Firstly,I must apologise for not citing the source of the last 2 papers. You will find the reference in a comment at the end of each post !!it was along night at the computer last night ... 1:30 am !!
This is a great chapter from our very own Professor James herring. It was interesting to read, very informative and here is the link straight away !! ...
Herring, J 2007, ‘Teacher librarians and the school library’ IN Ferguson, S ed, Libraries in the 21st century: charting new directions in information services.
Herring also sees school libraries as an integral part of most schools, especially if the TL is both trained as a teacher and as a librarian. He places a huge emphasis on the role of the library providing skills for life ... what a top way to look at our job !!He details the many and often overlapping roles of the TL. I enjoyed reading this article as I found it very practical. I was daunted for a while, but was relieved to read that yes, while we would like to be super TL we can't fulfill all the roles at any one given time. So as well as being practical, I found this article realistic. Thank you !!
Again Hherring identified the need to prioritise our roles in regard to current need of staff, students and community.We need to be responsive to our environment, again something I have been learning as a new TL in the job.We also need to be aware that our role evolves, and we need to remain relevant. This linked to a great article I have read and reread from my last course and in this one called "Shift Happens. It's time to rethink, rebuild and rebrand." By Lyn Hay, 2010. In this and Herrings article the link becomes clear that Information Literacy is at the heart of this.They need to be integrated with all aspects of learning.
Whatever the aspect of the TL you are focussing on, it needs to be communicated to the rest of the school and the community.
It was said by our other (wise and witt)y lecturer, Judy O 'Connell,it is an exciting time to be doing this course. I certainly agree !! Professionally it is so relevant .... my greatest fear as I began study after 23 years out of College. It is addressing the issues at the heart of our day to day work, as well as the big picture. For this I am so excited ! It is wonderful to be studying what you are passionate about and also doing !!
Although the answers are not always black and white, or instant, they are thought provoking and challenging not only myself, but hopefully our team as I share what we are discussing.
So, if you have got this far in my post and are still keen, go online and sign up for an inspirational ride !!
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