ETL401

2.5 TL in the Information landscape

As I began to reflect on module 2 and all it encompasses about the information environment, I came across a fascinating article in a SCIS Issue of their Connections publication (2017) in which Elizabeth Hutchinson sites an interesting diagram that nicely summarises the information landscape (Secker & Coogan, 2011, p. 6) and how it links to and overlaps with a variety of literacies.  

Image Credit

When reflecting upon this image, it is clear that information literacy is at the heart of the literacy landscape (Hutchinson, 2017, p. 9), where critical thinking and evaluation lay firmly at the centre. 

As a teacher librarian, we need to be flexible in our approach to new technologies as it is so complex and continually evolving at an exponential rate. We need to have an understanding of our learners and how they navigate the curriculum and head towards an ever-changing world. As leaders of the information landscape, we need to be adaptive and innovative, while ensuring the inclusivity of our learners and remaining relevant. As Hutchinson (2017) points out, we need to realise the power of being advocates for our profession and keep the conversation going about resources in the library. This is important to upskill and support both our colleagues and students for the future…ensuring our future as TL’s. 


References

Secker, J & Coogan, E 2011, A new curriculum for information literacy: executive summary, accessed 5 February 2016, http://ccfil.pbworks.com/f/Executive_summary.pdf. CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.

Hutchinson, E. (2017). Navigating the information landscape through collaboration. SCIS https://www.scisdata.com/connections/issue-101/navigating-the-information-landscape-through-collaboration/ 

ETL401

2.3 – Information Society and what this means for the TL

Information Society

Information is such a broad word that can describe a variety of formats and deliveries. In 2021 we are bombarded 24/7 with new and changing information, it is complex in nature and it is constantly evolving. Our daily lives are fast-paced and defined by what is happening, when and where and we need to know now! Children growing up in this new information era are diminished in patience and it needs to be both taught and modelled. Device-free days and getting back to nature are in fact part of my family’s holiday routine. In an information society according to Webster (2014, p. 10), it is possible to define and distinguish five definitions of an Information Society. I found it interesting that he also mentions that they are not mutually exclusive.  

These being:

  • Technological
  • Economic
  • Occupational
  • Spacial
  • Cultural

When considering these defining terms of an Information Society, I think that we need to reflect on how we interact with each, and how they might define and understand the role of the teacher librarian in today’s world. 

Technological – What are the needs of the library space? How does the TL stay current? Who needs to support this within the school to ensure currency is upheld? 

Economic – Are technologies kept up-to-date? Are schools in low-socioeconomic areas disadvantaged when it comes to staying current? 

Occupational – How do TL’s ensure that they are familiar with the latest technologies and procedures? Is there enough PL support for TL’s? How influenced are we in placing importance on information shared on social media and are we critical thinkers when it comes to self-proclaimed experts in their field? How do TL’s ensure that information, from a student research perspective, is relevant? 

Spacial – How do we ensure we have “downtime” when it comes to communications, such as social media platforms? What are the expectations in response to new trends (eg staff communication using What’s App)? How do we teach patience when it comes to giving feedback?

Cultural – How do we ensure that library collections expand in both depth and width? How do we meet the needs of our students? How do we ensure authentic information is provided? How do we filter information that is not needed in an overpopulated world of resources? 


References

Webster, F. (2014). Theories of the information society. 4th ed. Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.