Demonstration of Teacher Citizenship Behavior (TCB) by School Librarians through Work and Volunteer Service

Abstract

This paper applies an educator-focused theory of professional behavior to the work of school librarians. The goal was to understand the motivations and dispositions of librarians who choose to perform extra-role work behaviors. The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with eight school librarians who actively volunteered with either a regional professional organization or a young adult literature festival. Findings emphasized the reciprocal relationship between participants’ emotional connectedness to the school community with their tendency to voluntarily assist and innovate for the well-being of the organization. Implications include the need for greater mentorship of pre-service librarians as well as additional networking opportunities for practitioners.