The role of librarians has shifted and with that, attitudes and ideas must shift as well. The librarian is no longer just the person who manages the library, but now one that plays an integral role in the education of students by collaborating with teachers. Buffy Hamilton writes, "Until we are integrated into our school’s department or interdisciplinary teams, I feel we cannot realize our full potential as sponsors of transliteracy and information specialists who can facilitate and support powerful learning experiences with teachers and students." I fully agree with her. I mentioned during Skype the other evening (actually, it may have been during the 5250 Skype session)that when we meet in our PLC groups every other week, our librarian gets "stuck" with the PE/Art/Social Studies group. That makes no sense to me. But to the administration, those are the areas that aren't as important because they are not MAP tested. I do believe that Social Studies is tested in middle school, at 8th grade maybe? But our school has really put Social Studies on the back burner - but that's another blog posting, don't let me get started on that! But, what good does the librarian do with that PLC group? Yes, she can collaborate with Social Studies, but wouldn't it make sense for her to meet with Communication Arts? What I'm saying is, to me, that is proof that her position is not one of value in my building. Also, there is no assistant principal in my building, so many of those duties get thrown off on her, I guess because she is viewed as having extra time to do other stuff. Again, don't let me get started on that!
I agree with Jennifer LaGarde in "A Long Look in the Mirror" that it is the librarian's duty to make others aware of how we impact students' learning. If not, we walk about with a target on our backs and will be one of the first places that will be cut when it comes to the budget. Advocacy is an essential part of the job and the survival of libraries depends on it.
You're right that librarian will more often work with CA people than any other group. I guess I have two thoughts about the current situation -- 1) the librarian has an opportunity to work with teachers who many not use the library a great deal (room for connection building) and 2) did the librarian try and get the current process changed? Surely the administration doesn't care that much were the librarian is located and would be willing to consider a transfer request? Has the librarian taken that step?
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