Assessment 1- Part B: The Role of the Teacher Librarian
The role of the teacher librarian
The teacher librarian (TL) is a role that is complex and multi-faceted but key in the development of information literacy (SLASA, 2015). They hold twin qualifications in both education and librarianship. Using their teaching background and experience in the classroom is vital as the TL develops the library catalogue and manages the information services to meet the educational needs and goals of the school (ASLA, 2016). They have three main aspects to their role, teaching and curriculum, information management and staff support.
The TL is a curriculum leader within the school and collaborates with teaching staff to ensure that students are provided with the best 21st century learning environment possible. They help design and resource the curriculum while promoting the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) (Purcell, 2010). Herring (2007) states, “ developing information literate students is the key role of the teacher librarian in today’s schools” (p.32). This is the specialization of the TL, they help students inquire and develop critical and creative thinking that is essential to learning (Lamb, 2011).
A TL is key to information management within the school. They provide staff and students with access to relevant sources that are effective, reliable and well organized. The TL assists those within the school community to find information and helps interpret and evaluate it to line up with the curriculum needs of the unit or assignment (ASLA, 2014). The information society is a constant growing entity and it has made it easier for students to access information. TLs hold the knowledge to help student’s decipherer the information overload that is available to them (Lamb, 2011).
The TL is not a stand-alone position; they work alongside staff and support the teaching team. Communication with the wider school community is key to providing positive learning experiences for students (Purell, 2010). With the support of the TL classroom teachers can resource quality teaching programs. Bonanno (2011) explains that if the TL supports staff within the school that the difference can be seen in literacy results, inquiry based learning, ICT capabilities, information and learning and professional learning for staff.
In conclusion the role of the TL is varied and hard to define all the roles they play, but I believe the essence of the job is to establish a culture of a love for literature within their school. They should be a leader to follow in this technological world, which can be very overwhelming for students and even staff. In my teaching experience I have witnessed the TL in my school be a partner and constant support in the learning of students. If the relationship between the TL and teaching staff is strong then better student results can be a reality within the school. The TL is a real asset to the school if they remain flexible to the changes coming within education and the information landscape.
References
Australian School Library Association(ASLA)(2014) What is a teacher librarian? Retrieved from http://www.asla.org.au/advocacy/what-is-a-teacher-librarian.aspx
Australian School Library Association’s (ASLA) (2016) Statement on teacher librarian qualifications. Retrieved from: http://www.asla.org.au/policy/teacher-librarian-qualifications.aspx
Bonanno, K. (2011) Opinion: Do school libraries really make a difference? Retrieved from http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/inCiteALIA/2011/97.pdf
Herring, J. (2007). Teacher librarians and the school library. In S. Ferguson (Ed.) Libraries in the twenty-first century : charting new directions in information (pp. 27-42).
Lamb, A. (2011). Bursting with potential: Mixing a media specialist’s palette. Techtrends: Linking Research & Practice To Improve Learning, 55(4), 27-36.
Purcell, M.(2010). All librarians do is check out books right? A look at the roles of the school library media specialist. Library Media Connection 29(3), 30-33
School Library Association of South Australia (SLASA) (2015) SLASA teacher librarian role statement: Retrrieved from http://www.slasa.asn.au/Advocacy/rolestatement.html
Mel, your first paragraph states such a clear definition of the Teacher Librarian and makes an important point about this role bringing both the librarian and teaching skills to bear on the information centre of the school. As you rightly point out, the TL is a leader within the community in which they work, something that hadn’t really become evident to me until recently.
You also make a good argument for the TL as the expert most likely to be able to help both students and staff through the information mire that is the online environment. By utilising our digital expertise and teaching experience, we are best placed to navigate the overload, to produce creative and critical thinkers, vital in today’s increasingly technological world.
You also make a sound evaluation of the collegial nature of the role, and how important it is to consult and support teaching staff in their chosen curriculum fields, to ensure that the very best resources and information are made available to colleagues and students.
The necessity for the TL to be a person of integrity and passion, as well as to able to work as part of the school team and autonomously, means that we have our work cut out for us as we complete our masters and secure our vacation in a school community.
You made good use of supporting evidence to back your statements and created a blog post that was easy to read and understand. You and I have the same taste in Thinkspace blog layouts, but I think you could probably make more of yours with some pictures or a heading graphic. One suggestion I would make is to ensure that you refer to the teacher librarian in the singular or plural, rather than swapping between the two, particularly within a single paragraph.
Cheers, Nicky Hurle