Role of the Teacher Librarian

Role of the Teacher Librarain

After completing the essential reading for this topic, I must say my views on the role of a TL have changed some what. I did note that much of the reading is about high school media centres. I am a primary school teacher who works in a school where there is a limited number of computers in the library and they are mainly used to access the automated library system. We do not have a TL as such and our library is managed (very well I might add) by an untrained support person who works part time. Teachers are allocated a library time where they may bring their students to do research or change reading books. We have a very crowded IT room ( without enough computers for every child!)and a part time IT person who takes the students for "media lessons" Each class is also allocated some research time in the computer room which is run by the classroom teacher.


Unfortunately, our school library like so many other primary school libraries is seen as just a place to house books. It desperately needs an enthusiastic TL to show case it's true use and potential! Here in WA many schools have lost their TL as they are not seen as essential to the school and its' mission.


One of the main reasons I took on this course was to help bring me into the 21st century as far as Technology goes. I have been excited to see all that it can offer the education field. I chose to study on-line as a way of helping me to become techno savvy! So far it is proving to be very challenging and different but very interesting.


My reading has shown me this:


I want to be part of the movement to help others see the school library as more than a book collection. I want to help develop the concept of the library being a vital, up to date media centre that can extend beyond it's physical confines.(Lamb & Johnson 2008)
I want to be the TL that still helps young people develop a passion for reading, but perhaps my recommendations might also include an audio book or web-based magazine.
I want to be the TL who can provide guidance in the effective use of materials and information technology to both students and teachers.
I want to be the TL who participates in curriculum design and assessment.
I want to be the TL who makes the library the exciting central hub of relevant learning for his/her school.
I want to be able to provide support to my school administrators and fellow teachers.
I want to be a Teacher Librarian in the 21st Century!


Now I must get back to my study that is going to help me achieve all this!
Cheers!
Tracy

Back Again!

I have had a fairly rough start to this on-line studying! After a family emergency and an unplanned trip overseas, I'm back in Aus., back at work and madly trying to catch up.


I was having all sorts of problems posting my blogs before I left. I was writing and posting but nothing except the title was coming up! I spent many late nights trying to figure out what was going on. Now with my computer savvy daughter's help I finally found my mistake. White text on a white background! How dumb was that???


I am off and running now. I have spent the whole day reading for ETL401. So much reading, my head is spinning! Now I am really starting to panic about the first assignment. I haven't even looked at ETL501 yet!


Makes life interesting! :) Till next time.....
Cheers
Tracy