This content reflects work done as part of the Indigenous Perspectives in School Librarianship (IPSL) grant funded by IMLS (RE-246303-OLS-20). Actual assignments may vary.

Module Objectives

  • Explain the need for a positive and collaborative relationship between the school librarian and school administrator.
  • Identify ways to build a positive relationship with your school administrator while promoting the library and clarifying its role and importance.

Think

Required: Explore all of the following.

Optional: Explore three or more of the following.

Create

Draw a “mind map” or social network analysis of your school community that shows the interactions between the individuals responsible for teaching and learning in your school. To complete your mind map, draw a bubble for each educator in your school and write their name in the bubble. Then, draw lines to connect educators together based on their collaboration. For example, a line may be drawn between each teacher who teaches 6th grades to represent how that group collaborates.

You may do this on paper or electronically. You may find it helpful to do this with a partner or team. You may also want to ask another individual or team to draw their own map and then compare them.

After completing your map, reflect on the outcome. What do you see in the map? Are there individuals who have a lot of connections? Others that have only a few? How might you, as a school librarian, leverage this information to improve collaboration across the school community? How might you use this information in collaborating or advocating to your administrator?

Submit your reflection to your instructor per their directions.

Want to know more about using this approach in your school to improve collaboration? Read Rinio, D. (2019). Social Network Analysis for School Librarians to Evaluate and Improve Teacher Collaboration. School Libraries Worldwide, 25(1), 57–79. https://trails-msu.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01TRAILS_MSU/1ibi966/cdi_proquest_journals_2262644254

Share

In the module discussion board, participate in the discussion in response to the following prompt.

You should post to the conversation three separate times. You do not need to create a new thread but may respond to a classmate. Consider this a conversation rather than a bunch of individual postings.

Share an image / file of your mind map, as well as your reflection. What do you see in the map? Are there individuals who have a lot of connections? Others that have only a few? How might you, as a school librarian, leverage this information to improve collaboration across the school community? How might use this information in collaborating or advocating to your administrator?

Grow

Complete the module checklist and answer the reflection questions and submit to your instructor per their directions. If you do not believe a statement is true, do not check the box. This is a check in and an opportunity to get assistance from the instructor; it is not graded work. Note that some of the checklist items will repeat each week, while others are unique to the specific module.

NOTE: This module has some additional reflection questions!

Checklist

Think
  • I have explored all the Think resources for the module.
  • I have considered how the ideas presented in the Think resources apply to my own situation and how to apply them.
  • I understand the importance of having a positive and collaborative relationship with my administrator.
  • I understand it will take time to develop a relationship with my administrator and I have identify strategies to build or improve this.
Create
  • I understand the importance of taking a system’s view of my school community.
  • I understand the importance of communication to all educators in the school community.
Share
  • I have posted to the discussion boards as required.
  • I have considered the views of my classmates and responded to several of their posts.
  • I have cited sources within my discussion posts where appropriate.
Grow
  • I have considered what is essential for me to know from this module and have planned how I will incorporate it into my practice.
  • I have reflected on my learning throughout this course and have identified resources that I need to save for future reference.

Reflection Questions

  • What questions do you have about the course content in this module? (None is not an acceptable answer; exert your curiosity!)
  • What is your biggest take away from this module?
  • What questions remain at the end of the course?
  • What would you like to learn that this course did not cover?
  • What module / activity was most useful to you?
  • What would you like to see changed / improved?