Are teacher librarians an endangered species? From some quarters you might hear a resounding yes. In fact, some might boldly (and loudly) suggest that the TL is already following the Dodo bird into oblivion. However, if you listen very carefully you can also hear the quiet yet confident whisper of the TL saying – not on your life! In a keynote address to the Australian School Library Association Conference, Karen Bonanno (2015) suggested that teacher librarians are at a tipping point. She urged TLs to enter into the change discussions that are affecting all educators, and thereby see educational change as an opportunity to show the sector how librarians can function to support teacher development and student learning.

Rather than fade away under a slow and excruciating death knoll, teacher librarians must understand their audience, the changing nature of education and take steps to be relevant players in this dynamic field. Rather than look over our shoulders and focus on an outdated view of who we are and what we do, we need to screw our courage to the sticking place and remind schools of our value and expertise.

Let’s build relationships and astound people.

Cath
Written – 30th March 2020
Posted 17th May 2020

Bonanno , K. (2015). A profession at the tipping point (revisited). Access, March, 14-21