Evaluation
The Master of Education (Teacher Libriarianship) course has been highly beneficial in developing my research and critical thinking skills. This will assist in leading future school operations as I will critique processes prior to implementation to ensure my school is guided by the most reliable and evidence-based approaches to teaching and learning as well as ensure that the processes and procedures are the most applicable to the school context in which I work. Allen, Reupert & Oades (2021) note the importance of leaders utilising evidence-based education and emphasise that this practice has a positive influence on all school processes. My strengthened critical thinking and solid research skills will also assist in my future beyond the school environment as I consider a career in a university library or another information sector such as a museum.
My ability to consider and use future focused practices to support the next generation of learners has increased significantly through my studies in the Master of Education course. Taylor (2017) emphasises the need for future focused libraries, noting that the future of technology is unpredictable. However, a quality librarian will strive to overcome these obstacles, searching for strategies to support users to develop the necessary research and employment skills for the future. I will use this approach to support library users in and beyond the school setting to ensure that they have the most up to date resources suited to their needs, promoting them to become excellent users of information, now and into the future.
This course has highlighted the resources and opportunities presented by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA, 2025) & Australian School Library Association (ASLA, 2024). My studies have been guided by the standards and guidelines provided by these organisations. This was made evident during my placement when I became immersed in practical implications of the resources available, through the library’s creation of a Disaster Management Plan. Southern Downs Regional Council Library (2022) had no current Disaster Management Plan and after I had expressed interest in this area, I was tasked with the draft creation of a plan for this institution. ALIA’s Disaster Management Guide (2019) and Disaster Plan Template (2019) were great resources that I used to support this process. Therefore, I have a deep appreciation of the resources that these organisations provide to support the information profession and will continue to use such resources in the future.
To become an exceptional Teacher Librarian, I plan to align my practice with the ALIA and ASLA Standards of Professional Excellence for Teacher Librarians (2004). I will maintain a high standard of professional knowledge, practice and commitment. This will be achieved by attending ASLA and ALIA conferences. This will assist to broaden my understanding of the professional including useful strategies for the management of my library and assist me in my attempt to excel as an information professional. These conferences will also strengthen my connections with colleagues across the information field. To deepen my abilities further and ensure I maintain a 21st century focus, I will maintain up to date with current practices, guidelines and research through ongoing professional development accessed online and face-to-face.
Image: Free to use. Wellington, J. (2025). Sourced through Pexels.
References:
Allen, K., Reupert, A. & Oades, L. (2021). Building better schools with evidence- based policy: adaptable policy for teachers and school leaders. Taylor & Francis Group.
Australian Library and Information Association and Australian School Library Association. (2004). Standards of professional excellence for teacher librarians. ALIA and ASLA.
Australian Library and Information Association. (2019). ALIA disaster management for libraries part one – guide, part two – disaster plan template. Second edition. Australian Library and Information Association.
Australian Library and Information Association. (2025). Our purpose: A strong library and information services sector for a thriving democracy. https://www.alia.org.au/
Australian School Library Association. (2024). Australian school library association. https://asla.org.au/
Pexels. (2025). Free celebrate photos. Pexels. https://www.pexels.com/search/celebrate/
Southern Downs Regional Council. (2022). Libraries. SDRC. https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/living-here/libraries
Taylor, N. D. (2017). Raising the tech bar at your library: Improving services to meet user needs. Bloomsbury Publishing USA.
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