In this episode we look at some of the prickly parts of information access related to privacy, copyright and censorship and regulation. The complexity underpinning these areas of teacher librarianship is often underestimated therefore it is important that we discuss and debate the nature of these concepts as well as how best to respond to situations arising out of these sometimes challenging areas as an educator and as an information professional.
Recorded 31/08/2022
Download the transcript in PDF format here.
Our guest
Our guest for this episode is Kathryn Schravemade.
Kathryn began her career as a teacher of English and Social Science. Her love of learning and interest in connecting students with the skills necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of information, lead her to complete her Master of Education (Teacher-Librarianship) (QUT) and Master of Education (Knowledge Networks and Digital Innovation) (CSU). Kathryn is the Head of Library and Digital Resourcing at Kilvington Grammar School in Melbourne and, in her spare time, a mother of three and speed reader of children’s fiction.
Podcast highlights
Kathryn’s current working context. At 2.39 Kathryn introduces her current role and tells us about the library at Kilvington Grammar.
Kathryn’s connection with Teacher Librarianship. Kathryn explains what drew her to TLship at 3.52.
The information environment and censorship. At 6.11 Kathryn tackles the complex issue of balancing censorship with duty of care, to develop a balanced collection with appropriate materials for each age group.
Staying up to date with books and reading. At 12.46 Kathryn gives strategies for how to stay up to date with the content of books without having to read every single text.
Digital privacy. Kathryn shares advice for how to stay up to date with what students need to know about maintaining their own digital privacy as well as respecting others’ right to privacy at 14.55.
Copyright awareness. Strategies to raise awareness among staff regarding copyright are offered at 18.11.
Building your own knowledge. At 22.20 Kathryn gives advice about how to begin building your own knowledge and ideas on these more challenging aspects of managing the information environment.
Remaining connected. At 23.52 Kathryn reminds us of the value of networking and building connections as a TL.
Further resources:
There are many important resources that are useful to be familiar with to guide you when dealing with these aspects of the information environment. Some of the key information sources are below:
The National Copyright Unit (NCU) is the specialist copyright team responsible for copyright policy and administration for Australian schools and TAFE. It advises and supports the Copyright Advisory Group (CAG) for schools (CAG Schools) and TAFE (CAG TAFE). This website provides you with information sheets, educational activities, updates with changes in copyright and more.
There are 13 Australian Privacy Principles and they govern standards, rights and obligations around:
- the collection, use and disclosure of personal information
- an organisation or agency’s governance and accountability
- integrity and correction of personal information
- the rights of individuals to access their personal information
Classroom resources from lower primary to upper secondary on e-safety respect and consent, digital resilience, digital reputation etc.
Choosing the right resources:
Riverbend Books is the bookstore Kathryn refers to in her podcast, however there are many wonderful independent bookstores who are ready to build a relationship with you as TL and advise you on suitability and appropriateness without censorship.