The role of the teacher librarian (401)

It seems that the teacher librarian is a threatened species. Studies from all over the world show how useful the TL is in promoting and teaching information literacy yet there are equally as many readings telling us that we have to prove our worth or there may not be TL positions left. Indeed, in Canada, the funding for qualified teacher librarians is quickly shrinking.
The TL needs to promote their role. There seems to be three key roles for TLs.

• Curriculum leaders - as trained teachers, TLs have a knowledge of curriculum requirememts.
• Information specialists - the expert on print and digital media in regards to resources.
• Information services managers - collection development and management.

(From Learning for the future).

Many reading suggest that support from the principal is vital but many TLs do not receive this support so are hindered in their quest for collaboration and the promotion of an information literate school.

TLs have to promote their role and prove their worth. They need to not only be leaders of change they need to be seen to be leaders of change and to be seen to be a valuable resource in an information literate school community.