Librarians at the Table; Privacy, Policy and Intellectual Freedom,

News September 14, 2007 (mp3 file: 5.6 MB, 6:08 min.)
Librarians at the Table; Privacy, Intellectual Freedom and Policy; "Working With Library Boards"

At the top of the ‘cast today: Librarians at the Table.

More and more we are hearing about ‘A librarian at every table,” working to see that librarians are included in conversations and planning about all manner of things, from education to city planning. It’s not that we’re experts on those things, but we are at the heart of our communities—talking with and working for people in all walks of life, in all stages of life. If the library is the center of the community—and it usually is, particularly in small communities—then it makes sense for the library staff and trustees to be “in the know” and involved in the community and what happens there, and how it comes about.

I’ve been thinking about that in relation to teacher librarians in the schools and public librarians—if ever there was a table to be shared, that is it! Though school and public libraries have different missions, different governance, and different funding we also have a great deal in common. So, sitting down at a table together seems a good way to support each other, and learn from each other. My equivalent to teacher librarians here at SWILSA are the AEA media consultants, and I learn a great deal from Deanna and Karen. We do projects together (and Deanna is on the SWILSA board) but even when we don’t it’s helpful to talk with them, hear about what’s going on, and get perspective on what’s happening with libraries and teacher librarians in schools.

Since the return to the Code of the requirement for a teacher librarian in each district there is a great opportunity to build a new working relationship with colleagues in schools; many districts that have not had a teacher librarian for awhile will have one—or be getting one. And in districts that continued to employ a teacher librarian even when not required, it’s a good time to continue the connection with colleagues.

And “at the table” may be, literally, the best choice—have lunch together once a month. If it’s difficult for the teacher librarian to leave the building, join her at the school for lunch sometimes. Or maybe an afternoon snack, or a Saturday lunch. Share something you’ve learned, something you’re thinking about trying, glean ideas from each other, be sounding boards for each other. Maybe you’ll find some things to work on together. And together is better when it comes to serving the people of your community. --Karen

Link from today's podcast:

ALA Privacy Tool Kit

Books on today's podcast:

Protecting the right to read, by Ann K. Symons and Charles Harmon, Neal-Schuman, 1995.

Intellectual Freedom manual, 5th edition, Office for Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association, 1996.

Working with library boards: a how-to-do-it manual for librarians, by Gordon Wade. Neal-Schumann, 1991.