When I tell people I am a teacher librarian, listeners mostly hear the word 'librarian' and find this both interesting and boring at the same time. Many are not sure if I am 'really' a teacher, or do I just shelve books in a school library? To many TLs, self-defining our job is a tough one, as well.
As I was reading our assigned text by Ann Reidling, Reference Skills for the School Media Specialist: Tools and Tips, I was overwhelmed with the verbs that jumped out at me which seem to encompass the true definition of a teacher librarian:
"mediates" "assists"
"brings together..." "guides" "serves" "provides"
In many ways, a teacher librarian in the role of reference specialist is in the service industry. As Reidling suggests, we have three fundamental elements which are needed: 1) we have information, 2) a student approaches us with a question, 3) we provide an answer. No, we do not ask if they would like a side of fries with that, but we sure do try to meets their needs and provide them with the best possible learning opportunity in the library!
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