Being a TL in a PL world

Do you agree with Doug Johnson that students, and indeed younger teachers, are increasingly 'post-literate' in the manner that he defines and uses this term? www2.curriculum.edu.au/verve/_resources/connections_72.pdf

SCIS Connections Issue no. 72 Term 1 2010 ISSN1440 2076

I do feel at times that those not of Gen Y and younger do tend you express somewhat sepia toned nostalgia for the methods they used and resources they accessed when growing up. Perhaps it is the unsettling nature of the rapid change we are all experiencing in the modern world. That said, Johnson’s definition of post-literate individual rings true. Any student I imagine or encounter in public spaces in the recent past ticks all the boxes he presents.

So taking into consideration the multimedia formats which are preferred by the post-literate learner and library user are or can be very powerful learning tools to engage the post-literate student and move them towards deep learning and critical literacy. I find this to be quite an exciting and challenging prospect.

Are school libraries and their collections already adopting the critical attributes that Johnson is proposing?

Yes I do feel that most school libraries are trying to develop their collections to meet these needs as best they can. If you look at the checklist of those things Johnson feels PL libraries need to cater for – there are already things that my school library does that is hopefully catering for these PL users.

Ø stock without prejudice – well, this may be my delusion, but I hope that I am open to new formats – I have already looked to acquisitioning more graphic novels and manga to appeal to the visual readers

Ø support gaming for instruction and recreation – already doing this.

Ø allow the use of personal communication devices and provide wireless connection – wireless connection is there and with the DER most students have access to laptops above year 9. Many students bring their ipods to “help” them study

Ø teach the necessary skills for effective communication – obviously an ongoing process and needs to be supported by the whole staff and not just the TL

Podcast on Education for Library Professionals in the Digital Age

http://online.slv.vic.gov.au/programs/ltf/forums/digital_forums/dagmar.html

In this address, Dagmar Schmidmaier AM reflects on how we should be educating the librarians of the future, at the tertiary level.

This forum was held at the Victorian State Library on 6 February 2007.

It was a suggested text for ETL401.

Some interesting points raised by Dagmar was that:

• libraries must be seen as integral part of education

AND

• as an essential contributor to those it serves within the educational field

• That libraries and librarians supports the specific curriculum needs AND is a place for exploration of ideas and innovation.

The Challenge is that the vital role of libraries is understood. This is an ongoing process and we as professionals need to up to date with the needs of clients, be aware of the political and environmental situations.

A modern library is a place where technologies need to meld.

She posed an interesting questions - Do you want the catalogue (which isn't that engaging or user friendly in my library OR technologically up to date)to be the first thing that users see - either physically or on-line? Perhaps on the of the challenges is to rethink the manner in which you engage and brand your information services to your clients.

So Dagmar put forward that one of the key role that the technologies allow a 21st century library to do is to provide your clients with a simple, clear and compelling message about your library. Aim to have both on-line and physical aspects of the library to be

• RELEVANT

• FRIENDLY

and

• EASY TO USE

Identify the needs of your clients and being proactive about these needs.

And ultimately Dagmar makes a plea for the educational standards - training for the profession - to be maintained - thereby ensuring the future and status of the profession of Teacher/Librarians.

This is how I feel about Technology Sometimes!

Library Ireland Week 2011

Just fantastic.

Technology and frustrations

Oh dear. It is not good when the source of your power dies. My power pack for my ancient MacBook has fried itself after many years of faithful service. So I go to a store to buy the expensive replacement and ask ernestly, several times is this the right waving the old one int their general direction. To be told yes and relieve me of significant amounts of money. And it IS NOT the correct one. Urghhhhh. Not happy.

So doing my online readings is going to be a little difficult. I am glad that I have may iPad and it seems that I am being forced to get better acquainted with my new tool/toy. I must admit that I have been much happier to use the old faithful laptop as I prefer the keyboard and everything is set up the way I like it. I just need to get over myself and get on with it.

So I am planing to do much more online via the iPad. There might have to be three minutes silence for the old clunker (no disrespect to those in Christchurch). Fingers crossed there will be no more obstacles, flu, admin glitches with the uni and now the power pack. On the bright side, it is the third thing, so it should be smooth sailing from now. Here's hoping.

Day One Session One 2011

I have a cold, it is raining and I ache all over. Not a particularly auspicious beginning to my studies for 2011.

I have managed to navigate around, under and through a few technical boulders, or roadblocks. For some unknown reason I must have put my incorrect birthdate down with the uni and so trying to access a loans request was proving particularly difficult. After an hour on hold with Student Central, the lovely Natalie was brilliant and helped me with my Homer Simpson moment. D'oh.

So hopefully it will be a lot easier from now on - and much less frustrating - although I am sure having a head that feels and functions like a lead balloon is not conducive to studying or feeling on top of your game.

At least Sid and Annie are extremely sympathetic and encourage me to spend plenty of time with them under the doona!

Take Two!!

Well so much has happened since the last (and only) post.

Africa was fabulous. Great experience and hope very much to visit there again. Above is a picture of gorgeous Lydia, whom I sponsor at the School of St Judes in Tanzania.

Came back to find starting at a new school and studying all too much. So withdrew from the semester and the subjects I had enrolled. My concerns were seemingly well founded.

Yet, there was a silver lining in the dark cloud. I applied for and was successful in being appointed as Teacher/Librarian at Elizabeth Macarthur High School. At the beginning of 2010 I certainly did not think that that was where my life would eventually lead.

So it is Session One 2011, I am enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Teacher/Librarianship rather than the Masters I had originally intended to complete. I am, once again, taking up my blog in the hopes that it will focus the mind on the issues I need to consider.

Alas, I have already hit a couple of technical glitches which has caused some consternation. I have been desperately trying to access the CSU library and look at the readings for the topics in this subject- but it seems that my student ID / PIN doesn't work. URGGHHHH! Hopefully all will be resolved tomorrow.