Advice Request- Teacher to Librarian

[Julie Ryan]

My school does not require a library credential/degree and our current person is retiring.  I would really like to switch into this library position.  I have taught elementary school for twelve years and have a Masters in Teaching, but am wanting some advice about how to get a good knowledge base without formal classes.  I would appreciate any advice and/or resource references...does anyone know of a good "Library 101" type book or anything else that could help me with the basics?

[teacherninja]

Funny you should ask. I've just been reading Doug Johnson's newest: School Libraries Head for the Edge. It would make an excellent starting point. And check out his website as well: it collects all of his articles and more. http://www.doug-johnson.com/

[Julie Ryan]

Thank you- his website is a great resource...as soon as I know for sure that I have the position I will definitely have to get some of his books!

[Susanne Fuller]

I know this doesn't exactly answer your question, however, I made the same switch about ten years ago (had been a classroom teacher for about the same amount of time). At the time a library certificate was not required, but I did enroll in a program after a few months in the position. However, one of the best ways that I built a solid knowledge base, and stayed one step ahead of my professors, was having a great mentor in our school system. If you have an experienced someone to help guide you along the way, his/her experience and wisdom can be invaluable - along with the great resources folks suggest.

[Carol A. Kelly]

Fair warning...I teach in an online MEd/Library licensure program. I can understand not wanting to sign up (and pay) for another whole degree but I really think that the programs we do go through actually teach us a lot, and it's stuff you don't necessarily pick up even with enthusiastic reading. There's always time to take courses and I hope you think seriously about it.
Carol Kelly
Salem State College,
Salem, MA

[Sherri Crawford]

I'm agree with Carol (except I don't teach library classes). Taking even a few library science classes can help you immensely. When I was getting my MS at Univ. of Missouri, they allowed people to take 3 classes thru the distance learning program without applying to grad school. MU also has lots of online classes.

I taught for 14 years before becoming librarian, which also is a
big help, but I couldn't do my job without some lib. sci. classes. Also it helped me move up the pay scale.

[Karon Lippincott]

I also agree that you need library science classes, and some technology classes. You'd be surprised how big this job really is if done well. As a former social studies teacher I knew my way around the library and was very comfortable with research, but that is only one slice of the pie. A good librarian has tactics, techniques and tools for collaborating with colleagues in all subjects. S/he has a solid understanding of the ethics surrounding online and print resources. S/he knows the "best" books for each type of reader. S/he would also know that time is equally spent managing the physical/virtual library and teaching in the classroom WITH those collaborative curricular teachers. S/he knows how to find "anything" online or in the library. There is the commitment to teaching professional development and taking classes yourself. It is a much larger job than many people even suspect.

[Pam Hansen]

Idaho has some very basic online classes that can help you get started. http://libraries.idaho.gov/page/able The Accidental Librarian has always sounded like it would be interesting too. This book is found at http://www.accidentallibrarian.com/ I have never read it, but I think it might have the information you need. If you like the position, you should get some formal training eventually.

[Shirley Biladeau]

Yes -- please do use the ABLE courses at http://libraries.idaho.gov/page/able -- good basic library information -- we are in the process of updating these -- so stay tuned for refreshed content and delivery platform.

Another that might be helpful is http://libraries.idaho.gov/page/sable -- these modules focus on youth services.