Your Teacher Librarian serves the district as ...
an Information Specialist: Teacher librarians working as information specialists happens when they can recommend technology to enhance resources, learn new technologies to benefit the school, and use that technology as a conduit between the school and the world. As technology users, teacher librarians bring knowledge about reading and research apps which mesh with school resources. Teacher librarians raise awareness of these resources and demonstrate “how to use these information technologies constructively, ethically, and safely (AASL, p. 56). It is the duty of the teacher librarian to learn more about current apps and their uses. Attending educational functions and participating in professional learning communities is a way to achieve this (Weisburg & Toor, 2015). As teacher librarians accumulate knowledge of relevant technologies, this information can be used to nurture students’ connection to the global learning community. While on the quest for more information technology, teacher librarians should be seeking opportunities for learners to meet and exchange ideas beyond the classroom (Iowa School Librarian Program Standards, 2019). Additionally, this is accomplished by helping students understand their positions in this learning community through exposure and reflection (AASL, 2018).
a Teacher: Teacher librarians share their knowledge of ways to gather reliable resources with students to serve their needs and work to cultivate memorable library related opportunities to stimulate personal curiosity. Teacher Librarians present students with all the resources and possibilities that are available within the library and provide this throughout the year. (AASL, 2018, p. 50). One-on-one learning opportunities are provided, which allows the teacher librarian to anticipate student patron needs in a way that encourages them to independently seek help and instruction at the library. (Weisburg & Toor, 2015, pp. 84-85) The teacher librarian provides students with contests and challenges featuring a variety of tasks which encourage imagination and innovation. (AASL, 2018, p. 51)
an Instructional Partner: Teacher librarians working as an instructional partners heighten the reach of library resources and knowledge. Collaborating with classroom and specialist teachers creates an elevation of lesson planning in order to create well rounded learners. Continuing education can be shared to provide more resources for all members of the educational community.
a Program Administrator:
In the Program Administrator role, Teacher Librarians ensure the appropriate operation of library services by (1) advocating for intellectual freedom, privacy, and copyright adherence, (2) making and implementing plans and policies, and (3) overseeing budget management and facility care (AASL, 2018). They champion access to information while upholding confidentiality and copyright laws, guaranteeing equitable availability of resources (ALA, 2019). They play a vital role in departmental financial planning and allocating resources for educational materials and library initiatives (Iowa DE, 2019). Finally, they develop procedures for circulation and coordinate maintenance to keep the library a center of learning and teaching (Moreillon, 2017).
a Leader: Teacher librarians acting as leaders keep themselves apprised to local and global issues that affect the profession. They also actively pursue relevant ideas from peers, educators, and learners that will help their program.
References
AASL. (2018). National school library standards for learners, school librarians, and school libraries. Chicago, IL: ALA Editions.
ALA. (2019). Access to resources and services in the school Library: An interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/accessresources
Iowa Department of Education. (2019). Iowa school library program standards. https://educateiowa.gov/pk-12/instruction/school-library
Moreillon, J. (2017). The learning commons. Teacher Librarian, 44(3), 21–25. http://search.ebscohost.com.proxy.lib.uni.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eft&AN=121419967&site=ehost-live.
Weisburg, H. K., & Toor, R. (2015). New on the job: A school librarian’s guide to success (2nd ed.). Chicago, IL: American Library Association.