Introduction

Summary

In today's interconnected world, the role of a school librarian extends far beyond managing books and resources. We have transitioned from being mere custodians of books to becoming facilitators of knowledge, information literacy and innovation. We hold a pivotal position in fostering connections, collaboration and co-creation across the entire school community and beyond. Whether you are a solo librarian or a line manager, in this book we will discover the value of these endeavours and find practical insights and strategies to help us develop along the pathway to becoming a networked librarian.

One of the primary focuses of the book is the importance of collaboration and team building. It recognises that school librarians can accomplish far more when they form effective teams, whether they are working alone or leading a group. By harnessing the power of collaboration, we can tap into the diverse strengths of team members, resulting in enhanced creativity, improved problem solving, and a more enriched learning environment for students. Collaboration is the key to unlocking the full potential of the school library and its services! The impact of effective team building extends beyond our library, as it fosters a culture of partnerships throughout the school. Our students benefit from interdisciplinary projects and a holistic approach to education, while our teachers gain access to additional resources and support, leading to innovative teaching practices and improved student outcomes.

Drawing on the theory of group dynamics, team roles and dysfunctions through vignettes and real-life examples, we see how these models manifest within a school library context in practice. By identifying these aspects and effectively managing situations that arise, we can navigate the challenges and foster positive outcomes to create great teams with real impact on teaching and learning. Even a solo school librarian is deeply involved in teamwork. We partner and interact with various individuals and teams across the school. We may lead or be part of a library team. This book takes a comprehensive approach by exploring the perspectives of librarians as both leaders and members within different teams. There is something for everyone.

These days librarians often find themselves in leadership roles, whether leading a team of library staff or chairing committees within the school. Being a leader is not the same as being a manager, as this book will illustrate.