Collaboration is the Key

Making a Difference in our Schools through Integrative and Progressive Practice

Abstract

What is the value and shape of collaborative practice for the teacher librarian in schools? This paper will look at definitions of collaborative practice, relevant research, the critical role of the teacher librarian, information process models and the underpinning pedagogy of learning communities, information literacy and constructivist learning. It will present a range of strategies at the macro level for developing opportunities for collaboration with teaching staff and library colleagues and at the micro level, strategies to enable the collaboration to occur in an effective and integrated way once avenues of communication and other forums have been set up.