ABSTRACT
The role of libraries and of librarians in supporting and shaping learning within schools has changed over the past decade. The stereotype of librarian as the gatekeeper for checking out books no longer holds; instead, library media specialists bring a wealth of knowledge about curriculum, instruction, and instructional technologies to the table (McGhee & Jansen, 2010; Scholastic, 2016). Library media specialists not only support student learning, but can be an essential support for collaboration with and among teachers. Still, making the transition from past expectations to present realities of the school library can involve shifting mental models about what library media specialists’ work can and should involve. Dynamic school librarians who endeavor to work with teachers in collaborative ways are an essential component in the transition to a new paradigm for the ways in which libraries enable a robust instructional approach in the middle grades. School librarians, like other personnel, need the ongoing support of school leaders, and school leaders must consider how to work with school librarians to encourage faculty to collaborate instructionally for improved student outcomes. Preliminary Activities
Read the following:
Chapters 1 and 4 in McGhee, M., & Jansen, B. (2010). The principal’s guide to a powerful library media program: A school library for the 21st century, (2nd ed.), Santa Barbara, CA: Linworth/ABC-CLIO, LLC.
Then read “I’m an Expert: School Libraries Build Enthusiastic Learners” and review the infographic “School Librarians Transform Learning,” both in 152the 2014 School Library Digital Supplement to American Libraries (ALA, 2014).
How does the information presented in both readings compare with your experiences and knowledge about school librarians and library media programs?
Discuss your insights from Activity 1 with a school librarian. How does his or her practice align with or differ from the readings? What might account for any differences?
