HIT: How librarians can help teachers

[Anne T Knickerbocker <aknicker@TENET.EDU>]

Thanks to all who responded to my request for ideas to include in my
presentation to a university class of student teachers titled: How
Librarians Can Help Teachers.  I was grateful for the plethora of ideas
and incorporated them in my talk last Tuesday.  The class was very
receptive and interested--wish we all could do more of this to create a
bond between librarians and teachers.  What a wonderful team we can be
when we work together!

This is the first of three  messages posting the hit.

Anne Knickerbocker                           Cedar Brook Elementary
Librarian                                    2121 Ojeman
SBISD                                        Houston, Texas 77080
aknicker@tenet.edu                           (713) 365-5020


I feel that I help teachers by being an information generalist... I know
where and what information will support the teachers units and area of
studies... they can be the specialists...I can support them and make them
look good!!!! I can also purchase the best of information for the LMC if I
know what they are doing in their classrooms and I can help them, help
their students get answers to all those questions.......of course there is
so much more...but here is a quick thought....



There are two books in print which might address your topic and which
might give you additional information.

The first is "Helping teachers teach: a school library media
specialist's role" by Philip M. Turner. It was published in 1985 by
Libraries Unlimited in Littleton, Colorado (which is where I bought it.)
The second is a companion volume entitled: "A casebook for helping
teachers teach" by Philip M. Turner. Also published by Libraries Unlimited
in 1988.

Libraries Unlimited has a catalog of books available and may still sell
these books or you may be able to get them through ILL. It's number is
1-800-237-6124.



I would emphasize the collaboration required to provide the best
education/instruction for the students.

I would gently but firmly remind them that the Big Six (information
literacy) is absolutely vital to being a successful "21st century" student
and teachers as well as students need to know them.

I would suggest that as a resource person, you can save them time and
headaches and give them more qualilty time with their kids.

Remember to quickly dispel the concept of "dumping" kids in the library;
that though you are not in the classroom you ARE a teacher, and that you as
the librarian are (one of the)leaders of educational communication and
technology; that you are flexible, thrive on change and believe that "none
of us is as smart as all of us."

You may also want to get a copy of our press packet on thank you school
librarian day. Start getting those teachers used to acknowledging the
unique and essential services you provide.



I would begin with Big Six and the role of the librarian as information
provider, curriculum consultant, curriculum developer, and resource
provider.I would stress the need for communication and coordination. I
might even do a Big Six activity like Banana Splits.



I work with student teachers every year in my building--large number 10+
andas much as I HATE to say it,the problem is that these budding teachers
have been in a  university environment surrounded by resources---please
warn dthem--many ,particularly urban,elementary schools aren't quite so
endowed,many have scheduled classes EVERY period--the library isn't an
empty space to  hang out, in an urban environment,elementary libraries
were there to support curiculum therefore we don't always have the
"hottest and newest--'cause it hasn't been purchased for us etc. I don't
want to sound negative--I lOVE our student teachers and always ask for
our "home-grown" if I need a sub as they branch out--but most of them
have a very different memory of "libraries" than mine. Tell them the
LIBRARIAN is the best resource--he/she can TELL you,in a small elementary
library,particularly non-automated, whether the "good books on bugs" are
in, which teacher has 'em and when they'll be back. I know they want to
be resourceful on their own, but if they go into a school where the
library is the same size as all the classrooms(indicating it once WAS a
classroom) it is a sign  that talking to the HUMAN is the best way--
 On the other paw--teachers DO appreciate student teachers tech
knowledge--these soon-to-be teachers are WAY ahead of our teachers--this
is the area NOT to be shy--offer to word process with kids,set up
computers for teachers,e-mail(even to other college friends who are
willing to talk to kids is a start),sit with kids are use the
internet--my student teachers have been a godsend to teachers in these ways!
Thanks for listenting--I love student teachers and want it to be a great
experience for them!



I think that teachers should know that the librarian can be their right
hand.  My greatest concern is that teachers think librarians expect them to
be as knowledgeable about using the library...card catalog  or doing
searches...as we are. They may be afraid to ask for help and not make use of
the great resources in the library as a result.




Consult the librarian before you begin a unit.  You may discover she has
no material on what you need and will need time to borrow from another
school.  If the librarian knows a teacher is doing a unit, she will not
check out all the material on that subject to the first child who asks.
Librarian may be able to steer teacher in direction where more material is
available.  Librarian may also know that another teacher is doing a
similar unit and will be able to assign material or ask the teachers to
share.



Please be sure to mention "co-teaching".  Most of the teachers in my
building have been there forever and are very reluctant to plan, much less
co-teach any kind of lessons. The few that have tried have been pleased...
as in any cooperative lessons... we found that one person could fill in
where the other was falling short in getting through to the students or if
they forgot something.  If teachers enter the profession knowing that the
librarian is there to help them with research lessons and library use...
maybe things will be easier for all concerned. Lynn in Rochester, NY



I have a media center handbook that I give out to all teachers.  The first
page is a Top Ten things your media center/specialist can do for you.  If you
have a fun loving faculty, enjoy this opportunity for humor.  If you must be
a little more serious (or professional) just have an attractive page with
something like "Did you know that......" and list the regular things: taping,
scheduling, reading services, etc. etc, etc. etc. ( I have to add more things
each year as this role continues to expand. Good luck.



Please, please, please steer them toward using the library as an integral
part of the curriculum at the time the student needs to use it i.e. flexible
scheduling.  Even if your school isn't on flex scheduling, the more entry
level teachers who want it and expect it, the brighter the future for school
librarians!



Somethings I'd include:
        1. We are teachers too.
        2. We know curriculum.
        3. We know information technologies.
        4. Mention how we use professional reviews to keep
        up to date on both print and nonprint resources.
        5. It's crucial to integrate technology into their curriculum
        when appropriate.
        6. Flexible scheduling!!!!!!!!!!! Address how it's crucial to
        support/integrate etc.... vs. the drop off and run method.
        7. As an ex. of info. technologies mention how we know
        the Internet---ie accessing/using/evaluating info. sources
        8. We support reading. We know literature.
        9. Mention ALA's AASL and Information Power and Information
        Literacy (they need to know we have an org. that nationally
        recognized and helps to guide the best use of our professionalism)
        10. Mention how we must maintain and organize cataloging via
        MARC to stress it's importance