Collaboration

At the heart of a school library program are strong collaborative relationships where the school librarian is able to directly and passively support the curriculum by working closely with the teachers and students.

Collaboration requires time, trust, and an understanding of learning objectives and teaching styles. Teachers have a working knowledge of how the school librarian supports their own instructional goals and student learning needs. It is through collaboration and advocacy that the school librarian’s important role is apparent in the entire learning community. By promoting the school library program, the position of school librarian, and the benefits of collaboration, a school library can become a cornerstone of the learning community.

School librarians must take advantage of every opportunity to collaborate. Each collaborative partnership creates a chance to advocate for the school library program and school librarian position. Simple steps can have impactful results. For example, when creating a student product like a worksheet, rubric, or template, add a footer that notes the project was planned in collaboration with the school librarian. Use a bulletin board outside the library space to promote the program by posting student work, student-created book reviews, or photographs from collaborative lessons. Rely on quantitative data and create qualitative data. Invite students, staff, and admin to share what they value about the library program.

Collaboration and communication go hand in hand. It is through communication that collaborative partnerships are created, celebrated, and continued. As a school librarian, the promotion of the program and position can be considered an extra task. Marketing the collaboration between the school librarian and the learning community is essential. Create a system where sharing the collaborative celebrations is part of your frequent communication and record-keeping practices.

Partnering

In order to strengthen your message and advocate for your school library, you must partner! Look to advocates within your community.

Alums: Do you have an illustrious alum who could come back to your school and speak to your students in your library? Include your administration in the planning and preparation of said visit. Make yourself an integral part of the experience.

Local Authors/Poets/Artists/Musicians: Do you have local talent who is not only willing to speak to students but able to do a community event at night for parents and family? Make the library where it all happens.

Public Library: Do you have a public library in your community? If so, do you invite the YA librarian to join you to do book talks - side by side? Support research? Show that the public library can be an arm or extension of your own.

Articulation: Do you have articulation meetings with your partner school librarians? Local community college librarian? Public librarian? You will find strength in numbers. Meet with them each semester to discuss ways to create innovative joint programs, support each other in teaching/learning, create frameworks for literacy and research, and promote and celebrate the work that we all do day in and day out.

Local Government Officials: Invite them to your library to speak to your students! Get to know who represents your District and how you can support them.