Making Sense of the Readings

Role of the Teacher Librarian


Most articles/readings support the notion that the role of T/L is quite diverse and the knowledge base required is extensive and well documented.  The role has certainly developed more over the past few years.  The concept by many is that the librarian sorts books and borrows them out to staff and students this is also documented and a small mini survey I have done at my work place with both the students and teachers would also agree with this notion.  I took on my role of the librarian at my school this year as I love learning and seem to thrive on challenges and we needed someone in the role.  We have a small population of students and staff and there have been some challenges facing us over the past few months with the setting up of our brand new Learning Centre.  The IT now in this centre is state of the art. We are also very much leaning towards Inquiry Based Learning from K -6. (Our population is K-6 only, with a Transition class commencing this term).
While there are some similarities between authors regarding views/trends of teacher librarians there are some aspects that are diverse. The integration of IT and other digital media is such a 21st C ideology that is part of the TL role. The team approach to planning the Inquiry based learning is very much a collaborative effort.  You certainly need a committed Curriculum Director to help drive this as well. This brings into focus the role of the Principal,  without support from this level would make these efforts extremely difficult. It is generally agreed that collaboration of all involved in the Policy and Procedure Development best assists in the overall learning that is accomplished by the students in our care. There are a couple of issues that I feel are not addressed in several of the readings I have done so far including the relevance of students acquiring the knowledge to be critical in their dealings with text.  Herring, Purcell, Lamb & Johnson cite several aspects that address the roles of the teacher librarian have in common.  I am evolving in the role of the TL although for the remainder of this year I am employed as the Librarian. I can see the value (or necessity) for the T/L to be at so many school committees/meetings.  Anything that has to do with planning/curriculum/policy and procedure.  Another challenge..I am embarking on moving the Accelerated Reader programme into our library this term and I am keen to update our management system in the Library to  web based for many reasons.

Week 3 about to Commence

Interesting reading about various views of what does a school librarian, school teacher librarian do.  I thought I would take a look at different countries as per the Webinar of Lyn Hay's on discussion of the different topics for ETL401.  I will use the theme of One World Many Stories as my driver.  I also became the owner of my I Pad time factor is a worry.........well I was thinking of increasing the hours in the day/the week anyway.

Week 2 Beginning the BLOG

Well it is underway, also back at school today.

Search Engines

Well Dogpile is an interesting combined search engine(s).  Worth exploring

Well Week 1 has arrived

Well week 1 has well and truly arrived.  Steering my way around the ETL 401 and ETL 501, information forums, library.  A study buddy is a great idea everyone! it takes the panic out of thinking OMG moments what am I doing??  Together with an introduction this term 3 of Accelerated Reader and also thinking of new library management system Oliver Junior.  Well I just had another OMG moment.  Well there is still the weekend to go before the start of Term 3 AND Week 2 of the Courses!

The Adventure Begins

Well it is now July, momentous decision already taken earlier this year 2011 to commence the Teacher/Librarian Masters at CSU.
The decision as is always the case with any earlier education is that I try and fit a lot into a shortened time frame. Was I wise in selecting 2 units of study to do in the 1st semester?  Time is needed to make the most of and gain further insight into the world of teacher/librarian.  I was a lecturer at university for 17  years before moving into a new working environment in the Southern Highlands.  I currently work 2 days a week as school counsellor and 2 days as school librarian.   I am still involved in adult learning working with groups doing subjects at Masters, Diploma and Graduate Certificate level.  So I understand the complexities of taking on mature age study.  I have also heard every excuse as to why students require extensions.  I am hoping that I will not resort to any of those excuses.