The Changing Role of the TL

An article in Teacher Librarian (October 2009) recently caught my eye.  At the end of our course, the  role of the teacher librarian was briefly discussed.  This is a topic that never dies among teacher librarians.  We are constantly discussing and debating the aspects of our evolving positions that we see as critical, as well as those aspects that get thrust upon us. An article by Elizabeth Marcoux and David V. Loertscher ,  The Role of a School Library in a School’s Reading Program ,discusses the ‘ideal’ situation for a teacher librarian, one that is less of a book manager and more of a fundamental professional in the development of reading initiatives in an elementary school.   Marcoux and Loertscher challenge us to delve into the ‘ideal’ elements listed in their article, and to think deeply about how we can incorporate these ideals into our individual, less-than-ideal daily working situations. 

Perhaps what stands out most prominently in this article is the need to have a full-time, credentialed teacher librarian in each school.  As a full-time staff member, the TL could best contribute to reading initiatives and collaborative planning between reading professionals and classroom teachers.  It should also be noted that the authors supported having a full-time qualified support personnel working in the library to best prepare, catalogue, repair, and organize materials.  As full-time TLs, the ideal situation would be  for us to be part of a ‘reading leadership team,’ assisting in the planning and decision making  of a school’s reading program(.  As part time librarians who do not work in the schools every day, it is easy to be ‘left out’ of this reading equation. 

Marcoux and Loertscher further emphasize the importance of the TL to be a visible member of the staff who can see the bigger picture by reaching out to community groups, parents, and even national and international organizations through the Internet.  These activities help to minimize the old belief that the library is a warehouse of books, waiting for customers to visit.  Overall, the authors challenge us to expand our isolated role into that of visionary and leader.

Marcoux,  Elizabeth and David V. Loertscher (2009). The Role of a School Library in a School’s Reading Program  Teacher Librarian, October 2009.