Responding to Bonanno’s “A profession at the tipping point (revisited)”

So, I’ve been asked to read and consider Karen Bonanno’s article A profession at the tipping point (revisited) and summarise in 100 words or less what I see as the ‘take home message’ with regard to answering the question “Are school librarians an endangered species”.

 

I’ll add my notes below, mainly because I feel like a 100 word summary probably won’t do justice to the article. I’m allowing myself the usual +/- 10%  even though that wasn’t specifically stated in the task description – it’s my blog, I make the rules!

Anyway, 100 words, here we go…

School librarians are not an endangered species, however, there are a few things that should be considered and/or maintained in order to ensure that school libraries and the TL role is sustained and viable for the future. For example, hybrid libraries are becoming a reality; TLs must gather evidence of practice; ongoing education and professional learning is important; focusing on future skill development and integration of technology dictates that it is important to build capacity in new and emerging technologies and pedagogies. Maintaining professional connections and communicating with other professionals in a collegial way helps the sustainability of the profession.

 

Wow, 100 words exactly! OK, now, here are my (more detailed) notes:

 

  • School librarian role may be changing with the integration of university and career readiness and integration and use of technology and digital literacy.
  • Selective purchasing of resources to cater to cross curriculum relevancy = more bang for their buck
  • “A hybrid library (print and electronic) is becoming the reality for schools”
  • Importance placed on TLs to be aware of the information needs of their school community and creatively address the provision of resources. Budget constraints are a concern, so selective purchasing of cross curricular resources will be valuable. Additionally, the accessibility of e-resources through local, state or consortiums and participating in professional development and learning networks will be beneficial
  • “Of significant importance is the consistent need to gather evidence of practice in all aspects of the role.”
  • Evidence can be used to show how the direction of the school’s library matches the school’s overall strategic plan
  • By allowing evidence of practice to guide the direction of the library and connecting it to the overall strategic plan of the school, the library and the TLs role becomes a much more relevant and important fixture within the school community
  • Positive correlation between school literacy levels and library budgets + staffing – “well-funded and adequately staffed school libraries directly impact student achievement”
  • The number of available library and information professional positions has decreased and greater competition for these positions exists
  • TLs have specialist skills and as the role evolves, users and employers will expect TLs to have a strong knowledge and understanding of digital literacy or technology, and ensure their knowledge and skills are kept up to date – “Ongoing education and continuing professional learning will be extremely important in a tight and competitive market.”
  • Parents can be strong advocates of maintaining a well-staffed and well-resourced library if they see value for their children – addressing the development of new literacy skills and engagement with resources, tools and programs provided by the library is essential. Additionally, capturing evidence on student engagement with these is necessary for the sustainability of the profession.
  • TLs are well placed to provide or facilitate the integration and delivery of expanded skill sets that students will need into the future, e.g learning and innovation skills, and information, media and technology skills
  • “With a focus on future skill development and integration of technology, it is imperative that teacher librarians build their capacity to engage in and provide leadership in these areas as they relate specifically to the school library.”
  • In order to build capacity TLs need to engage in Professional Learning; Professional reading/research; Professional dialogue/practice
  • Maintain professional connections and “sustain the viability of school libraries and teacher librarianship” – take a glass half full approach – share with others your experiences, evidence, challenges and solutions, professional learning reflections and thoughts, advocacy activities and ideas, and school library programs and services – be contributors to the professional conversation as well as consumers of it. Stay up to date with what is happening in the education and information services sectors by communicating with other professionals