As a classroom teacher, having not ever worked in a school library before, I would have to say my knowledge and understanding of a Teacher Librarian was very limited. Now having had some experience in a school library, I have quickly discovered that the role of a Teacher Librarian is not one dimensional but in fact quite complex. There are many layers to this role.
Teacher librarians play an integral part in schools. Not only are they the keepers of books, Teacher Librarians themselves are a walking and talking resource with a diverse set of skills which are shared regularly with students, staff and the wider community. Not any given day is the same, which to me makes this role so exciting and enjoyable. Do we have..? Can you fix…? Where can I find…? Can we use…? What do you think about…? Are just some of the questions a teacher librarian can be asked each day. I must admit, I do not have all the answers to these questions yet but I am working on it.
I am very new to this role and know that I have a lot to learn and that there is plenty of room for growth and development. The following are my initial thoughts about the role of a Teacher Librarian.
- First and foremost, Teacher Librarians need to provide a multipurpose space where people feel safe and comfortable to visit. By building this learning environment, students will engage in a range of learning opportunities and have a space where they feel welcomed and supported.
- The promotion of reading and reading for enjoyment is another important component. At times, this can be challenging especially for reluctant readers. However, I believe it is important to expose students to range of quality literature, to hopefully spark students interests and get them hooked on reading and to also challenge students to broaden and extend their reading.
- In focused lessons each week, along with the sharing and appreciation of literature, I view Teacher Librarians as skill builders. It is very important to teach information literacy to empower students to be able to access information and research with precision and confidence. Just as important, is the teaching of digital skills and processes. Now that we live in a digital world, we need to equip students with the knowledge and skills on how to access and safely use technology.
- Developing and managing a collection of resources that are relevant to the curriculum is another important aspect of the role. Current resources and an update system is vital for providing both students and staff a rich learning experience.
- Another layer of the role is working collaboratively with others, managing staff and being responsible for a budget.
- Finally Teacher Librarians need to be current and up to date with professional knowledge and practice in order to contribute to the school community.
I lost a remarkable colleague this week. This wonderful woman has taught me that above all this, it is essential to be approachable, open, positive and passionate about what you do. I aspire to be all these things in my new role.
Hi Allison, thank you for providing your insights as a new TL. I would have to say that I too have limited knowledge of understanding of what a TL really does as I haven’t had the opportunity to work as a TL thus far. Reading your post really connected with me and what I had hoped a TL’s role involved. Explaining the role as exiting and enjoyable because of the variety has further encouraged me to become a TL. Your thoughts about the role of a TL were very similar to my own, I also believe that it is very important to teach students how to access information and research with confidence. I also totally agree with needing to equip students with the knowledge and skills on how to access and safely use technology. I am very future focused and try incorporating as much use of technology and research skills into the classroom as possible however, time and access is always an issue. As a TL I look forward to really delving into this area and providing students with the tools they need for the future. It was great that you pointed out the roles in addition to teaching as I am finding out there is much more to being a TL than meets the eye.
Hi Chris. Firstly thank you for commenting on my post. I must say one of the first hurdles I have had to face in this course, is putting myself out there so I really appreciate you reading my post. There are many things in this role that happen on surface level for all to see but I truly believe it is what happens ‘behind the scenes,’ that often people don’t know about or appreciate, that contribute to making a great Learning Resource Centre. Again, the many layers to this role.
Congratulations on sharing openly not only the thinking behind where you are now in the teacher librarianship journey, but also the pain that is now part of what you will become. You have articulated some critically important aspects of the role which I am pleased includes a digital focus as well as a learning focus. When you connect this learning to the research literature you will really be getting into the road of learning your new profession. Welcome to study!
Thank you Judy. Taking it one step at a time.