Preparing Teachers and Librarians to Collaborate to Teach 21st Century Skills: Views of LIS and Education Faculty

Samnath, Kayla

CO

Latham, D., Gross, M., & Witte, S. (2013). Preparing Teachers and Librarians to Collaborate to Teach 21st Century Skills: Views of LIS and Education Faculty. School Library Research, 16, 1-23. Retrieved April 20, 2016, from: http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/aaslpubsandjournals/slr/vol16/SLR_PreparingTeachersLibrarianstoCollaborate_V16.pdf

Summary:

This article really explored the relationship between librarians and educational faculty. The research conducted was through specific case studies of teachers working with librarians. Through this research, authors discovered how “successful Collaborative relationships in the field is fraught with challenges” (Latham et al. 2013). One key point the authors point out is that teachers do not understand the potential role librarians can play in assisting student learning outcomes. Some of the learning outcomes teachers find themselves focusing on is “information literacy”.  This revolves around assessing, evaluating, and managing information.

Through a case study approach, the authors were able to provide a few strategies for successful collaboration, as well as identify some of the barriers. Participants suggested a course where both education and LIS students could take in which they work together. Several participants also suggested a course that solely focused on 21st century skills. Utilizing these methods might increase and foster collaboration between educators and librarians. The major barrier the authors identified was the perception of the librarian role. Educators and administrators typically underestimate the usefulness of the position.

With the implementation of common core, teachers are encouraged more than ever to collaborate with the librarian. Even a library seminar is extremely helpful. The authors point out that college freshman with a “below” average score in information literacy find demonstrations of electronic materials and search engines to be the most useful.

Review:

This article was extremely useful in explaining some of the challenge educators and librarians face in terms of collaboration. Although parties acknowledge the usefulness of co-teaching, implementation has been questionable at best. I also enjoy when authors use a case study approach, because it is analyzing current faculty and their experiences. However, the authors themselves admit their sample size is small, and therefore cannot be generalized. They suggest that more information be conducted in this area, and i could not agree more. One important factor this article points out is the perceptions of teachers and administration towards the librarian. I think this has a large impact as to why there is a lack of collaboration between parties. I would recommend this article for any novice who is learning about 21st century skills and collaboration/co-teaching.