Since the early 1980s, library literature has examined progress toward establishing successful collaborative relationships between classroom teachers and library media specialists. In 1989, Berkowitz and Eisenberg acknowledged the gap between the library media specialist's potential as a curriculum consultant in theory and in practice, noting that library media specialists' interest in being involved in curriculum dates back to the 1950s. Assignments developed in partnership between teachers and library media specialists are known to be more "authentic"-exhibiting a higher degree of meaning and significance (Gross & Kientz, 1999). When not guided in the use of a process, students tend to approach research as though there is only one right answer, and fail to learn how to use information to construct their own meaning (Kuhlthau, 1995). This ability to construct meaning is at the heart of information literacy, which collectively describes the skills students will need to cope in a complex world with access to an ever increasing wealth of information.
The results of a study by the Library Service Center of the Colorado State Library offer the most recent support for library media specialists and teachers working collaboratively. The study concludes that test scores increase as school librarians spend more time collaborating with and providing training to teachers, providing input into curricula, and managing information technology for the school (Manzo, 2000). A significant number of prior studies also indicate a positive relationship between the library media program and academic achievement. Didier (1984) examines 38 of these studies, including Gaver's (1963) study of the impact of elementary library service on test scores; Greve's (1974) research on the effect of library service on the academic achievement of high school seniors; and Snider's (1965) investigation of the relationship between college success and knowledge of information skills.
Several Canadian studies have shown that principals have a better understanding of the school library program and view it more positively than do classroom teachers (Oberg, 1995). Their critical role in promoting collaborative relationships goes beyond scheduling. Principal support includes working directly with teachers to develop their understanding of the role of the library. This is accomplished through staff inservices, featuring library activities in staff meetings, stating expectations of teachers regarding library use both during the hiring process and afterwards, and serving as a role model by effectively using the library and its information literacy program (Oberg, 1995). Administrators who ask how teachers are using the resources of the media center and the expertise of the library media specialist create an atmosphere where collaboration is more likely to occur (Bishop & Larimer, 1999).
Interpersonal Factors: Successful collaboration involves changing both the attitudes toward and expectations of the role of the library media specialist (Wolcott, 1996). Research shows that most students, teachers, and administrators don't perceive library media specialists and media centers as integral to their own success (Hartzell, 1997). Library media specialists are often viewed as storytellers and providers of resources rather than co-teachers who share common goals (Bishop & Larimer, 1999). It is up to the library media specialist to take steps to change this by serving on curriculum committees, attending planning meetings, and sharing ideas for integrating the media center into the curriculum (Bishop & Larimer, 1999).
Likewise, teachers need help to make the transition from independent teaching to collaboration. The library media specialist can help facilitate this change by acting as the change agent, innovator, opinion leader and/or monitor (Haycock, 1999). The qualities of a library media specialist most often mentioned in discussions of collaboration are initiative, confidence, communication skills, leadership qualities, and, above all, the willingness to take risks. Library media specialists must assume partnership and look for opportunities to plan with teachers, rather than waiting to be asked (Callison, 1999). Effective social skills are necessary to realizing the vision of collaboration set forth in Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning (1998). Indeed, cognitive styles have been examined, and library media specialists defined as "field-dependent" were found to engage more frequently in collaborative efforts with classroom teachers regardless of time and resource limitations (Montgomery, 1991). Field-dependent library media specialists were characterized by their interest in people, use of others as a source of reinforcement, focus on socially-oriented subject matter, and preference for working with others. Less outgoing library media specialists should note that in the collaborative relationship, both leadership, and risk are shared.
Berkowitz, R., & Eisenberg, M. B. (1989). "The curriculum roles and responsibilities of library media specialists." ERIC Digest. Syracuse, NY: ERIC Clearinghouse on Information & Technology. (ED 308 880)
Bishop, K., & Larimer, N. (1999, October). Literacy through collaboration. "Teacher Librarian," 27(1), 15-20.
Callison, D. (1999, January). Keywords in instruction: Collaboration. "School Library Media Activities Monthly," 15(5), 38-40.
Didier, E. K. (1984). Research on the impact of school library media programs on student achievement: Implications for school library media professionals, (ED 279 340). In MacDonald, F. B. (Ed.), "The emerging school library media program" (pp. 25-44). Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited.
Doiron, R., & Davies, J.(1998). "Partners in learning: Students, teachers, and the school library." Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited. (ED 417 721)
Friend, M., & Cook, L. (1996). "Interactions: Collaborative skills for school professionals." (2nd ed.). White Plains, NY: Longman. (ED 340 688)
Garland, K. (1995). The information search process: A study of elements associated with meaningful research tasks. "School Libraries Worldwide," 1(1), 41-53. (EJ 516 594)
Gaver, M. V. (1963). "Effectiveness of centralized library service in elementary schools." (2nd ed.). New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.
Greve, C. L. (1974). "The relationship of the availability of libraries to the academic achievement of Iowa high school seniors." (Doctoral dissertation, University of Denver, 1974).
Gross, J., & Kientz, S. (1999, October). Developing information literacy: Collaborating for authentic learning. "Teacher Librarian," 27(1), 21-25.
Hartzell, G. (1997). The invisible school librarian. "School Library Journal," 43(11), 24-29. (EJ 554 171)
Haycock, K. (1998, May). Collaborative cultures, team planning and flexible scheduling. "Emergency Librarian," 25(5), 28. (EJ 570 639)
Haycock, K. (1999, March). Fostering collaboration, leadership and information literacy: Common behaviors of uncommon principals and faculties. "NASSP Bulletin," 83(605), 82-87. (EJ 585 580)
Kuhlthau, C. C. (1995). The process of learning from information. "School Libraries Worldwide," 1(1), 1-12. (EJ 503 404)
Lance, K. C. (1994, May). "The impact of school library media centers on academic achievement." ERIC Digest. Syracuse, NY: ERIC Clearinghouse on Information & Technology. (ED 372 759)
Manzo, K. K. (2000, March 22). Study shows rise in test scores tied to school library resources. "Education Week on the Web." [Online]. Available: http://www.edweek.org/ew/ewstory.cfm?slug=28libe.h19 [2000, August].
McGregor, J. (1994). Analysis of thinking in the research process. "School Libraries in Canada," 14(2), 4-7.
Montgomery, P. (1991). Cognitive style and the level of cooperation between the library media specialist and classroom teacher. School "Library Media Quarterly," 19(3), 185-191. (EJ 428 857)
Muronago, K., & Harada, V. (1999, October). Building teaching partnerships: The art of collaboration. "Teacher Librarian," 27(1), 9-14.
Oberg, D. (1995). Principal support: What does it mean to teacher-librarians? [Online]. Available: http://www.ualberta.ca/~doberg/prcsup.htm [2000, August].
Snider, F. E. (1965). "The relationship of library ability to performance in college." (Doctoral dissertation, University of Illinois, 1965).
Tallman, J. I., & van Deusen, J. D. (1994). Collaborative unit planning: Schedule, time and participants. "School Library Media Quarterly," 23(1), 33-37. (EJ 493 343)
Tallman, J. I., & van Deusen, J. D. (1994). The impact of scheduling on curriculum consultation and information skills instruction. "School Library Media Quarterly," 23(1), 17-25. (EJ 493 341)
Wolcott, L. (1996). Planning with teachers: Practical approaches to collaboration. "Emergency Librarian," 23(3), 8. (EJ 518 337)
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This ERIC Digest was prepared by Shayne Russell, ([email protected]), Library Media Specialist, Mt. Laurel Hartford School.
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ERIC Digests are in the public domain and may be freely reproduced and disseminated.
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