Monthly Archives: March 2022

Creative Commons and Another Bee on a Pea

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Image Credit: Jean and Fred Hort

This weeks module for ETL503 – Resourcing the Curriculum, takes us into an in-depth look at the legal and ethical issues around copyright in the context of a school. Initially this is not something I had thought to be a part of the roles and responsibilities of a Teacher Librarian, however after reading more into the licensing and restrictions on copyright and Creative Commons licences it is clear that this is something I will need to adapt into my future role. The main source of information provided was through the Smart Copying Site (see link below) which provides the offical guide to copy right issues for Australian schools and TAFE. This will be an invaluable resource to take forward into my degree and profession.

The image above presents a native Australian Bee; a Trichocolletes sp as it feeds upon a Daviesia Cordata flower. There is no purpose for this image other than it was something I found when searching for images with a CC licence. Sourced through the Flickr website I was able to limit my search to only include images with a CC licence. From there I was able to select an image and look into the further licensing. This image is classified as CC Attribution 2.0, meaning it is free to copy and distribute provided appropriate credit.

Smartcopying Homepage

ETL401 – Assessment 1

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For me personally, the library has always been synonymous with safety, security and warmth. As a child, a teenager, a young adult and now as a parent; the library represents a safe place that will always welcome you back. This sense of security is not an isolated experience; Child describes the library as, ‘a safe place’ and labels it a ‘refuge,’ (2018).  I made the decision to enrol in a Masters of Teacher Librarianship as I felt it important that I upskill and reconnect with the curriculum after a tumultuous start to my career in education due to family commitments and the current global pandemic.  

Though I had some understanding of the role a Teacher Librarian (TL) and their role of developing and managing a collection; there is much more to the position than I first thought. The Australian School Library Association highlights three main roles for a teacher librarian, ‘curriculum leader, information specialist and information services manager’ (2003). I wish to further reflect on these three roles in the following paragraphs to reflect on how they impact my current understanding of the TL role.  

Firstly; as curriculum leader, the TL is expected to facilitate the integration of the library within the learning environment of a school. The International Association of School Librarianship states that, “the school library functions as a vital instrument in the educational process, not as a separate entity isolated from the total school program…” (1993). Teacher librarians work collaboratively with principals and teachers to, ‘ensure information literacy outcomes are a major school focus,’ (ALSA, 2003, p. 61). They should assist with the development of literacy within the school and effectively resource the curriculum to create a deeper understanding of the curriculum content, and to encourage students to read not only for learning, but also for enjoyment (ALSA, 2003, p. 61). My understanding of this role is that the TL work collaboratively within the school to create a holistic approach to whole school learning.  

Secondly; The role of information specialists, requires TL’s to ‘interpret information systems, and technologies for students and teachers in the context of curriculum programs’, (ASLA, 2003, p. 61). The responsibilities of this role include the TL nurturing students to become capable of independent learning within the library context as well as out of school. I believe that by explicitly teaching the skills required to engage with information systems, and with the collaborative approach to curriculum between the teacher and the teacher librarian, students will be capable of working independently.    

Lastly, as information service managers, the TL should, ‘provide a stimulating and helpful environment’ that can showcase the learning achievements of students, (ASLA, 2003, p. 62). This learning environment is developed, managed and maintained by the TL through the selective process of creating a library collection which addresses the needs of staff and students to engage with the curriculum. By effectively resourcing and managing a collection, the TL is preparing information to be interesting, engaging and enjoyable to encourage students to achieve their learning goals.  

Looking back on the years I spent wandering library shelves and delving into the worlds and information that were presented to me, I always remember the intelligent and resourceful men and women who guided me. Though I did not realise at the time, these librarians were the gatekeepers to my passion for learning. I can only hope that my future career as a Teacher Librarian will create the same supportive environment for my students to support them in their learning goals.  

 

References 

Australian School Library Association. (2003). Learning for the future (2nd ed.). Vic 

The International Association of School Librarianship. (1993). IASL policy statement on schools. Retrieved March 12, 2022, from https://iasl-online.org/about/organization/sl_policy.html/  

Child, J. (2018). School libraries enhancing student wellbeing. SCIS Connections, 105 https://www.scidata.com/connection/issue-105/school-libraries-enhanging-student-wellbeing/  

Are School Librarians an Endangered Species?

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The module this week asked us to summarise the take home message presented by Karen Bonanno in her key note speech, ‘A profession at the tipping point: Time to change the game plan,’ (2011). For me the overarching message that she reiterates throughout the speech is, “your rhetoric must resonate with your audience”. That the TL must become indispensable to the school community through maintaining a leadership role in accessing and resourcing curriculum and supporting staff and students in accessing these.
Bonanno opens her address with the statement, “you will only be an endangered species if you allow it to be,” (2011).  She goes on to emphasise the importance of Teacher Librarians within their school contexts and how the previously invisible profession needs to move forward with the advancements of the curriculum and the professional standards presented by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).

Our roles as Teacher Librarian have adapted to become more than just the stereotype of a middle aged woman, shooshing students for being too loud and demanding over due books.

References

Bonanno, K. (2011). A profession at the tipping point: Time to change the game plan. Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/31003940

 

 

That’s One Way to Weed a Collection

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As the water recedes from my town, and we are left with thick, oily mud covering everything, I can only look around in despair.
The town that raised me, that took me back when I was ready to raise my own children and that has seen me through the best and worst moments of my life is gone. After nearly a week working in the evacuation centre and supporting those in need, I moved on to the clean-up crews downtown. Walking through the main CBD I came across this sight.

This image portrays a loss. A loss for my town, for me personally and a loss of information. However, after reading this weeks module, it also brings with it a sense of hope. We talk about information as being inconsumable, untransferable, indivisible and accumulative. Whilst this library that has stood here for the entirety of my life (and long before), now lays its collection upon the grass outside; I feel hopeful. I know that the years of knowledge I have accrued from this library is still with me, it is not lost to the waters though the physical books may be. The knowledge I have gained, is a shared knowledge with any other library going citizen who utilised this space, who hired from the collection or engaged with the services offered.

I am also hopeful that in a community such as the one in Lismore, that the library will rebuild and the information will continue to accumulate and be accessible by all.