“A library at its best is the heartbeat of the school, the nucleus, the focus” (vkelly, 2015). This statement is my driving force in my philosophy for school librarianship. Understanding the nature of a school librarian program and its connection to student success. There are several key components to a successful program including education and support of students, training and partnerships with staff, cooperation and communication with administration, management of the library facility and staff, community outreach and advocacy, and continued personal professional growth.
In order to facilitate student achievement and education this begins with literacy. Literacy in terms of books as well as media literacy. Information consumption can be overwhelming and it is important to give students the skills they need to evaluate and understand data whether it is video, audio, image, and/or text. It is also a priority to create a collection that gives representation to each student creating an welcoming and open environment. Evaluation of the collection to maintain that the needs of all learners are represented.
The librarian is a teacher partner. As the curriculum for media literacy is skills based it can be integrated into nearly any subject area making collaboration a perfect vehicle for delivering information literacy and critical thinking skills. The AASL states “The school library media center provides a setting where students develop skills they will need as adults to locate, analyze, evaluate, interpret, and communicate information and ideas in an information-rich world” (2015). The librarian instructs students both in groups and as individuals in research strategies, evaluation skills, and copyright and citation use, as well as teaching technology-use skills connecting to many educational activities.
The library is more than the four walls of the school. The school librarian must maintain a virtual presence and be accessible to students when they need it. “The library homepage is a crucial element in attracting teachers as well as teens to the actual library” (Geck, 2017: 21). A hub of information resources allows students to have access beyond the regular school day and physical space of the library.
The library also gives students the opportunity to explore topics of interest to them. “The school library media center is a place where students may explore more fully classroom subjects that interest them, expand their imagination, delve into areas of personal interest, and develop the ability to think clearly, critically, and creatively about the resources they have chosen to read, hear, or view” (AASL, 2017). It is a priority to the librarian to help students grow as individuals and should be involved in leading and developing in-school and extracurricular programs.
“As information specialists and instructional leaders of both learners and fellow educators, school librarians are uniquely positioned to teach every student and the school community through traditional, blended, and distance learning (AASL 2018). There are many facets to the school librarian including curricular partnerships, resources for instruction, and professional development provider on a 1:1 and group level. A school librarian is familiar with all core content areas and standards so can be a connector to larger interdisciplinary projects. Co-teaching and collaboration are key to the school librarian’s and therefore student success. She also keeps up to date with the latest research, resources, and educational technology. At times she assists in maintaining, updating, repairing and troubleshooting technology hardware and software and is familiar with the common machines and programs utilized in the school. Lastly, the school librarian uses digital, physical, social media to advocate for her students and program by sharing information with the school and community.
A strong partnership with administration is paramount for a successful library program. “Librarians and principals share the ability to see the full spectrum of instructional possibilities…their similar goals and parallel working conditions make them ripe for a strong partnership… Librarians must strive at all times to keep their principals up to date on the evidence of best practices in the programming and the services of the library” (Jensen, 2018: 32). Yearly annual reports are key to show evidence of student achievement, library accomplishments and strengths, and reflection of the program to plan goals for the future.
Not only is a librarian a teacher but they are also the administrator of the library as a facility. She is responsible for the management of the library program and components. Day to day management of the avitities, evaluation, and improving services. Creating welcome and useful space is key to building both student and staff achievement. Technology is a key component of the library and it is used effectively. Creating spaces in the library for all learners including those that need quiet, instructional, and collaborative spaces. Flexibility in the space allows it to be adaptable for any purchase needed.
A successful librarian comes down to the librarian. Being aware of current trends and developments in the field of library science, technology, and each curricular area makes for a vibrant and relevant program. She seeks opportunities to grow in her profession through professional organization, online resources, professional development, and advanced degrees. If the library is the heart of the school, then the dynamic librarian is the heart of the library.
AASL. (2017). Position statement on the role of the school library media program. [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.alal.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslissues/positionstatements/slmprole.cfm
Geck, C. The generation z connection: Teaching information literacy to the newest net generation. Teacher Librarian 33(3), 19-23.
Jensen, A. (2018) Presenting the Evidence: A Librarian’s Annual Report to the Principal. Knowledge Quest 37(2) 28-32.
Vkelly. (Producer). (2015). Harper_school_libraries. [Web]. Retrieved from http://ksutube.kent.edu/playback.php?playthis=85m0p1f5