Teacher+librarian+role

Subject: RE: [OZTL_NET] TL and cataloguing - the importance of the catalogue

Well said Noel - once upon a time librarians/information managers used cataloguing as the great mystery that differentiated them from the rest of the universe. Now it is usually a task for the Lib Tech (original) and Library Officer (copy). TLs especially, have other things to do and new roles to fill - like curriculum designer using quality resources in many formats and delivery modes, embedding information literacy skills development in said programs across the school, maintaining and nuturing literacy skills using a variety of different formats and delivery modes (some of which like the screen require different skills for students to make meaning from text), as information specialists and advisors on copyright, FOI, IP and cybersafety/security. Not to mention AUPs (accepatble use policies), integrating one-to-one laptop programs into curriculum, ebooks, electronic resources and virtual library services. There is SO MUCH to do, so much our students, teachers, senior admin and parents are unaware of in this brave new information landscape. I despair when people are still arguing over who does the housekeeping!

Don't get me wrong here - the housekeeping is extremely important. Your systems have to be running at an optimum level otherwise you will continually chase your tail trying to keep everything ticking over. However, these are things you manage as the professional staff member, delegate and let others do it while you as a TL get on with the teaching and learning part of your role.

Beware the pull and myth of technology too - I have noticed a scary trend in new librarians who now use Web 2.0 instead of cataloguing as the mystery that separates them from everyone else. Had a student last year who came back from a conference groaning about Web 2.0 and wanted to know why we just don't call it the Web. A good point - next year it may be Web 4.2 (Web 3.0 is already here). We need to stand back and look carefully at what we do, work out how to delegate to others, see the library space/resource centre/learning commons/icentre or whatever you want to call it and ask ourselves if it is relevant to our clients - remembering that while it may be relevant, if they perceive it as irrelevant then that is what it is. We also need to decide who our clients are - basically they are teachers first, admin second and then students third. TLs are specialist support teachers for teachers first, information specialists for admin and teachers, and the library lady/guy for the students third.

We are also part of the school community and our biggest advocates are an untapped source - the parents. Make sure they know who you are - offer PD, book clubs, newletter items and go to P&C/parents & friends meetings with something. A little time spent here may have huge dividends at a later date. [] []-**

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