Monday, September 17, 2007
Image problems
In two recent, but separate, discussions, librarians have complained to me that part of our image problem is due to "cranky old school librarians". As a former teacher-librarian, I'm horrified, though I do know some of my school colleagues don't present the kind of image we'd like (but I think you can also say that about some people in all areas of the profession). I'm just wondering if this is the kind of comment you hear too? If so, how we might tackle it?
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7 comments:
I also have had this conversation and get the same response about image. I am investigating Second Life at the moment - very groovy and rather bizarre, remind me to tell you all about at the next teleconference!
Am wondering if it might be useful to raise the subject (tactfully of course) with our ASLA colleagues?? Niki
I may need to contact my WASLA colleagues soon (long story, tell you later) perhaps we should come up with a tactful tactic that we can follow! I would be much better with written ideas or script so my mouth doesn't get me in trouble!! You know, mouth engaged before brain problem. Nat
Yes, I've heard this one too.. BUT..the problem in many school libraries (especially in govt schools here in Tas)is that the majority are not actually staffed by professional teacher-librarians. Instead library-technicians(at best)or library aides/teacher aides are employed to 'operate' their libraries. Without qualified staff the focus becomes all about library processes and not customer service, info literacy, life-long learning, etc. - and the image problem is often compounded by school communities refering to them as 'the librarian'.
My daughter is a prime example of a child who had dreadful 'library experiences' at her former school at the hands of an unqualified dragon (who everyone from the Principal down referred to as the Librarian). Since changing schools (to one that has a fabulous library with qualified staff - a truly inspiring team of TLS and LTs)she has really begun to embrace her school library and never ceases to be amazed at what is possible!
The problem in Tas school libraries came up as the major local issue at our Hobart NAC last night. While ASLA Tas has been working to convince Principals of the importance of employing qualified teacher-librarians what really needs to be done is lobbying at state goverment level because it requires a change of goverment policy. Currently the employment of specialist teachers is at the discretion of the school principal, i.e. they decide whether or not to employ a drama teacher, art teacher, music teacher, LOTE teacher, teacher-librarian, etc. At last night's meeting we recommended that ALIA and ASLA,at the national level, work together to lobby the Tas state government to effect a change in policy.
Gosh it sounds like this issue is not unique to the SE corner of NSW! In NSW govt schools, teacher-librarians have to have teaching qualifications, and while library quals are desirable, they aren't essential.
Think that flexbility in staffing issue that you raise, Jane, exists in WA and Victoria as well. Am I right Nat and Margie?
I also think part of the problem is that most schools only have 1 teacher-librarian, so if that person is weird, incompetent, etc, it taints the whole profession. The situation is quite different with, for example, English teachers, where an eccentric or two are not so readily apparent amongst 6 or more English teachers on a typical high school staff.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to see a nationwide campaign to improve the image of teacher-librarians?
I hear this lots too. Totally agree with Jane thtat the problem of educating principles and lobbying for qualified staff is key. But also need to produce fabulous T/Ls and that's something we can work on immediately with visits to students - they need to know that they're setting the attitudes of their pupils, often for life. And totally agree with everyone's comments about engaging ASLA.
OK, so it seems there's plenty of agreement -- how are we going to tackle ASLA? any ideas? Guess we need to get ALIA on side, too. Of course I'm also wondering if we have enough energy to take this on? Maybe an idea for the new year when things are a little quieter, and the renewals are dealt with?
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