As I start to write this journal piece, I can’t help but to reflect on a comment made by my sister, (a parent, teacher and educational consumer) on a public social media forum. “Why would you want to be a Teacher Librarian? In Queensland they are closing school libraries, selling the books and replacing them with study rooms. Is this the case in the NT too?” This of course had me descend into a matter of questioning and into a depression of sorts. Am I entering into an industry where I will be redundant before I start? I reminded myself that my sister is the eternal pessimist and is wonderfully protective of my good-self. The whole question had me thinking, that this is a great question to put to my peers and perhaps to start this blog post. I do also wish to reflect on the the libraries at two schools, where I currently work and have worked, not too long ago and their communities.
Currently, I am employed by a modestly sized, parent run, private school in Darwin. We have a tiny, under- resourced library which is largely run by parent volunteers and an enthusiastic and talented Library Technician. Our school community perceives the role of the library as important, however it is largely used by the primary school sector of the school. The library tends to be underutilise by the middle school staff and mainly used for resource purposes. They may perhaps pop in from time to time to borrow a data projector or piece of audio visual equipment. There is a group named “The Friends of the Essington Library” (FOEL). This week, they are having a “Learn to Cook Indian Food” evening, to raise money for much needed books and resources. The parents are enthusiastic and passionate about their little library, however it is the lower primary sector where this enthusiasm exists. In Middle School, it is rarely even mentioned at parent/teacher nights.
The Senior College of Essington is based at Charles Darwin University (yes lucky me). The school prides itself on the access to the wonderful resources associated with the University, especially the library. It is a huge selling point for being at the Essington Senior College and the library is featured on many advertising brochures promoting the school. As imagined, the advantages of being a senior secondary student with a full academic library is highly beneficial, perhaps contributing to the school’s impressive academic results.
The school I previously worked at in Melbourne was Xavier College. A traditional, academic Jesuit school with a history of solemn learning and a library that is as extensive as it is beautiful. The Brennan Resource Centre is the pride of the school, perched on top of one of the historic stone buildings. Most impressive of all is the library data base which is assessable by all students and their families at home. Parents, teachers and the school community are encouraged to utilise the library for study and wider reading. I have added the link to this data base below. http://xavier.vic.libguides.com/home
Overall, from the conversations I have witnessed with parents and from the articles in educational journals, parents are concerned about their child’s literacy and learning. The existence of a well resourced school library with a qualified teacher librarian is seen as a priority and parents do place importance on this when selecting a school for their child.
Bibliography
Daley, M (Aug 4, 2016), Naplan Results and the Role of the School Library and Teacher Librarian, http://childrensbooksdaily.com/naplan-results-role-school-library/
Matthews, K, (July 21, 2016), ‘So where have all our school teacher librarians gone?’, http://www.kidspot.com.au/school/primary/real-life/so-where-have-all-our-school-teacher-librarians-gone
Oddone, K, (2017), “The Importance of School Libraries in the Google Age”, http://www2.curriculum.edu.au/scis/connections/issue_98/feature_article/importance _of_school_libraries_in_google_age.html
Wood, P, (25 Sep 2017) ‘School libraries ‘disappearing’ as the digital age takes over.’ http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-25/school-libraries-disappearing-as-the-digital-age-takes-over
I never really thought about school libraries disappearing. Personally I find it difficult to read off a screen and much prefer a book in hand. Well done Jane and good luck.