Gatekeeper or Steward? Managing Reference Services

Imagine, if you will, the happiest place on Earth.

 

Is it a calm beach? A theme park? A cozy cabin atop a mountain?

 

Image credit: Chris M Rogers                    Image credit: Stewart                                 Image credit: Levin & Minarcek 

 

Whatever it is for you, imagine there is a person at your happiest place whose only job is to ensure you get everything you need - this is the role of a teacher-librarian.

 

It might be easier for you to imagine a few things stopping you from being in your happy place. 

 

A dark, threatening cloud. Long lines and rules that make it impossible to ride your favourite rides. Or a magical troll, casting spells to keep you from getting up the mountain and into your cozy cabin.

Image credit: Josh Sorenson           Image credit: Lebeau     Image credit: Jallo Faber

 

Unfortunately, librarians can become like those obstacles, or gatekeepers if you will, creating more ways to keep clients from finding what they need than actually serving the clients.

 

Instead, teacher-librarians need to understand that they are stewards of the Library Learning Commons. They are the ones who cultivate an enriching environment for every person in the school. And truly, it’s not that hard to become a steward. Here are three easy steps: (BC Ministry of Education, 2002, pp. 87-89)

  1. Provide easy access to all materials with an understanding of how some policies can limit the use of materials
  2. Find ways for students to learn and access materials outside of school hours - in the physical space before and after school, as well as in the digital world from home
  3. Communicate with all stakeholders to ensure what you are providing exactly what they need in the form of reference materials, other materials, and services

 

You don’t even need a fairy wand for all that!

 

Now, consider the role of the teacher librarian (Leading Learning Framework, 2023) and how it relates to being a steward. Teacher-librarians must put the needs of the clientele above all else. They work with others and therefore clients must feel good in their presence and be open to sharing ideas and making mistakes. The role is complex and detailed, but can be understood simply. Here is an uncomplicated way to look at the role of a teacher-librarian. They:



1.    Work with colleagues and students

2.    Take care of collection development and organization

3.    Provide easy access to high quality reference materials (Riedling, 2013, p. 17)

4.    Co-plan, co-teach, and co-assess

5.    Work towards school goals

6.    Provide leadership in:

                                      i.        resource-based learning

                                     ii.        literacy

                                    iii.        curriculum development

                                   iv.        inquiry-based learning

 

Again, the key to all of this is not a magic wand. It is simply the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with those they serve (Riedling, 2013, p. 99), by having a positive attitude and a growth mindset. Listening and clarifying so they understand what the client needs and what their questions truly are will help with opening up worlds of knowledge, helping students and teachers grow in their skills, and creating a feeling of freedom and power for all.

 

(Leading Learning Framework, 2023, p. 21)

 

So what truly is the happiest place on Earth? A well run Library Learning Commons with a wonderful teacher-librarian, of course!



References

 

BC Ministry of Education. (2002). Evaluating, Selecting, and Managing Learning Resources: A Guide [Online PDF]. Canadian Cataloguing in Publication Data. http://web.fg.tp.edu.tw/~earth/vision/upfile/1_472fde3458a44.pdf

Faber, J. (2022). Troll. Netflix. https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/troll-movie-plot-cast

Leading Learning Framework – Leading Learning. (n.d.). Leading Learning: Standards of Practice for School Library Learning Commons in Canada. Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://llsop.canadianschoollibraries.ca/leading-learning-framework/

Lebeau. (2015). Disney’s Capacity Issue. Lebeau’s Le Blog. https://lebeauleblog.com/2015/02/02/disneys-capacity-issue-why-are-the-lines-so-long/

Levin, R., & Minarcek, A. (2013). Cathedral Mountain Lodge. Sunset. https://www.sunset.com/travel/cabins#cozy-cabins-rolling-huts-mazama

Riedling, A. (2013). Reference Skills for School Library Media Specialists: Tools and Tips, 3rd Edition (3rd ed.). Linworth.

Rogers, C. M. (2015). Maldives. Conde Nast Traveler. https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2015-12-14/best-beaches-for-quiet-relaxation-readers-choice-awards-2015

Sorenson, J. (2018). Dark Cloud. Pexels. https://www.pexels.com/photo/body-of-water-1154510/

Stewart, E. (2015). PortAdventura. The Street. https://www.thestreet.com/investing/stocks/the-10-most-alluring-amusement-parks-in-the-world-13255418

 


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