This discussion post is used in conjunction with EYPD Education courses. The purpose is to increase awareness on the specific topic that may coincide with courses.
The library is the center or intersection for communication for the entire school. As teachers, counselors and administrators, we have to collaborate with the teacher-librarians to plan activities for professional development and training. Also, the library is an extension of the classroom and a place for “beyond the classroom learning”. This kind of success occurs when there are no silos or barriers that limit cooperation. Please read the following article by Senga White. Read here!
I was a public and private school librarian for years. I believe the library is the most under-utilized resource in the school! I strongly encouraged my teachers to select non-fiction/fiction library books to use in the classroom as a extension of the curriculum. Some did, and some did not. Sometimes, the library is viewed as a baby-sitter of sorts, instead of a extension of the classroom.
The librarian has a thumb on the pulse of so many aspects of the student population, from interests and abilities to reading level and acheivements.
I agree that the library and librarian could be utilized to help educate children. As a librarian, it is my job to encourage reading and have a literacy environment for the students to come to. I only see each class around 1 time per week, and even the culture of literacy is based around reading levels instead of enjoyment and relaxation. I want to be treated as an equal educator; however, my role is not as well respected because it doesn’t “influence” the data reports.