Assignment 1 ETL 401

Wow, it continues to be an amazing journey, learning about the role of Teacher Librarian (TL)! The role of the TL is so multi-faceted and extensive. I didn't realise how involved and critical the role is, and I believe the majority of teachers including principals don't realise the vital role of the TL. With the TL working collaboratively  it can potentially have a massive beneficial impact on the school community.

 It was extremely interesting to study the two articles during Assignment 1. Purcell (2010) states the role of the TL is to work together to give the best learning situation for the student. Herring (2007) highlights the AASL point that the TL “works closely with individual teacher in the critical area of designing authentic learning tasks and assessments and integrating the information and communication abilities required to meet subject matter standards” (AASL/AECT 1998, Roles and Responsibilities of the School Media Specialist, paragraph 1).Both the authors agree that the role of  the TL is a valuable one and an asset to the functioning of the school library. I think this collaboration role is an essential factor that promotes student learning and success as Purcell (2010) points out that the role of instructional partner allows TLs to “Collaborate with school staff to provide the best learning environment for the student”. Haycock (2007) highlights the benefits of teachers working together in collaboration and described there are benefits for all members involved; teacher, TLs, administrators and especially students. “Collaboration ignited creativity among teacher and the “creative Fire” spread to learners (Haycock,2007 p.25).


The school culture is a pivotal point on how well the TL can accomplish goals in the school based on the school policy.  Teachers tend to perform to their perception of what the administrator wants (Haycock 1999). “It would be fair to day the principal is the key factor in developing an effective and integrated school library program” (Haycock, 1999 p83). However I believe the TL needs to highlights all the benefits with evidence, to promote the school library and to facilitate its growth (Haycock 2007). If the TL is friendly and approachable they will be more likely to connect with fellow colleagues and have a good working relationship. TLs need to be authentic and build their credibility as agents of change, to promote their value position and to have the qualifications to match (Oberg, 2006).


Hence I will continue on my study to hopefully gain this qualification and become an agent of positive change towards the students we teach.



Australian School Library Association (ASLA) and Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). (2004). The library standards of professional excellence for teacher librarians, available http://www.asla.org.au/policy/standards.htm

Haycock, K (1999). Fostering Collaboration, Leadership and Information Literacy: Common Behaviors of Uncommon Principles and Faculties NAASP Bulletin pp. 82-87

Haycock, K. (2007). Collaboration: Critical Success Factors for Student Learning. School Libraries Worldwide, 13(1): pp. 25-35.

Herring, J 2007. “Teacher librarians and the school library” in Ferguson, S Ed, Libraries in the 21st century: charting new directions in information services. Centre for Information Studies, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW

Oberg, D. (2006). developing the respect and support of school administrators. Teacher Librarian, 33(3), pp 13-18.

Purcell, M. (2010). All Librarians Do Is Check Out Books, Right? A Look at the Roles of a School Library Media Specialist. Library Media Connection, 29(3), pp. 30-33.