The library was usually a hub of activity before school, during recess and lunch time in the school that I taught at. The Teacher Librarian (TL) always appeared to be at the helm of the ship, in charge, calm and collected.
The TL’s main roles appeared to be:
- Maintaining library circulation of resources: ensuring that books were returned to the library, chasing up overdue books, processing borrowing of books and resources. Providing an efficient, well maintained system that allowed students and teachers to search for items and find them quickly.
- Resourcing the curriculum: assisting curriculum coordinators and teachers to provide a range of varying resources to teach the curriculum in an effective manner.
- Assisting students with research for their projects and assignments. This includes lessons in the library dedicated to researching particular class assignments. Demonstrating expert research skills to staff and students.
- Providing a quiet and productive environment that facilitated study and research.
- Directing and assisting with online research.
- Staying up to date with new releases of books and resources suitable for young adults that would generate interest and enthusiasm. Also maintaining a wide array of literature to suit different tastes, reading levels and interests.
- Participated in meetings with staff, school executive and the Principal, deciding on how to provide the best resources across the curriculum.
- Systems or policies in place on how to run the library, budgets and training of new library assistants.
Recently, I have observed that the landscape for TL’s has changed. There are now online libraries of books that can be borrowed, allowing students to read on their digital device. There is so much information at our fingertips, TL’s would need to guide students and staff on how to find the best resource for their needs.
One very important point, that I am passionate about personally is to:
maintain literacy as a high priority, engaging students in reading, viewing and listening for understanding and enjoyment;
(Learning for the future: developing information services in schools, second edition, p. 60–62)
http://www.asla.org.au/advocacy/what-is-a-teacher-librarian.aspx
An area that the school I taught at could have improved upon, was engaging students in reading for pleasure. Literacy was also an area that needed improvement. This may have arisen due to the TL or the executive of the school not adequately promoting the importance and benefit of reading to students, parents and staff. Several ideas that I propose which would have engaged students to read for pleasure are:
- visits from authors,
- book reviews written by students or TL,
- student reading log or journal followed up by teacher and parents,
- a school library web page showcasing the resources students could access,
- guided reading time for students struggling to read,
- availability of audiobooks.
This short promotional film, developed by ALIA Schools, is for principals, school communities, teacher librarians, library staff and teachers. The film gives an overview of the exciting role that school libraries and teacher librarians can play by contributing to student success in learning in both primary and secondary school settings.
Reflecting on my observations and research of the role of the TL for this assessment, I am even more excited to be on the path to such a rewarding career. Encouraging students to read for enjoyment, providing direction for the resources of the library, engaging with staff and college executive to resource the curriculum is an interesting role to be striving for. The journey ahead seems very bright!
References
Australian School Library Association (2014) What is a teacher librarian?Retrieved from http://www.asla.org.au/advocacy/what-is-a-teacher-librarian.aspx
Australian Library and Information Association (2013) Promoting your school library. Retrieved from https://www.alia.org.au/groups/alia-schools