Philosophy of School Librarianship

Shannon Keown
I believe that a career in school librarianship is an incredible opportunity to make a
difference in the lives of all students, to seek out and help those who need it the most, and to
work with other educational professionals who share my belief that all students, regardless of
heritage, ability, or circumstance, can and deserve to learn. With the growing demands of
information technology and the increased emphasis on life-long learning (Carrier, n.d.), students
need to feel that the library is not just a place for them to come to, but also a place where they
belong and want to be. While the internet compliments school librarians, it does not replace them
(16 reasons, 2014).
I desire to become a 21st century teacher-librarian because it is a discipline that embodies
many worthy roles. Teacher-librarians also serve as school curriculum leaders, information
specialists and information services managers (What is a teacher librarian? 2014). Library
media specialists are responsible for staying abreast of new learning technologies, current
literature, and best practice teaching methods. To be truly effective, school librarians must
believe they have a moral mission to a make a difference in the lives of their students, their
colleagues, their school, and the surrounding community. Library teachers must stay true to their
professional roots and responsibilities by promoting privacy and modeling ethical behavior.
Effective teacher-librarians empower their students to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers
and skillful researchers (American Association of School Libraries, 2009). Most importantly, a
skilled school librarian must recognize and respect the diverse learning needs of individual
students and then collaborate with classroom teachers to assist in differentiating instruction and
designing developmentally appropriate curricula. As a 21st century teacher-librarian, I will wear
the multifaceted hat of a nurturer, coach, mentor, listener, inspirer, researcher and advocator of
change.
I believe that how one teaches often informs what one teaches. In my past roles as a
professional educator, I found that the atmosphere and life of my classroom transpired from my
belief in the importance of providing students with first-hand learning experiences, in celebrating
diversity and in promoting world citizenship. In my future role as a teacher-librarian, I hope to
establish a similar learning environment in the school library; one that promotes respect, selfdiscipline, honesty, and academic effort. As a library media specialist, I will strive to make
partnerships with fellow teachers, to develop collaborative lesson plans and to encourage the
exploration of fresh teaching strategies. Most importantly, I will have the opportunity to interact
with all students and teachers in an effort to help each patron develop the academic, professional
and information literacy skills and knowledge needed to be a productive citizen of the 21st
century.

References
American Association of School Librarians. (2009).Empowering learners: Guidelines for school
library media programs. Chicago: American Association of School Librarians.
Carrier, R. (n.d.). The Role of Teacher-Librarian: A Checklist for the Future. Retrieved
December 10, 2014, from http://www.cla.ca/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Publications
2&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=2709
What is a teacher librarian? (2014, February 3). Retrieved December 10, 2014, from
http://www.asla.org.au/advocacy/what-is-a-teacher-librarian.aspx
16 reasons why libraries and librarians are still extremely important. (2014). Retrieved
December 10, 2014, from http://www.collegeonline.org/library/adult-continuededucation/librarians-needed.html