enhance service
Save the time of the reader- protect free access to knowledge
A library is a growing organism- honour the past and create the future

One thing that is missing or that needs to be considered in Oddone’s (2019) process is the school library’s financial resources. If funds were limited it may not be wise to cull a lot of books at once if they were unable to be replaced. A wish list may need to be created and prioritised that could be purchased as funds became available and priority would need to be given to curriculum mentor texts that would be required to be purchased. Consideration would also need to be given to appropriateness of texts, digital subscriptions to ensure they do not breach any employer policies.

There are differences between collection development and collection management processes.

Collection development involves a process that is a continual cycle that should be reviewed at certain intervals determined by a TL. Steps of collection development according to Oddone (2019) include:

needs analysis
selection according to criteria
acquisition
catologuing
processing
stocktaking and evaluation
weeding

Collection management defines processes and procedures involved in maintaining a library collection. Dixon suggests that collection management ‘includes all the processes, from selection to conservation of library materials, to meet the needs of users within budgetary and resource constraints’ (Dixon, 2002 cited in Chowdhury, et al. 2007). When selecting content for acquisition it needs to be accurate and unbiased.

One of the most notable points that Oddone (2019) discusses about the role of the TL in collection development and management is that it is an important element of a TL librarian role, that TLs should uphold various rights that follow a myriad of organisations such as the United Nations, as well as The Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). The diversity of the school community should be reflected in collections based on such elements as class, gender, ethnicity, religion with consideration of the ethos of school and its’ policies. Anti-censorship it important and making the collection accessible to all students while be non-judgemental.

Reference List

Chowdhury, GG., Burton, PF., McMenemy, D., Poulter, A. Collection management and collection development. In: Librarianship: An Introduction. Facet. (2007) 65-72.

Gorman, M. (1998). Our singular strengths: mediation for librarians. American Library Association, Chicago.

Oddone, K. (2019). School library collection development: It’s not as simple as you might think. Linking Learning. https://www.linkinglearning.com.au/school-library-collection-development-its-not-as-simple-as-you-might-think/

Ranganathan, S. (1928). The Five Laws of Library Sciences. The Madras Library Association, London.

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The role of TL

Unveiling the Joys and Rewards of School Library Work

The annual Softlink School Library Survey asked a number of open-ended questions to school library staff, providing an opportunity for them to share their thoughts about working in school libraries across Australia.

Themes that emerged in the survey include challenges staff face and that staffs’ enthusiasm and passion for their roles supporting their school communities including:

Cultivating a love of reading
Contributing to teaching and learning
Engaging with students and staff
The variety of the role
Providing a safe and welcoming space
Books! Books! Books!
Supporting research and information literacy

There was an emphasis on how working in school libraries fosters and nurtures a passion for reading, supports reluctant and struggling reader into enthusiastic ones, facilitates the discovery of different books and genres while actively participating in students reading journeys.

Staff mentioned their work was fulfilling and there was often deep engagement, meaningful relationships, positive and rewarding interactions with both students and staff members that contributed to the school community.

Library staff expressed that working in school libraries provided them with enriching experiences where they could create secure and inviting environments for students by creating a dedicated space that not only fostered and nutured a passion for reading but also encouraged student development while also fostering innovation and supporting academic exploration.

School library staff expressed fulfilment in connecting students with reliable resources, teaching students to evaluate information critically, and fostering a passion for research and information literacy.

Library staff enjoyed supporting teaching and learning through student engagement, collection development, and collaborative endeavours with teachers.

One of the most common themes to appear in the survey that teaching staff enjoyed was variety of the role, the constant change, the unpredictability, and the opportunity to be constantly learning.

Working in a school library was highlighted as an immersive experience of being surrounded by books, celebrating their presence, and sharing their passion for books with
others.

Australian_School_Libraries_Share_Unveiling_the_Joys_and_Rewards_of_School_Library_Work.pdf (softlinkint.com)

Why is this survey important to school libraries and teacher librarians in Australia?

This report is of great significance to school libraries and teacher librarians in Australia as it provides a voice and gives weight to the thoughts of those most qualified and experienced to discuss school libraries.

Libraries are just not a place to quietly read a book but are places of great magic that include so much more. Students are provided with opportunities such as research, opportunities to explore different topics and genres of books where they can further expand their own interests, become exposed to new learning and put that learning into practice in the classroom and beyond. Skills taught during library lessons can be transferred to the classroom and skill students for real world applications that they can carry into their adult and working lives.

By providing teacher librarians an opportunity to have their voices heard also validates them and their opinions as it can also be a lonely role as it is specialised and not directly linked to a particular teaching stage in a school where collegial relationships are often formed.

This survey also allowed for trends or themes to be analysed to see commonalities or differences, areas of strength or weakness, areas of growth or decline.

This survey has allowed me to reflect and learn about different views of teacher librarians to expand my knowledge and awareness of the roles that they play in school communities and further embed their importance.

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ETL401: Introduction to Teacher Librarianship

My experience as a classroom teacher is limited as I only have three years’ experience. My only exposure to Teacher Librarians (TL) during this time was them providing Release from Face to Face (RFF) teaching. My understanding of the role of the Teacher Librarian (TL) in schools was quite limited to my own childhood experiences from primary and high school and that of being a parent.

As a child, I remember that library was always fun, and I looked forward to spending time in them as books were my escape from reality and took me to different places. Like a sponge I absorbed various information. Librarians would read wonderful stories and show picture books. I was a library monitor in primary school where we used Dewey Decimal Classification and paper cards to record borrowing, slowly replaced by computers and technology software.

Upon reflecting on what TL do prior to undertaking this course, I only held views that I was exposed to as a child. Through reading the course introduction and unit outline, I was surprised to learn that TL are so much more than the fun teacher who just reads books, and their role is so much more complex.

I became aware of the importance of the TLs role, consisting of them advocating and building effective library and information services and programs to support and bring to life school communities’ visions (Australian Library and Information Association [ALIA], 2016). A TL role includes learning and teaching, management, leadership and also collaboration and community engagement.

I have always had a love for literacy and enjoyed fiction as a child, often receiving books for birthdays and Christmases. Some of my favourites were Anne of Green Gables, Black Beauty and The Magic Faraway Tree. I won a spelling bee in primary school and was awarded a book on fairytales and fables, and I still have it in my bookshelf at home, some 30 odd years later. I remember participating in a program called BOOK It during primary school that was associated with Pizza Hut, whereby students were set reading goals and rewarded with a free kid’s meal at an eat in restaurant. I read so many books because I wanted to eat pizza.

My own daughter was diagnosed with a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) Dyslexia, and I have watched her struggle with trying to learn to read. I am fortunate that she has a love of reading and still interacts with a range of texts, even though reading can be mentally and physically exhausting for her.

Working as a youth worker, community services and welfare worker, I have supported young people and adults who were significantly impacted by low levels of literacy and saw how they became disengaged from the community due to a lack of participation.

Everyone should have the right to read to be able to actively participate in society, even more so in education because a child that has difficulty reading is not just impacted in English, but also every other Key Learning Area, as reading is required in almost every element of education and work.

After reflecting on what I have already learned about the TL role, I have already developed a new understanding of the TL role and the significance that the role plays within a school and children’s education.

2 comments

Krystal February 28, 2024

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Hi Amanda, thank you for sharing about your background and passion about literacy and reading. This passion will be so important as you work through this degree and in your TL career! Krystal 🙂
1. mandy2954 February 29, 2024
  
  Reply
  
  Thank you Krystal. Keeping this blog post to 500 words was difficult as I could write so much more. I am looking forward to this course.

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Welcome to my journey

This blog will be my platform for sharing thoughts, learnings and reflective thinking which will be essential for success when ‘learning by doing’ and ‘learning from doing.

I will use reflective thinking to facilitate my development of a questioning attitude and acquire new perspectives, including the identification of areas for change and improvement to respond effectively to new challenges, or to generalise and apply what is learned from one situation to another situation.

Through articulating my thoughts and developing understandings of the role of a teacher librarian will support me in my journey to becoming a qualified Teacher Librarian.

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A WordPress Commenter February 26, 2024

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