Month: March 2022

A definition of information appears to be contextually based and therefore to many an individually easy to define or at least describe concept. However, there are significant differences from the classical view of data being independent in existence from knowledge, interpretation, and perception (Stonier, 1990, p1), contrasted by the semantic definition where information derived from meaning and context (Zhong, 2017, p2). There is at least consensus that whether information exists on its own or needs context, it is useful and there to be used.

The use of information is critical to the role of its user but raises questions about usefulness. The hierarchy of information (Wideman, 2008, s.4) builds on the many versions of information by using each as a step towards wisdom. The existence of data requires meaning and relationships to be evident to become information providing a nexus between the classical and semantic definitions. However, Wideman goes further to suggest that on a continuum, information exists for its users as an evolution where it is dependent on the understanding of the user to progress further into stages of knowledge and wisdom. Information is therefore malleable in the strategies employed by the user who is making connections using their own experiences and context.

 

Stonier T (1990) Information and the internal structure of the universe.  https://www-sciencedirect-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/science/article/pii/026840129290055U?via%3Dihub 

Wideman, R. M. (2008). The information hierarchy, slide 4 [Powerpoint slides].  http://www.maxwideman.com/issacons/iac1013d/sld004.htm

Zhong, Y. (2017). A Theory of Semantic Information, Proceedings, 1(129), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3390/IS4SI-2017-04000

Short answer – YES!

In my experience there are 3 roles I have observed Teacher Librarians perform that made the role something that I am now striving towards:

1. Teacher Librarians are teachers of learning.

The Year 7 classes line up, scared, being ordered to stay quiet and not touch the books in their first steps inside the library. They sit in awe of a space that is crammed full of a history of information repositories: books, computers, and data projectors. The librarian captures the attention of the juvenile learners, even when referring to the reference section.

The Teacher Librarian’s role was to teach the new high school students about what different resources are at their disposal and build their confidence in the library and class environment. Basic research techniques were covered first including using the computer system to view the library catalogue and Dewey Decimal System, and the use of boolean operators when searching online. The effect of this information came to be powerful in observing students narrow down and locate information from the thousands of books and millions of websites with relative ease. The metacognitive discussion of learning and research methods provided a new simplified world for my students.

2. Teacher Librarians provide spaces for learning.

Students race into the library on a Wednesday morning to visit the new weekly trivia quiz. Many look puzzled and some smile and look into their friends eyes, waiting to see if they can figure it out too. During breaks the library is densely packed with students pouring over books, playing games online, and working on finishing the jigsaw puzzle for the week. After school, the library is quiet but not empty. The homework club runs with the help of very few teachers to support those who want a space or some advice on assessment tasks.

Teacher Librarians construct safe and effective environments that conduce and excite learning. The juxtaposition of bean bags beside books and computers are evidence of the diverse way that librarians use space to cater for a range of students and their learning. Many are often excited to see the displays for themed weeks and participate in reading challenges. This is often not achieved in a regular classroom and demonstrates the role a librarian can play for diverse learners.

3. Teacher librarians help other teachers.

The teacher looks at the assessment task for their new low ability class and wonders where some information to help their students can be found. They visit the librarian who offers to not only help find some student friendly websites, but to also put together a book box on that topic and deliver a lesson with the class on basic research techniques.

Teacher Librarians perform professional learning for others across the school environment. The use of library resources including ClickView and journals is managed and encouraged by the librarian. They also provide expertise on how to access information for teachers as new sources become available. This allows teachers to expand their lessons beyond chalk and talk and help their information literacy and catch up with some of their digital native students.