Topic 2 Role of Teacher librarian

Watts, J (1999) The teacher librarian past: A literature review

This article was interesting as it discussed some of the many issues surrounding TL in schools based on a summary of the literature. The following are some of my thoughts after reading this article - a bit of a summary of my understandings.

Teacher Librarianship is a specialised position in schools. However, TLs are undervalued and under-utilised curriculum advisors in some schools, my secondary school unfortunately demonstrates this position. The article suggests that TLs must take responsibility to market themselves to both teachers and school administration and take up leadership positions in order to increase their status in the school. Principal support is important through good communication and shared vision so as to create a collaborative library program.
Many TLs have self doubts and are struggling to embrace and immerse themselves with technologies, both current and emerging. TLs need to grasp new technologies and improve their abilities and skills through appropriate professional development which schools need to embrace.
One should not forget that one of the primary roles of a TL is to be a facilitator of information literacy - seeking, synthesising and using information sources through student-centred learning - and passing those essential skills onto students and staff. Working collaboratively with teachers in the planning and implementation of learning tasks is another essential role of TLs in schools. I envisage that TLs should be able to empower teachers and students as effective learners.
This article highlighted the TLs management components: effective leadership and services to meet the needs of students and staff. By being in a leadership position ensures the library is considered as the school's most important educational resource and NOT just another computer lab.