Libraries have long been considered a place for wonder, imagination and exploration. Since the library of the Assyrian ruler Ashurbanipal in the 7th Century B.C, libraries have been a place of contemplation for rulers, poets, writers, scientists, innovators and students. You can conduct a simple search on the internet and immediately generate hundreds of meaningful and catchy quotes on the purposes and benefits of a good library.

The same is true if you search for the role and benefit of a good librarian. Quotes range from this:

to this:

Both images: https://www.bookbub.com/blog/quotes-about-how-much-we-love-librarians

With a rapidly changing global digital landscape, the role of a Teacher Librarian has become increasingly complex. However, the fundamental notion that libraries and librarians are about relationship remains unchanged. One of my enduring memories of primary school is Mrs. Gilmore, our school librarian. I remember three things about her.

Mrs. Gilmore knew where every book in the school’s modest library was located. She was awe inspiring as she sprung into action when asked whether the library had the new book, Wilga the Witch by Gregory Blaxell. She was equally dynamic when I enquired about books on how to care for horses, because I had asked for one for Christmas and was determined to be prepared for that certainty.

I remember Mrs. Gilmore’s colourful scarves and necklaces. They were highly distracting and I was forced to really concentrate when she read, “How to Eat Fried Worms” by Thomas Rockwell to my Year 5 class each week.

Finally, I remember that she would let me come into the library to do tapestry because for a period of time in primary school the playground was just too tough. Sometimes she would read books to those in the library at lunch. Sometimes we just sat and chatted with each other.

I remember the interactions I had with Mrs. Gilmore and the way she spoke about books and reading. My primary education has established for me the belief that the primary role of the TL is to build positive relationship with students.

Mrs. Withers was the TL during my secondary education. She taught me research skills. She also taught me that a good TL is a life saver. In the days before Google, Mrs. Withers was our Google. With her swept up grey bun, cardigan, tartan kilts and very sensible shoes, she was the archetypal TL. However, I have a sneaking suspicion that she was ahead of her time. In the mid 80’s, Mrs. Withers was encouraging collaborative learning between students and faculties. She knew who was researching what and would gently guide students to each other in an effort to help us formulate and share our ideas.

I came to teaching late, having spent 20 years in a completely different industry. My experience of the TL at my school in my first year of teaching (2014) was pivotal in my jumping at the opportunity to work in the IRC four days a week this year. I sat in a PD session on Guided Inquiry run by Alinda during my first semester in the classroom. And, as you do, decided to launch into a GI unit in Term 4 that same year with my Year 5 class. Working closely with Alinda in the library and classroom, I was given a close up look at the role and benefits of a good TL. Alinda taught my class question formulation, research, referencing and presentation skills. She taught them what being curious looked like. Alinda also taught them that learning can be fun and that it can be a reason to jump out of bed in the morning.

Alinda taught me that there are many ways to look at curriculum and make it come alive. She resourced our Global Connections unit with physical and digital collections, and helped us all think outside the box. There are two defining moments for me as I reflect on this experience as a first year teacher. One was seeing students heartily engage in learning and reflection. The second was hearing one of my students present his experience of this unit to a conference of TLs about the richness of his learning.

I have been spoilt. Mrs. Gilmore, Mrs. Withers and Mrs. Sheerman have helped me understand the role of Teacher Librarians in schools. They have shown me that some parts of the role of the teacher Librarian include:

• Building relationships
• Fostering a love of reading
• Providing a safe place for students to grow and learn
• Acting as a conduit for collaboration
• Having an understanding of what is happening in classrooms across an entire school
• Using creativity to approach curriculum
• Teaching research and critical thinking skills
• Curating physical and digital collections, and
• Using technology in innovative and meaningful ways to promote teaching and learning.

Understanding that this does not present the entirety of the TL role, it is a pretty good start for someone at the beginning of their career.

Cath

Trombetta, S 2017, 17 Quotes That Prove Librarians Are The Best, BookBub, viewed 11 March 2020, <https://www.bookbub.com/blog/quotes-about-how-much-we-love-librarians>.