Wow, after my initial readings, my knowledge and definition of the TL has totally expanded.The role of TL is so multifaceted. Purcell's (2010) article identifies the following rolesof a TL as: leader, instructional partner, information specialist, teacher and programme administrator. Does such a person exist with all of these expert attributes??
I am absolutely amazed by the huge amount of work and expectations that is expected of a expert TL, it is quite overwhelming! Doing a timestudy would be a useful process, it would highlight where you are most productive and where you are time wasting. I think the priorities of the library need to be established beforehand, reflected upon and modified if needed. Hence a school library policy is paramount. It needs to facilitated by the TL and heads of school, so the main objectives are listed, implemented and regularly evaluated. The whole school needs to be consulted and informed, so the library or media centre is at the heart of the school.
Coming from a teaching background, I know I could be bias, but I believe the role of the 'teacher' should be up at the top of the list of the roles of TL, if not the top! Look at the title 'Teacher Librarian', the first word is 'teacher'! However, the knowledge of the content, that is, information and technology literacy is also imperative. I believe they go hand in hand, but I am hoping that my passion as a teacher will get me through and I will learn the technical skills along the way via professional development.
Eventhough it is rather daunting, because I don't see myself at all knowledgeable about information literacy, I will continue on my information literacy journey and establish my own ETL401 learning priorities. At the top of this list is doing the essential readings and gathering information for assignment 1!
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