Role of 21st century Librarian

As Teacher Librarians it is our job to help teachers, students and the school community with gathering information, planning, and researching. With my schools slow transition from a Traditional Library to a Learning Commons the role of a Librarian has changed, yet still just as important. Capstone Publishers video “School LibrariesMatter: The Changing Role of the School Librarian” goes into detail about the changing roles of the librarian. 



Video Retrieved from You Tube

Ann Rielding also believes that a “Learning Commons model envision libraries as information hubs supporting learners by providing library resources, technology tools and support, tutoring, and other academic support services, all in one central location” (pg. 116). This will be very difficult to obtain in my school since we do not have an actual certified Librarian. With that said I think it is even more important to teach students the skills to be successful at searching, accessing, using and evaluating information. How can I as a primary teacher, instill these skills when language development and technology skills are not achievable independently?

Retrieved from Google
First off students need to develop the skills to be critical thinkers. The best model I believe at the primary age is through Points of Inquiry. When it comes to research at the primary age, initially, most of the information or references should be organized and set out for the students and all they need to do is listen to the content to decipher what information is being stated and if it answers any questions they may have. The reason I feel this is because language development is still at the developing stage of expression, word choice, and comprehension.



There is such a change in society today with a heavier focus on technological literacies. When it comes to what reference materials are acceptable at the primary age I do believe “crowd sourced” materials play a big role. At this stage students are still learning how to use technology. When doing research reference sources such as Wikipedia can give a base line of information for younger learners to understand or answer some of their initial questions. Then it is up to the teacher to provide bibliographic instruction; by providing activities to teach students how to use information within the school library as well as sources outside of the school community.

I’m going to leave you with a powerful video by KCTV5 News that even explains how in the United States there is heightened popularity of public Learning Commons focused around Millennials. Librarians play an important role, having the experience and expertise in evaluating resources will only enhance information and enlightenment for successful society members.

                                                                        Video retrieved from You Tube


Works Cited

Capstone Publishers. “School Libraries Matter: The Changing Role of the School Librarian.” Online video clip. You Tube. Oct 22 2014. Web. January 18 2018.

 

KCTV5 News. “Libraries surprisingly popular with millennials.” Online video clip. You Tube. July 8 2017. Web. January 18 2018.


Riedling, Ann, Reference skills for the school library media specialist: Tools and tips, (Third Edition). Linworth.

Comments

  1. Aaron Mueller29 January 2018 at 06:28

    A good first reflective blog post that outlines some of the key highlights for you so far, as well as ending on a very positive note for the future. Your discussion of areas your school and community needs more support and assistance, as well as some good connections to our key resources in the class, as well as some useful outside resources that help connect our key roles and visions with implementation. Good demonstration of reflective blogging to start off the course.

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