I was interviewed for a Teacher/Librarian (TL) position in
March. Some of the questions the panel asked were: what are the features of a
good library, can you tell us of any occasions where you worked well with
others, how can you help students with their research? I made universal
statements about access and organisation, about sharing ideas and helping
people, about evaluating websites and avoiding plagiarism, but I had limited
notions of the role of a teacher librarian.
I didn’t get the job; they wanted someone who was qualified.
But with my enthusiasm sparked I began this course. Since doing some CRT work
in a school library and wading through the subject readings my perceptions have
evolved. What I once thought would be a stress free job shelving books and
helping students use the catalogue has transformed into a super-charged
position full of creative potential.
Working in a school library is busier than I ever imagined. New
books need scanning and summarising for upcoming power point presentations. A
monthly report needs drafting. Letters for overdue books need to be collated. Tasks
are never completed in one sitting because interruptions are inevitable. Teachers
want tubs of books made up for next week’s classes. Students want staplers or
sticky tape, or help with the printer or photocopier. Class sets go out and
come in again and there are always students and staff who can’t find something
on the shelves or the Internet.
In such an environment TLs need to plan and prioritise. Wilson
(2009) suggests taking time to plan the day into manageable chunks. TLs need to
know what to give their full attention to as there is little free time (Wilson,
2009). Even lunch hours are pared back because TLs are supervising students.
Purcell’s (2010) time study exercise is one method of recording what a
librarian achieves each week. It can also inform where productivity measures can
be introduced.
TLs can’t afford to be recluses. I know of one TL who only
leaves the library to use the toilet, which I would suggest is not the best way
to get to know the staff and their curriculum needs. Sharing ideas is important
but a librarian must do more than offer a few resource suggestions to
colleagues in the rest-room. Yucht (n.d) suggests TLs should have lunch with
different staff members each day to make sure you are on good terms with
everyone. She stresses the importance of observing faculty interactions and
school culture carefully. TLs can’t afford to exclude people just because they
have little in common. Libraries are for all.
TLs need to be good listeners to cater for both student and
staff needs and to deal with conflict situations (Gilman, 2007; Sanders, 2004,
p127). Conflict between staff creates a climate of negativity in which
librarians shouldn’t indulge. Good professional relationships should also be
cultivated with the principal. Haycock (2004) states that this is vital to
foster support for the library program. Likewise, joining curriculum panels or
management committees further shows the school community that the TL is a
leader, a team player and a committed professional. This engagement also
advertises to staff that you are willing to engage in collaboration (Ashworth,
2006).
Collaboration is one of the key skills of the TL. If TLs are
actively engaged with the teaching process they will be held in better regard
by staff and if good results ensue, staff will return for further
collaboration. As a CRT I’ve had little opportunity for this but I make sure
I’m hovering nearby to guide staff and students to relevant resources whenever
a class researches a topic.
Another way of generating collaboration is through using Web
2.0 tools like wikis and blogs with staff members (Gilman, 2007). Being a ‘techno
savvy’ individual is another vital skill of the modern TL (Ashworth, 2006) and
TLs need to encourage staff and students to become more information
literate.
There are many Information Literacy (IL) models that provide
a framework for helping students to understand their learning journey and give
cues for TLs to step in and help. I see a lot of merit in Kuhlthau’s Information
Search Process (ISP) however my local school is over-represented by ‘macho’
Outdoor Education type teachers who would sooner kick a football than articulate
feelings about looking for information. Despite
this, Kuhlthau’s (2012) ISP is a great theory for TLs to identify the steps
students go through in the library. Every day students are muddled about what an
assignment means. We see students eager to find a book on their topic, or
downcast when bombarded with 200,000 hits on Google. Students are unsure of how
to take notes when they do find relevant information. This is where TLs can
guide students on their research journey.
I’m still in the exploration phase of my journey. Let’s hope
I can focus on the task ahead as the TL position at the local school remains
unfilled.
Ashworth,
Justin. (2006). Letter to a First Year Librarian. School Library Journal. Retrieved 27 Sept from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6367047.html
Gilman, Todd.
(2007). ‘The Four Habits of Highly Effective Librarians.’ Do Your Job Better.
The Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved 21 July from http://chronicle.com/article/The-Four-Habits-ofHighly-E/46544/
Haycock, K. (2004). Priority-setting: the Tough Work.’ Teacher Librarian, Apr, Vol.31 Issue 4,
p6
Kuhlthau,
Carol Collier. (2012). Information Search process. Retrieved Sept 3 from http://comminfo.rutgers.edu/~kuhlthau/information_search_process.htm
Purcell, M.
(2010). All Librarians do is Check out Books, Right? A Look at the Roles of a
School Library Media Specialist. Library
Media Connection, v. 29 n.3 p30-33 Nov-Dec
Sanders, R.
(2004). Conflict Resolution. Australia Library Supervision and Management
(2nd ed.) (pp. 127-132). Wagga Wagga, NSW: Centre for Information
Studies, Charles Sturt University.
Wilson, Tim.
(2009). Effective Time Management for Teachers-How to Manage Your Workload.
Retrieved 21 July from http://www.time-management-success.com/time-management-for-teachers.html
Yucht, Alice. (n.d.). Alice in InfoLand. Y’s Guide to
Starting a New School/Library/Job. Retrieved 27 Sept from http://www.aliceinfo.org/ysgd-new-job/
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