A.1.4+Mini-Case+Study

For many years, librarians have struggled to develop a collaborative relationship with teachers. This is important because many do not understand how important the job is. Most people consider the librarian the person who re-shelves the books. They do not know the breadth of their knowledge. Collaboration is an excellent vehicle to combine the strengths of the librarian and the teacher. McGregor, (199) states “that collaboration is a way to prove his/her value in the learning experiences of students”. So why do so many librarians and teachers not utilize collaboration? There are many reasons, but most of the time it is the unwillingness to make the effort and time. Collaboration takes a lot of time and dedication. Learning to collaborate does not happen instantly; it takes practice (McGregor, 211). After viewing the videos, it has become evident that collaboration offers many benefits to both the teachers and the students. A kindergarten teacher remarked that when she collaborates it allows for the teacher and the librarian to feed off each other, this allows more ideas to be explored. When this occurs, students are able to receive individualized instruction. This is important as students learn on different levels. When working collaboratively, these students would be able to receive the attention that they need to be successful.

Beverly Harbin and Jacqueline Gurley Professor Judi Moreillon Librarians as Instructional Partners 24 September 2010 Benefits to Collaboration in Schools Currently, collaboration in schools between a teacher librarian and a teacher is a rocky path that needs to be smoothed, leveled and driven on. This path is rocky due to the fact that it is a practice that has received mixed reviews because it is a vision change about the entire librarian field. Librarians are no longer the little old ladies with glasses that say “Shhh!!!” all day long. Librarians are strong individuals with wonderful resources, ideas, knowledge and energy that they want to share not only with students, but with teachers as well.

"Kindergarten Teacher." Interview by Judi Moreillon. Web. 2001. [|http://teachertube. com/members/viewVideo.php?video_id=121832&title=Kindergarten_Teacher].

McGregor, J. Collaboration and Leadership. In Stripling, B. K. and Hughes-Hassell, S. (eds.), Curriculum Connections through the Library. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 2003. 119-219. (pdf)