Teacher-Librarian_and_IT_Partnership

Panel Discussion 10/9/2009 _ This is a much-used term, but not clearly defined. Administrators, librarians, classroom teachers, IT staff should work together to dream & define.
 * What does a "21st Century Learning Environment" look like?**

_ It may helpful when IT & librarians report to same director/district leader. Networks, bandwidth, PC & other hardware, accounts, & security are needed--but they aren't the purpose. T-Ls should partner with IT depts to ensure that tech is used in ways that provide access to information & improve learning for students in the 21st c.
 * What kind of institutional support structure is necessary to facilitate the development of 21st C. environments?**

_ If a librarian thinks that it's //only// about the books, are they doing their job? Should (1) teaching information-literacy and (2) being the CIOs (chief information officers) of our schools become formal parts of T-L job descriptions and evaluations? Be peer coaches to improve learning & incorporate 21st c. information/learning technologies.
 * What is the role of the Teacher-Librarian (T-Ls) within this structure?**

_ Work with Teachers & Librarians to allocate hardware/bandwidth/etc. where it will have the greatest impact to improve learning for students & prepare them for the 21st c.
 * What is the role of the instructional and/or operational technology support within this structure?**

_ Be positive & persistent. Be involved in curriculum decisions, then be a bridge to making sure information resources are in place & accessible to support learning. Ask to job-shadow a tech worker and/or admin for a day & ask them to come watch you work with kids.
 * What steps can Teacher-Librarians take to help build and maintain constructive partnerships with IT? What should the relationship(s) look like?**