They told me that neither of their schools had one but had libraries. Budgetary issues were identified as one reason.
And then a colleague emailed me an article written by Nick Earls that got me thinking about the problems that not having a teacher librarian could have for schools, even schools that have an unqualified teacher librarian managing it.
The first problem is that the collection is more likely to become mismanaged. Collections are more likely to be poorly maintained like outdated resources or items easily disappear. I can testify that from experience at one school and while fixable, the time to fix it will be a long one.
There was one matter that affects even us qualified teacher librarians - The self checkout. Yes the public libraries have them but does self checkout help students pick the right books? Experienced school library staff have a broad knowledge of literature and can make a recommendation based on what they know to each student. Without that guidance, it can create problems. A parent could ring up the school and complain if their child has borrowed a book that may have objectionable material. A student may not be able to utilise or use a book effectively e.g. Borrow a book that is above their reading level.
But what else does a school lose from not having a teacher librarian?
- An advocate for reading - Teacher Librarians love to read and they want others to read as well. The ultimate role model for reading. I can see from my practice how I have encouraged others to read. There are kids for instance who are doing the NSW Premiers Reading Challenge, who might have not done so in the first place. I am even reading books and seeing if I can read 20 books from the PRC list. Will be handy for making book reviews.
- Less opportunities for innovation in teaching and learning. It has been reported that ICT skills amongst school students in Australia is on the decline. A Teacher Librarian is able to collaborate with colleagues to provide teaching and learning experiences that not only incorporate ICT skills, but also educate students on how to use them effectively.
- Students will engage less with literature - The internet is not a one stop shop for information. Through a Teacher Librarian, they will be exposed to information in differing formats including print. Even in this digital age, youngsters love their printed material. Think wide reading. Would students and teachers know whats even there?
- The library is not valued as a centre for learning. The library more or less becomes a storage area for books; a bit like a museum. Books are not used for what they are intended for.
- Developing skills in critical and creative thinking. In this globalised society, we need to make the right choices and in order to do that, we need to think through critically. In countries like Australia, we lack innovation, and if Australia wants to compete with the world and remain a leading society, we need to have skills in creative thinking. Libraries with their wealth of information can give one the ideas needed to engage in that think, but also be guided in how to express their thinking, not just creatively, but critically.
