From Teacher to School Librarian Leader and Instructional Partner: A Proposed Transformation Framework for Educators of Preservice School Librarians

Abstract

This paper presents a framework for educators to prepare preservice school librarians to become transformational leaders and instructional partners. With leadership as its central focus, this conceptual framework includes the constructs of Tools, Training, Teams, Time, Targets, and Trust. These constructs are described in relation to school librarian leadership, principal leadership, and the context within which transformation takes place. The Six Ts model can be used in all school librarian preparation programs as a framework for implementing standards and guidelines and providing preservice school librarians with the tools and strategies needed to overcome barriers to leadership and collaboration once in practice.

Mind the Gaps: School Librarians' Job Descriptions and the Professional Standards for School Librarians in the United States

“…Roles are also defined in relationship to the other roles an organization comprises (Ebbers & Wijnberg, 2017). School librarians have a specialized set of performance responsibilities in their schools, that differ from the responsibilities they may have experienced in their work as classroom teachers (Baker, 2016). Roles may change in response to organizational or environmental pressures, and/or as the employee assigned to the role performs it, changing the organization's perception of the role (Ebbers & Wijnberg, 2017;Yun, Takeuchi, & Liu, 2007).…”

The Influence of Teacher Librarians' Personal Attributes and Relationship with the School Community in Developing a School Library Programme

“…A teacher librarian need to be a leader to develop a school library programme, ensure visibility in the school, and show the wider school community the importance of the library to the school by building awareness in the school community of the teacher librarian's role and the benefits of the school library. Baker (2016) mentioned that accomplished school librarians are leaders in their profession, in the administration of their libraries, instructional leaders who provide learning opportunities for teachers and students and technology integration leaders.…”

“…Authors such as Baker (2016), Clephane (2014), Church (2011) and Johnston (2012a) have identified the need for teacher librarians worldwide to assume more leadership roles in this technological era. To assume the position of technology leaders in schools, it is imperative that the teacher librarian works closely with both classroom teachers and students to integrate technology in the teaching-learning process and teach information literacy.…”

“…To assume the position of technology leaders in schools, it is imperative that the teacher librarian works closely with both classroom teachers and students to integrate technology in the teaching-learning process and teach information literacy. According to Baker (2016) this role of the teacher librarian is very important because students need to have skills in multiple literacies so that they acquire the skills and knowledge to succeed in this ever-changing technological society. Some studies have shown that teacher-librarians are poised to take on this role (Branch-Mueller & DeGroot 2011;Johnston, 2012b).…”

“…The library is the heart of the school for both teachers and students (Lindsay, 2006;Mokhtar & Majid, 2005). School libraries contribute not only to the academic achievement of the students, but also to the development of other lifelong skills such as self-confidence, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, positive self-perception, and building responsible citizens who can function effectively in society (Baker, 2016;Barrett, 2010;Lance, Rodney & Russell, 2007;McCracken, 2001;Mokhtar & Majid, 2005;Stewart, 2014;Wittie, Gross & Latham, 2014. Many empirical studies relate the school library to students' academic success, development of life-long skills and nation building (Abdulsalami, Okezie, & Agbo, 2013;Juchnevic, 2014;Omeluzor, Bamidele, Ukangwa & Amadi, 2013), school libraries appear to be undervalued and teacher librarians have to demonstrate their worth to principals and the wider school community in order to receive support.…”