More relections on the role of the teacher librarian

My readings regarding the studies of Todd, Kulthau & OELMA (2004) and Hay (2004, 2005) provided me with evidence of how school libraries and teacher librarians (Library media specialists) support students’ learning. "Evidence shows that an effective school library program managed by a dually qualified, fulltime teacher –librarian contributes significantly to student learning."(Hay, 2004.) This evidence can be used to promote the role of TL in schools and the wider education community. In the current situation in Victoria, where some schools are no longer employing teacher librarians it is imperative that we cease the opportunities to do so. It is also necessary for TL’s to assess student learning outcomes that are achieved through school library programs and collaborative teaching activities. The assessment data can be used to evaluate the success of the programs and to improve and plan innovative programs for the future. It can also be used as evidence of the TL and the school libraries contributions to the school community.
I noted two interesting inclusions in the IFLA/ UNESCO (2002) list of “Duties of the Teacher Librarian” was “to contribute to the mission goals of the whole school including evaluation procedures and to develop and implement those of the school library” and under the “Skills of a School Library Staff” it lists “knowledge and skills in the fields of management and marketing”. My experiences and my observations have demonstrated to me there is a need for TL”s to ‘market’ their own school library achievements and their profession.