Scholastic Webinar: Collaboration in the School Library

In the survey I conducted with school librarians, the majority of whom are from schools that have partnered with Scholastic's Reading Program, four relatively new roles emerged from the shift to online and the digital rendering of library services and programs: 1) teacher of media and information literacy skills; 2) content creator; 3) research facilitator; and 4) technology consultant. Prior to the pandemic, I believe that some school librarians were already performing one or more of these roles. However, not all school librarians were doing so, or such roles were seldom discussed among school librarians in roundtable discussions and professional assemblies. This underscores the need for further research to establish a theory of professional practice.

Each of these roles requires specific skills and competencies from the school librarian. What is common among the four new roles is the ability to collaborate with library staff, teachers, school leadership, and members of the internal school community, as well as reaching out to society at large.

Collaboration in schools and educational institutions is grounded in the studies and philosophical works of Lev Vygotsky, Jerome Bruner, and John Dewey. It is a social skill that utilizes highly developed communication skills, as well as emotional and moral courage to listen to partners when completing shared tasks. When a school community perceives the library as an essential part of its learning ecosystem, it becomes feasible for the school librarian to function as a partner, team member, and collaborator in key projects and programs within the school. This lays the groundwork for Embedded Librarianship.

Based on selected readings, resources, and reflections from my own practice, I created conceptual maps on collaboration in school libraries and teacher-librarian partnerships. These models serve as references for examining, reflecting on, and planning tasks involving the facilitation of research skills, co-teaching of academic writing, and creation of content in both online platforms and physical formats.

School librarians coordinate and collaborate with students, faculty, academic departments, and student services, especially school leadership, in planning and implementing services and programs. Additionally, school librarians forge pathways for networking and linkages within the school community and broader society. This model is common in many school libraries where librarians provide access to information, resources, and reading materials. Serving as a liaison of valuable information is a role that school librarians can comfortably undertake using various technology tools. During the pandemic, when school campuses closed, libraries transitioned online to continue their coordinating and cooperating roles. On the other hand, a school community can maximize the library and its valuable human resources when the school librarian is integrated into the instructional and academic teaching force.

In this framework, collaboration is perceived and applied as a shared process. While the roles of teachers and librarians may differ, each contributes to achieving tasks and projects that lead to effective and meaningful learning experiences. Establishing a shared goal and understanding the complementary skills of teachers and librarians are crucial.

I have blogged about specific tasks, projects, and teaching partnerships. Follow the Teacher and Librarian Collaboration link to read more about them. 

Below is another visual map illustrating the teamwork between teachers and librarians.

The realization of this model depends on how school leaders perceive school librarians. The competencies of both teachers and librarians are essential factors in making this model a reality in many schools. Collaboration requires trust, and therefore, personal attitudes and behaviors toward each other play a significant role. Despite encouragement from school leaders, some teachers may not feel comfortable working with school librarians. However, a creative and people-oriented librarian can facilitate collaboration through deliberate communication and planning with colleagues. These efforts require time, patience, and strategic thinking.

References:

The Many Faces of School Library Leadership. Coatney. Sharon. Editor. Libraries Unlimited. California: 2010.

Montiel-Overall, Patricia. Toward a Theory of Collaboration for Teachers and Librarians. AASL, 2005 (PDF)

Standards for the 21^st Century Learner. American Association of School Librarianship. Chicago, Illinois: AASL, 2009

Trilling, Bernie and Charles Fadel. 21^st Century Skills: Learning for life in our times. California: Josey Bass/ John Wiley Sons, 2009.