Top+10+things+to+know

=**Top 10 Things to Know**=

1. Information and communication technologies have expanded our ability to access information, so it is more critical than ever for the teacher-librarian to ensure that students are learning how to use information in an ethical and responsible manner. The teacher-librarian needs to be familiar with provincial and/or district policies or procedures governing how information is managed in school libraries, as well as values and beliefs regarding privacy, intellectual freedom, and copyright. Managing information in the school library relies on personnel who understands the policies and procedures in place. If there is currently a library handbook for your school, review it to ensure it reflects district/provincial guidelines, addresses currency of needs (for example, use of technologies), and clarifies the values and beliefs around how information is accessed and used. This handbook should be reviewed with new personnel and also be available to parents, staff and administration.

2. Protection of intellectual freedom and privacy is a core responsibility for the teacher-librarian.

3. Managing the collection requires understanding of how to select resources that support curricular outcomes and students learning needs and interests. This selection policy should be documented and include a procedure for challenged materials should there be an issue with an item in the collection. Teacher-librarians need to utilize a variety of resources to support collection development, have consistency in how these resources are catalogued and housed in the library, and regularly review resources for appropriateness and appeal to the students.

4. The library should be viewed as more than a place that students come for books. Shifting the space towards a 21st century learning commons requires flexibility in in the schedule and access to technologies and resources that support learning and inquiry. A learning commons serves as the hub of learning and inquiry in the school, with the teacher-librarian serving as a teaching partner to support the development of information literacy skills through collaborative planning and teaching.

5. Evaluating Internet content is a vital skill for students in this age of information. Teach your students to think critically about what they read, view, and hear online.

6. Students often prefer to find information online. Teach them search strategies, provide them with pathfinders, and suggest alternative sources of information such as interviewing an expert. This will give students a deeper research pool to draw from, and help them avoid endless, frustrating online searches.

7. Know your school division's challenge policies, and the recommended steps for dealing with would-be censors.

8. Understand the concept of ‘cloud computing’. This has changed how we access and store information. For an introduction to cloud technology please view the YouTube video below. Cloud technology will allow school boards to spend less on infrastructure, computer updates and allow more student work to be saved on the network. Cloud technology allows students to access their on-line work from any device connected to the Internet. media type="youtube" key="QJncFirhjPg" height="315" width="420"

9. Know your districts policies and procedures regarding technology and freedom of information. The TL must educate students on the dangers of the Internet. Topics include: scamming, hacking, cyber bullying, on-line predators so that all children are safe on-line.

10. Technology has changed everything about how we find and use information. It is critically important that Teacher-Librarians stay relevant on how information is accessed and consumed by students. Our profession depends on the collective action of all teacher-librarians to embrace change.

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