The Role of the Teacher Librarian

Vivian HarrisMillbank Public School

Standards of Excellence for the Teacher Librarian (2004)

• Australian School Library Association• Australian Library and Information Association• http://www.alia.org.au/policies/

TLstandards.pdf

Professional Knowledge

• Excellent teacher librarians...• 1.1 understand the principles of lifelong learning• 1.2 know about learning and teaching across

curriculum areas and developmental levels

• 1.3 have a rich understanding of the school community and curriculum

• 1.4 have a specialist knowledge of information, resources, technology and library management

Professional Practice

• Excellent teacher librarians...• 2.1 engage and challenge learners within a supportive,

information-rich learning environment

• 2.2 collaboratively plan and resource curriculum programs which incorporate transferable information literacy and literature outcomes

• 2.3 provide exemplary library and information services consistent with national standards

• 2.4 evaluate student learning and library programs and services to inform professional practice

Professional Commitment

• Excellent teacher librarians...• 3.1 model and promote lifelong learning• 3.2 commit to the principles of education and

librarianship• 3.3 demonstrate leadership within school and

professional communities• 3.4 actively participate in education and

library professional networks

• Libraries have changed from being places where information is stored to places where information is found, analysed, created and shared.

• Librarians have changed from being the guardians of information to being the information guides and specialists.

“the library is not just a place to get stuff, it is a place to make stuff, collaborate on and

share stuff. Not a grocery store, but a kitchen!”

Joyce Valenza

Change=Opportunities

Changes

• Explosion in information• Explosion in ICT technology• Introduction of English Australian Curriculum in

2014• Local School, Local Decisions• Realignment• Increased interest in Project Based Learning,

Inquiry Learning and Problem Based Learning in education

Australian Curriculum

Cross-Curriculum Priorities

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures

• Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia• Sustainability

Australian Curriculum

General capabilities• Critical and creative thinking• Ethical understanding• Information and communication technology

capability• Intercultural understanding• Literacy• Numeracy• Personal and social capability

• Most of these are Information Literacy skills

Pathways for Learning Anytime Anywhere Network for Educators

Educational Goals for Young Australians (MDEGYA 2008)

Successful Learners• develop their capacity to learn and play an active part in

their own learning• have essential skills in literacy and numeracy and are

creative and productive users of technology, especially ICT….

• Are able to think deeply and logically and obtain and evaluate evidence in a disciplined way…

• Are creative, innovative and resourceful, and are able to solve problems in ways that draw upon a range of learning areas and disciplines.

Resources

• Australian School Library Association (2004) Standards of Excellence for the Teacher Librarian http://www.alia.org.au/policies/TLstandards.pdf

• DEEWR (2008) Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians http://www.mceecdya.edu.au/verve/_resources/national_declaration_on_the_educational_goals_for_young_australians.pdf

• NSW BOS (2012) Learning Across the Curriculum http://syllabus.bos.nsw.edu.au/english/english-k10/learning-across-the-curriculum/