Blog Post 4: Technology Leadership Role of School Librarians

The benefits of using technology in education are endless and will continue to expand as new technological advancements are developed.  The librarian can play a major role in the advancement and implementation of using technology throughout the school.  Perez (2013) discusses ways that a librarian can be a "Master Librarian" in school by becoming a technology leader, building relationships, mentoring teachers and helping teachers reach technological independence.  The librarian needs to be current on new technology applications and programs and be able to instruct and give guidance and support when introducing new tools. When the librarian has the skills and knowledge of a new product, they need to pass and teach this information to others on the faculty.  The librarian also needs to build positive and healthy relationships with not only the students but with the fellow staff and teachers.  The librarian needs to friendly, nonjudgmental and accessible when teachers and students need assistance or training (p 23-24).  Building these strong and collaborative relationships will make it easier to share ideas with each other and be willing to compromise and do what is best for the student's education.  Becoming a technological mentor is a great step in assisting busy teachers find the time to acquire new skills in technology.  The librarian should pass on their own knowledge and offer training and assistance before or after school.  The librarian also needs to provide the means that teachers and students can become independent learners and technology seekers.  The librarian needs to provide the tools and the knowledge on how to function in our technological world and then step back and let the teachers and students experiment and succeed in their own (p 25).  Self-reliance and the ability to accomplish a task by oneself is the ultimate goal in education.

The school librarian sometimes has to take on the role of technology specialist for their location and other times there is another individual who is the school technology specialist.  When there is a school librarian and a technology specialist at one location they can work and team together to create and develop a technology program to assist teachers and students achieve technological and educational success. Librarians and teachers need to provide learning situations and environments where their students can gain needed skills for success in their futures educational and career paths.  Johnson (2013) describes strategies that librarians and technology specialists can do together to enhance the the relationships between teachers, librarians and technology specialists.  She states that is is vital to set up and define roles and responsibilities that all participates know what is required of them when collaborating and sharing ideas. It is important to share the knowledge and skills that one have learned with others, but also be willing to learn new ideas and skills from each other.  Be willing to communicate openly and not only through written communications, but take the time to meet face-to face to discuss new ideas and challenges.  It is necessary to work as a team and accept differences and learn to compromise for the betterment of the school and students.  Plan regular scheduled times to meet after school, grade level meetings, faculty meetings or meet on campus for a different venue.
The librarian needs a presence in the school and demonstrate their skills, talents and abilities so that their position remains a valuable options for learning and technological support.

The librarian can assist students become 21st Century Learners by helping them become familiar, comfortable and proficient with using all aspects of technology for research skills and enjoyment.  The librarian needs to lay the foundation and provide the tools for the students to succeed in the learning process.  One of the main goals is to ensure that students have access to all formats of reading materials be they print or digital.  To be successful in the future it is important that individuals know how to read and interpret all media formats (AASL, 2007).  The librarian needs to make sure that students are educated and informed about ethical behavior when using or citing resources.  The student needs to be instructed in the proper ways to be responsible when using outside reference materials.  The librarian provides the gateway or path to an unlimited supply of information that the students will need. They provide the skills to study and decipher the information that has real value and is usable in the required setting.  Librarian are a needed guide to direct students to the paths that will take them on successful journeys throughout their lives.  They can provide the needed tools and resources that will help them achieve greatness in the future.

References

Johnson, M.P. (2013). School librarian + technology specialist: Partnership for effective technology integration. Knowledge Quest, 42(1), 70-75.

Perez, L. (2013). Master Librarian. Knowledge Quest, 41(4), 22-26.

Ameican Association of School Librarians (AASL).  Standards for the 21^st –Century Learner (2007). Retrieved from: http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/AASL_Learning_Standards_2007.pdf