Survey results

Surveyed known teachers by email re role of teacher and role of TL. Some very interesting answers. Mainly focused on support to students and teachers in accessing appropriate resources, facilitating resource sharing. No mention of leadership aspects, or acknowledgement of need for familiarity with curriculum documents. Certainly no mention of collaboration with class teachers or teaching of critical literacy. Hence no concept of the need for publicity or advocacy of the TL role or the library.

Obviously, if there is no acknowledgement of a need for collaboration then there is no awareness of the need for any associated publicity or advocacy. It's a bit like travelling in a foreign country and experiencing a totally different culture. The teachers' expectations are not at all like the expectations of professional TLs. Obviously this has lead to the situations where it has been considered unnecessary to employ properly qualified TLs. Why would you need a teacher in the Library?

Perhaps things would change if some TLs made a concerted effort to become Principals?

Keywords from Interact - introduction

a particular focus on the teaching role of the TL, and the importance of collaborative cultures in facilitating resource-based and inquiry learning in schools.

Thoughts while travelling home...

What is the TL role in creating an inf. lit. (or is it inf. fluent) school community?
Resourcing - appropriately - adequately - respecting context (philosophy/world view)-
Curriculum based - BOS
Supporting teachers (and ancilliary staff) in teaching and associated activities which enables students and concurrently facilitates PD goals of teachers and support staff
Supporting parents, grandparents, friends as they hopefully collaborate with the school - parenting guides - disability support guides - modelling reading - hobbies
Tactful diplomat - Facilitator - identify gifts/talents of others and provide opportunities for expression
Publicist/entrepreneur - always 'selling' the role and the resources/programs & activities
Teaching effective & efficient use of resources
Teachable/willing to learn in order to remain relevant in digital age
Stimulating imaginations

Group Activity from Res School - 21/2/09

We chose these as indicative of the 5 key roles of a TL:
Knowledge of Curriculum & Resources/Topics - to enable a match-up
Teach Research/Information Skills including critical literacy
Flexible collaboration with class teachers - IT savvy leader/supporter
Self-motivation/initiative to promote the resources of the library & self
Administration/organization of people and resources/finances