In Module 2 we were challenged to reflect on the responsibility of resource selection. The Teacher Librarian’s (TL) expertise and role is different from that required by all teachers. TLs look at managing the entire collection and meeting the needs of all of the users. TLs are balancing all curriculum areas across the year levels as well as promoting literacy through books purchased for students’ recreational reading. TLs are looking at resources that can be used, not one time by one teacher, but resources that can be used many times by multiple users.
TLs should collaborate with the school community in the selection of resources. There is no point in a TL purchasing books that users don’t want and will not be used. In our school the teachers let us know a term ahead what topics they are covering. I look at our collection and see what we have, where any gaps may exist or where books need updating to be relevant. Some of these books are put aside for use in the library with me when the classes come in and some are sent to the classroom for the teacher to use in class. I also try to engage learners in selecting resources for our school library. I do this both in conversation with students (there are a few who know now that I will frequently order books that they request for recreational reading!) and through the rotating displays. When I have students who are frequently looking for books on a particular topic I will create an engaging display with all the books we have on that topic. For example, each week this term I have been highlighting a different sport on display with sports paraphernalia. This has been particularly engaging for students who love sport but aren’t yet confident in finding those books themselves or asking for help (although I’m working on this!).
TLs should have the final say on what is included in the library collection. They are making purchases according to the collection policy. They are in charge of allocating the budget for resources. Their job is to have the big picture of balancing the needs of all the users.