1. Funding and budgets
2. Library time for teaching and collaboration
3. Training and support
4. Moving towards implementing a Library Learning Commons
5. Print versus digital reference resources
I am certain that there are countless other issues that T-L's face on a daily basis. However, as I am not a T-L presently, these aforementioned issues are the ones that stood out to me as I journeyed into the world of the T-L and navigated through this course.
1. Funding and Budgets:
It seems that while a T-L is constantly on the search for the newest and most up-to-date reference information and resources s/he is faced with these decisions amidst shrinking budgets. Deciding between digital versus print references is an ongoing debate and having to make many decisions with the precious dollars that are allotted to a T-L for the library collection certainly seems to be one of the issues in the foreground of the T-L's job. I feel like I learned a lot about the various reference resources that are available and how to evaluate them. I am looking forward to having more practical experience in this area.
2. Library time for teaching and collaboration:
T-L's face a lot of different tasks on the job. It seems that the while the Greater Victoria School District has laid out the job description very well, it can really be likened to wearing many different hats while building bridges in the school community as T-L's budget their time to achieve the goals of teaching students appropriate digital literacy and critical thinking skills, and supporting colleagues through collaboration. I feel like this is the most exciting part of the job and I think that I am well equipped to take on these roles from what I have learned in this course and also from my classroom experience and resource background.
3. Training and Support:
From my experience in my district, I sense that a lot of T-Ls have either been doing this job for a long time and have an enormous amount of knowledge because as Katz says:
"In time the beginner becomes a veteran. And veteran [school librarians] never quit; or are fired, or die. They simply gain fame as being among the wisest people in the world. One could do worse" (1).
This is probably something that comes from many years of experience and a willingness to evolve and take on a leadership role in the school community. My other experience has been that there are also a lot of T-Ls that have found their way into this position without adequate training and/or without adequate support from a mentor. From my little experience delving into this world, I believe it is complex. As a teacher with many years in the classroom and a trained resource teacher, I believe I have some qualities that are very valuable to take on a T-L role. There are so many helpful references for T-Ls to look at. I would choose: Riedling, Achieving Information Literacy, Leading Learning , the Surrey Handbook for Teacher Librarians and the BCTLA's From School Library to Learning Commons, to name just a few. However, I also believe that even with the coursework, it is not necessarily sufficient in prepare a person for a T-L position. It would be wonderful for the district to have a mentor for new T-Ls or to have short practicum placements in order to show newbies the practical "tricks of the trade". Some fortunate and now very amazing T-Ls that I know have been groomed for their position by the experienced T-Ls that had the job before them and were lucky to have this knowledge passed on to them.
4. Moving towards implementing a Library Learning Commons:
This is so exciting to me. I especially like the way the BCTLA lays out their vision for School Library Learning Commons when they compare the old model and the new model to an old cart and a new super-charged sports car. It is such a helpful document for anyone going through the transformation. Interestingly, a lot of new schools are being built in my district and while they may architecturally embody an LLC, the school communities, including staff and parents need to be brought on board to support this transformation. I feel like this could be a difficult task in some cases and it would take a strong staff, administration and much advocacy on the part of the T-L. Until this course, I never realized how political it can get!
5. Print versus Digital Reference Resources:
I think this is the issue at the core of this course and it defines the future of T-Ls and their role and their relevance. I see an enormous amount of value in print resources, especially for the younger students. I also see the importance of digital references and staying up to date with technology and media and sharing this information with staff and students. I am so grateful that my district offers a very substantial ERAC package of digital databases. It was worthwhile to delve into the deep web and gain awareness of what is out there and to look more closely at the various reference resources in the school library. As the old adage goes it truly is important to:
"use the right tool for the right job in the right way".And to pass this on to staff and students!
Bibliography:
Asselin, Marlene, Jennifer L. Branch, and Dianne Oberg. Achieving Information Literacy: Standards for School Library Programs in Canada. Ottawa: Canadian School Library Association, 2003. Print
Canadian Libraries Association. Leading learning: Standards of practice for school library learning commons in Canada. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Libraries Association.
From School Library to Library Learning Commons. N.p.: Bctla, May 2014. PFD.
Jensen, Yrsa. Teacher-Librarian Handbook. Surrey: SD36, Apr.-May 2007. PDF.
Riedling, Ann Marlow, Loretta Shake, and Cynthia Houston. Reference Skills for the School Librarian: Tools and Tips. Santa Barbara, CA: Linworth, an Imprint of ABC-CLIO, LLC, 2013. P
"School Libraries Matter: The Changing Role of the School Librarian." YouTube. YouTube, 22 Oct. 2014. Web. 02 Apr. 2017.
Footnotes:
1. Riedling, Ann Marlow, Loretta Shake, and Cynthia Houston. Reference Skills for the School Librarian: Tools and Tips. Santa Barbara, CA: Linworth, an Imprint of ABC-CLIO, LLC, 2013. page 25
A good reflective blog post that captures the essential tensions and requirements for the role and the space. You've highlighted many useful learning opportunities and resources that will support you in this new and exciting role. Also, great use of quotes!
ReplyDeleteMonika,
ReplyDeleteYour posting reminded me of all the different things that TL's have to consider when running a library-funding, collaborating with colleagues, and thinking about print vs. digital resources. As a teacher who has never been a TL, I like how you provided some resources/documents that TLs can refer to; I definitely plan to refer to them when I am a TL one day!
Thanks for sharing,
Minisha
Monika, it is sad that we have all these issues to deal with, but we make do with what we have and sometimes have to be creative with what resources we do have available us!! Keep up the good work, any school that has you should be proud to call you their TL!!
ReplyDelete