The journey continues (somewhat belatedly)

Two weeks between posts.. I can see the challenge of this blogging lark might just be to have a regular presence! After my readings, I will have to consider updating my blog as a new priority, otherwise it will get left behind.  I was skimming through a book on blogging at the library this week and I was pleased to see there are two schools of thought on the subject; I think I hang somewhere between the two. That blogging can be a useful, reflective tool and.. it is just more (often uninspiring or incorrect)information filling up the WWW. At this point I will not assume that anyone else would have the time or interest to read my blog and will consider it a purely personal  reflection on my studies, that will be less daunting.

Therefore,in that vein, I will attempt to summarise my recent thoughts on my readings. I found Herring's 2007 chapter quite heavy going, so dense with facts and jargon. Regarding the role of the TL, I found the distinctions between Curriculum leader, Information specialist and Information Services Manager somewhat fuzzy. I can imagine these roles overlap much more in reality and are not so cut and dry. Having said this, the article was a good overview for someone without TL experience and it showed the complexities and diversity of the TL role, with timely reminders to always keep the needs of learners in mind.

Purcell's 2010 article was quite different and difficult to compare to Herring's but the key statement to me was "If school library media specialists are doing their job well, they are making a difference in the ways teachers teach and in the ways students learn." Inspiring stuff.  I also appreciated Purcell's admission of all the responsibilities and challenges TLs face meaning that role clarification is needed.  I understand this as the basis of the subject ETL401, to clarify our knowledge and understandings of the TL's role. 

Purcell uses different 'labels' to describe the functions of the TL and I find them to be closer to my understanding and beliefs than those of Herring.  I liked how she has 'Teacher' as a category in itself as ultimately that is what I assume a majority of time will be spent doing as a TL.  It is all very well being a leader in the school and in curriculum development but if you are then not proficient at delivering your lessons and your messages then some of that respect in your leadership is bound to be lost.

Purcell's article also emphasised to me how much collaboration is involved in the TL role.  There is constant reference to working alongside teachers, other staff, students, parents and other stakeholders, confirming to me the social nature of the role - perfect for someone who enjoys communicating, co-operation, compromising and maybe a little coercion along the way. This is definitely not a job for someone who just wants to sit alone in their office all day!

I will now return to my latest purchase, ASLA's 'Learning in a changing world' series for more insights and hopefully input for my assignment which is looming ominously.  If only that could be written in blog style too!