School Librarians as an Information Profession

School Librarians as an Information Profession

Executive Summary

School libraries are an active learning space where students as individuals focus on learning, discovering and appreciating the literacy world. School Librarians as information professions provide this learning space for students. The main purpose of this report is to focus on the School Librarians as an Information Profession. This report defines a School Librarian through the roles and responsibilities they undertake. It then provides brief information on the School Librarian’s instructional role, task and function in the education system by examining a range of journal articles, books, scholarly websites and blogs. The aim of this is to describe a School Librarians role and values in the education system. Firstly, it identifies the main roles, functions, tasks and the core values underlying such work. Secondly, it describes professional associations and social networks that are available for School Librarians. It provides a list of professional associations and the benefits for members. In this part of the report social networking and blogging is briefly examined. Finally the report discusses a current job advertisement from Wenona School; Head of Library and Information Services position. In this section the purpose is to analyses the key responsibilities and other criteria against suitability for a possible applicant and how a Bachelor of Information Study course might assist a student become more suitable for the position. The reports conclusion, briefly gives the concept about the evolved role of School Librarians in the present time education system.

1. Introduction

School Librarians are responsible for organising, managing and developing the school library and the library team. School Librarians also have the responsibility to manage a budget. Within these responsibilities a School Librarian must factor into their decision making the school curriculum, the values and culture of the school. In order to achieve continued success in their role they need to be highly qualified staff members. They work with all of the school staff, understand their needs and support them with recourses. A School Librarian today has an additional role and responsibilities than their traditional role in the past. The role not only includes finding information but, organising, synthesising and evaluating it. School Librarians manage cataloguing, circulation procedures, collection development and acquisitions. They also manage digital resources. As a result of all the changes within their job description they have become media specialists in the education sector. School Librarians are also mentoring students in their education journey.

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