How Teacher Librarians Share their knoweldge



A librarian’s area of expertise is information management; in the twenty first century Librarians are information providers, consultants, curriculum activist, instructional designers, instructional leaders, production specialist and most importantly teachers. That is a very long list of the roles and responsibility of a Teacher Librarian to accomplish on their own. The saying, “it takes a village to raise a child” is also true that it takes a community of teachers to teach students to become successful global citizens.  The only way this can happen is if knowledge is shared with everyone.

What can I do as an up and coming Teacher Librarian to support my school community? That is such a difficult question, especially since my district does not have Learning Commons. So the suggestions I am going to give will seem very basic, and that is with good reason as this is the start of an updated library.

To begin with I would need to provided a Professional Development day for my fellow colleagues on what a Learning Commons is. 

(Retrieved from Google)
This will be the opportunity to inform the staff on the grand funding that I have applied for to update our traditional library into a Learning Commons. During this PD I will have opportunity for any staff members to join the Learning Commons committee. I can go over the policy and procedures and mission statement of Province of Alberta. Using this as a stepping stone for any committee members to help develop our own policies, procedures and mission statement for our unique school. Opening up the floor to any questions on the transition.

My school does not have an online catalogue, which makes it really challenging for teachers, parents and students to see what resources are available. I have already contacted the Board to see if they would be interested in using online databases to connect each school in our district and simulate a connectivity of the community at large. This is a very long shot to accomplishing for just one teacher, but it is a start to grab attention to help the transition as a district into Learning Commons.

This year I would love to develop a blog similar to, Using your school library. My blog will be posted on our website for my school community. On this blog there will be information on how what information is important, how to support your child with reading, suggestions for websites, apps and articles.

As Educators we can do only our best with the resources we have available. The best strategy I can suggest for myself, and my situation is to be patient and understanding. Taking one day at a time in the transition to a Learning Commons. Like I said at the start this is all very basic ideas, solutions and strategies that many TL’s do not need to think about as these are already in place, but the start to what I am doing.

References

Hutch, E. Libraries School Social Media and lots more. Retrieved October 17 from: http://elizabethutch.blogspot.ca/

What is a Learning Commons. Retrieved Oct 17 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bz7PA5cm_N8



Comments

  1. Aaron Mueller19 October 2017 at 06:34

    A good description of the current situation and challenges you are working through to implement and support some of the key changes needed. I do hope you find some support from your district to create new connections, networks and opportunities for your staff and school. As well, I hope you are able to get your catalogue online soon. A good post with some good references, labels and ideas.

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  2. Unknown21 October 2017 at 17:37

    From my experience working in special education, when I needed some kind of support to enhance student learning, I would try to get the parents on board when advocating for my students. Parents' voices hold a lot of weight and influence on getting the support I needed. Of course, I had to also do my research and present my case to my administrator and get them on board as well to help advocate at the school board level. I hope you get your catalogue online. Good luck!

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    Replies
    1. Unknown22 October 2017 at 15:35

      Thanks for your support, If only it were that simple. The Calgary School Board is one of the biggest boards across Canada. With that said to make a suggestion of putting our catalogue online is like climbing Everest. So fingers crossed that one day we will go online.

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  3. Larissa Kaminsky22 October 2017 at 19:21

    From what I have heard from others in your situation in Alberta, we are very lucky to work in B.C. who still seems to value TL's and the idea of a SLLC. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be not only for yourself to not have a online catalogue, but also for teachers not to know whats available in their school and elsewhere in the district. I applaud you for your attempt to update your system to the 21st century and wish you all of the best to try and advocate for this new transition. My advice would be to try not to do this alone. I'm sure there are others in the same position as you and I think the more momentum you get, the better success you may get.

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