Ginger Brewer-Bennett

LIS 524 School Library Field Experience

Fall 2014
October 27, 2014- Module 12 Collaboration/Outreach

Teaching can be much more rewarding if teachers and librarians work

together. By collaborating, stress is reduced, lessons are enhanced, expectations
are clear, and goals can be easily obtained. All of these are key factors in order to
produce successful students. For this module, I closely looked at the benefits of
collaborating and methods of outreach.
Library media centers are often looked upon in a traditional sense. Many
people believe that a LMC is just a place that houses books and librarians are just
people that can provide general information regarding a subject. The truth of the
matter is that LMCs and the LMS are designed for the 21 st century learner. They
have strategies in place that will not only benefit students but teachers as well. I
conversed with Mrs. Dixon (Arcadia HS LMS) and Mrs. Franus (Arcadia MS LMS)
regarding their thoughts on collaboration and the methods that they use for
outreach.
Both Mrs. Dixon and Mrs. Franus believe that collaboration is a must. They
believe the students benefit from having 2 adults in a room who are able to provide
a deeper understanding of a subject. They also feel that with the expectations of
the Common Core Learning Standards, as librarians they have expertise knowledge
in technology, access to more databases, and are able to gather information from a
variety of resources that will enhance the learning process. The SLMS collaborates
with classroom teachers to develop assignments that are matched to academic
standards and include key critical thinking skills, technology and information literacy
skills, and core social skills and cultural competencies. (Empowering, p. 17) The
problem that they are finding is that most teachers (especially new teachers) are
hesitant to work with the LMS. This is often the case even with experienced
teachers. Therefore, they must come up with a variety of ways of outreach.
Mrs. Dixon has been the LMS for 10 years at Arcadia Library. She finds that
teachers often approach her and constantly want to work with her. Mrs. Franus
(LMS for 2 years) constantly emails teachers, uses newsletters, and mentions
collaboration in meetings. She believes that teachers dont know all that she has to
offer within the library and therefore are unsure if they want to work with her. She
is always working on relationship building and making sure that she highlights the
teachers that collaborated with her during the past month and the outcome of their
collaboration. For parents, they send letters home with the students promoting the
library program. They also have open houses, trainings on computer programs such
as Naviance, and have information on the schools website as a means to
communicate with parents. With local libraries and students, they have outreach
activities such as book clubs and reading programs. They both strongly advocate
the team teaching collaboration method so therefore advanced team planning is a
must. Students benefit by learning from two experienced teachers at the same
time, as each teacher offers different strengths and a unique perspective.

(Schoenherr, eHow). There have been times when the librarian has taken on more of a

leadership role regarding specific subjects (plagiarism, citations, copyright, and technology) but
usually are 50/50 when working with teachers.
In addition to discussing collaboration with the librarians at Arcadia and the
materials in this module, I also researched information via the Web. Ive learned
that effective communication, professionalism, trust, and planning are the key
factors that will make collaboration successful. For example, all parties have to
remember the ultimate goal: Prepare students for college and the work force.
Therefore, theres no room for egos. Both the teacher and the librarian have
something to offer in a school setting. Librarians have a better understanding of
where and how to find information and teachers better understand how to deliver
the information to students. (Fernchild, ehow) LMSs should know this too since
they are certified teachers! Theres no better way to get students more involved in
learning, critically think, and apply new knowledge to experiences than by teachers
and librarians modeling positive behaviors.
Other ways of collaboration include building relationships and networking
with people in the community. This can be done through fundraisers, via the
schools website, promoting various efforts on social media, videos, newsletters,
field trips, etc. No one is going to know that a library program exists unless
someone speaks up for it. For example, five steps to better school and community
relationships are: 1.) expanding the vision of the school to include the community
2.) reaching out to stakeholders 3.) creating a community resource map 4.)
connecting with curriculum and 5.) a design challenge for the community.
By doing any of these and more, schools are letting the community know that they
play a vital role in the education process. When families, community groups,
business and schools band together to support learning, young people achieve more
in school, stay in school longer, and enjoy the experience more. (OKeefe, 2011)
Students will possibly be future employees and major contributors to various
agencies within the community. Therefore, it is important that they start making
connections while in school. Excellent point!
I created a collaboration guide for Greece Arcadia High School teachers and
librarians. This guide is user friendly as it outlines teacher responsibilities and
librarian responsibilities when working together on lesson plans. In addition, the
guide reflects needed technology, resources, and the information literacy
instructions to make the plan successful. I have also included a key for the
standards that teachers and librarians should be addressing while teaching.
Teacher and librarian collaboration can be challenging but very rewarding.
There are so many benefits to students when teamwork is involved. Collaboration
shouldnt be looked upon as a hindrance but as a tool that is positive and one that
can open up a whole new world of learning and thinking for todays students.
Your collaboration guide is good. I like the special considerations category. I like your PowerPointhow
would it be used? Your reflection on collaboration is excellent. You have earned the full 6 points on this
module.

References
American Association of School Librarians. (2009). Empowering Learners: Guidelines
for School Library Media Programs.
Fernchild, D. nd. Library Collaboration Thesis Ideas. eHow.
http://www.ehow.com/info_7934460_library-collaboration-thesis-ideas.html,
accessed: Oct. 27, 2014.
OKeefe, B. (2011). Five Steps to Better School/Community Collaboration, Edutopia.
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/school-community-collaboration-brendan-okeefe,
accessed: Oct. 27, 2014.
Schoenherr, A. nd. Effective Collaboration Teaching Strategies. eHow.
http://www.ehow.com/way_5728619_effective-collaboration-teachingstrategies.html#ixzz2C8kEBB00, accessed: UB Learns, Oct. 26, 2014.

Greece Arcadia High School Collaboration

Guide
Date(s):

Project Due Date:

Teacher:

Librarian:

Grade:

Number of Students:

Lesson Plan:
Content Area:
Goals and Objectives:
Teacher Responsibilities:
Librarian Responsibilities:
Resources Needed:
Paper/Pens:
Printed Materials:
Other:
Technology Needed:
Computers:
IPads:
IPods:
Projectors:
Other:
Information Literacy Instruction:
__Bibliography
__Internet
excel, etc.)
__Online Databases
__Website Evaluation
Special Considerations:

__Book Talks
__MS Applications (ppt, publisher,
__Research
__Other

Information Literacy Standards

Standards
Information Literacy

knowledge
S1: Access info efficiently/effectively
knowledge, create new
S2: Evaluates info critically
S3: Uses info accurately/creatively
productive members in

Independent Learning
S4: Pursues info for personal interest
growth
S5: Has an appreciation for literature
S6: Seeks excellence in info

Social Responsibility
and applied based on
S7: Recognizes the importance of info
lesson plan
S8: Uses info ethically
S9: Group participation to locate & generate info

AASL Learning
S1: Inquire, think critically, gain
S2: Draw conclusions, apply
knowledge
S3: Share knowledge and be
society
S4: Pursue opportunities for

CCLS
Standards will be evaluated
grade level, subject area, and