But aren't we in a service profession? Shouldn't we pull those books for
that teacher, then try to find ways to collaborate with her? Maybe the next
time, she'll think to include the librarian in the planning, etc. but
perhaps pulling books is the only outreach opportunity you'll get to assist
her. I say pull the books and thank her for the opportunity.
Karen Gray, Librarian
St. Anne's-Belfield School
2132 Ivy Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903
434.296.5106 x1264
kgray@stab.org
-----Original Message-----
From: School Library Media & Network Communications
[mailto:LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Shonda Brisco
Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2008 7:59 AM
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: Re: Vent w/ signature
And then there is the component within the librarian's evaluation rubric
which states: "Works cooperatively with teachers and others; provides
materials, resources, and materials when asked."
So....do you document that the teachers do NOT plan ahead and share their
information with you so that you CAN work cooperatively, share resources,
and provide support when asked? If teachers complain to the administration
because you aren't cooperative and don't provide them with the resources
they need when they need them, does your administrator understand YOUR
situation or is the teacher "always right?"
I think there are many librarians who are placed in a position of servitude,
regardless of their own schedules, workloads, and commitments. There are
situations when librarians are asked to "stay a little longer in the day" to
compile resources or complete work that is needed by others without any
regard to the fact that the person(s) who placed the librarian in this
situation is / was the teacher who failed to plan ahead. However, when
librarians complain that the teacher doesn't plan ahead, is s/he looked at
as NOT being a team player? not cooperating? not going "above and beyond"
the call of duty?
Yes, administrative support is the important factor necessary to relieve
this pressure; however, when several teachers fail to plan ahead, don't
contact the librarian in time to allow for the compilation of resources, or
expect to always be the "top priority" on the list of things to do for the
librarian, then there is a no-win situation. Sure you may have a few that do
the right thing, but those who don't are usually the ones who "squeak" the
loudest....and the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Those who don't plan
ahead, don't have their lessons prepared, don't contact the librarian in
advance, or expect the librarian to share, collect, or provide resources at
a moment's notice are usually the ones who complain the most...and they
share those complaints with everyone. (Yes, that person is in your
school...and s/he wants something from you right now but you can't provide
it. Shame on you!)
It happens...it's not professional...but I'm seeing this much too often in
this fast-paced educational environment.
Just some thoughts.
~Shonda
--
Shonda Brisco, BA Ed., MLIS
Library Media / Technology Specialist
Weatherford, TX 76086
Digital Bookends wiki / blog:
http://digitalbookends.pbwiki.com
http://shonda.edublogs.org/
sbrisco@gmail.com
Resources for Texas School Librarians:
http://txschoollibrarians.ning.com/
http://txschoollibrarians.wikispaces.com/
"Digital Resources" columnist
School Library Journal
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