The Teaching Role of Librarians

The Teaching Role of Librarians

Dr. Rolando A. TahaEducation SupervisorDepEd, Puerto Princesa City

INTRODUCTION

The demands of higher academic standards are

also pushing librarians to teach more lessons than

ever, aligning their programs to teachers’ requirements

as they teach basic literacy and research skills or

commonly known as information literacy.


With the growing demands of information technology and the

emphasis on life-long learning, the teacher-librarian can be the

classroom teacher’s most valuable asset for instructional planning.

No longer viewed as “keepers and organizers” of library

material, teacher-librarians are full instructional partners with

classroom teachers.


Wilson (1987) said that one of the major components of the library is the librarian whose abilities, skills and professional knowledge are basic in teaching and promoting to the clients on the use of its resources and services.

Kasowitz - Scheer, Abby – Pasqualine and Michael (2002) stressed out that information literacy instruction (ILI) requires a shift in focus from teaching specific information resources to a set of critical thinking skills involving the use of information.


Mc Guiness (2010) suggested the following means of learning the theory and practice of teaching through:

Socialization to the profession – opportunities for “teaching apprenticeship”, mentoring

Establishing “Communities for Practice” – physical and virtual

Using Standards and Guidelines as a checklist for skills development – setting goals

Cultivating “Reflective Practice”, e.g. through the use of teaching portfolio among libraries


Booth (2010) developed a practical four-part instructional literacy framework to help library educators engage with the teaching aspects of their identities

Reflective Practice – it is the process of understanding and shaping one’s skills and abilities through out the entire process, not just assessing performance at the end of an interaction.

Education Theory – is evidence based insight into teaching and learning, which consists of learning theory and instructional theory.

Teaching Technologies – the tools and media that facilitates learning.

Instructional Design – a systematic and learner-focused method of integrating reflection, theory, and technology into the teaching and training processes.


What is a Teacher-Librarian?

A Teacher-Librarian is the school’s information and resource specialist, with professional qualifications in

education, and

Information science / librarianship.

The Teacher-Librarian is responsible for

initiating and participating in the teaching of information literacy in the context of the total curriculum, and

managing the school’s information resources and services to facilitate learning / teaching.



If the librarian has to teach, he needs to build his instructional literacy and teach

like an expert.

Librarians can shape themselves into educators by devising their teacher

identities.


“Librarians has to face this new challenging role – teaching is hard. It’s hard from any angle, using any technology to any learner. Even for those enviable

(and few) “natural teachers” , being an educator is as at least as challenging as it is rewarding. Not only

does teaching take skills, preparation, and diligence; it demands bravery, humor, and self-awareness.”


Booth, 2010

Librarians are educators by default…

- From the quickest reference interaction to the most in-depth information literacy initiative or staff-training program, librarians and library staff teach, train, present, and design learning materials in every aspect of the jobs, all the time.

- Through instruction, assistance and mentorship, libraries help individuals in every corner of society develop personal learning environments, find and evaluate the information they need to thrive, and empower themselves to be lifelong learners.

Booth, 2012


Peacock (2010)

“Librarians must be positioned as key educators in the teaching and learning. They require new

and refined skills and conceptual understanding that will enable them to perform with an

educational competence and professional confidence equal to that of their academic peers.”


In the teaching role, the librarian...

develops and implements curricula relating to information literacy and inquiry

assists students to seek, critically evaluate, synthesize and present information

helps students use a range of resources and technologies

provides opportunities for students to work in groups, individually or while class

collaboratively plan and teach units of work with subject and classroom teachers to develop information literacy

be inclusive of the diverse needs of learners.


As Information Specialist, the librarian…

develops a resource base for the school by using curriculum and students interests to identify and obtain library materials, organize and maintain the library collection in order to promote independent reading and lifelong learning


In the area of Program and Instruction, the librarian is responsible for…

implementing resource-based learning in a program for all students

analyzing student and curricular needs

effectively instructing/evaluating student learning

developing an appreciation for aesthetic qualities of literature

assisting in the development of an integrated plan for information literacy

knowing/using current technology in information processing

effectively supervising students


In the area of Curriculum Involvement, the librarian should …

be informed and proactive about current curriculum documents and developments

participate as a partner in planning, implementing and evaluating school policies relating to curriculum

actively promote student information literacy across the curriculum

develop with teachers a school-wide information skills continuum

work with school leaders to integrate information and communication technology into the curriculum


When it comes to Literature Promotion, the librarian is responsible for…

Exposing students to a range of genres in both print and digital formats

Developing strategies to foster a love of reading and literature for leisure

Promoting best quality literature and authors reflecting a variety of cultures and themes

Guiding students in theirs reading choices

Using selected tools/reviewing journals to keep informed about current literature for children and young adults

Collaborating with teachers to develop literature-based reading program


“The library is a school, and the librarian is in the highest sense, a teacher”

Melvin Dewey (1876)


Maraming Salamat po!


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The Teaching Role of Librarians