ILSC and obstacles

I learned a lot about the ILSC and obstacles we face as TL's as I wrote this assignment. The TL is an integral part in creating an ILSC. The role is an extremely complex one that involving the effective use and implementation of resource based learning tools, collaboration, communication, negotiation, cooperative program planning and incorporating information technology in order to support and promote student learning outcomes within the ILSC. Haycock, K. (2003) suggests that TL's play at least 3 critical roles in an effective learning community; teacher, information specialist and administrator, very true it seems.

Obstacles are obviously plentiful and choosing one was not a difficult task; however solving the obstacle in a practical and positive manner was a little more difficult. Collaboration and effective communication are key aspects of forming and managing a successful ILSC. Collaboration as an obstacle can be overcome by setting up a framework of individual roles and intentions. This framework needs to begin by forming and maintaining a good partnership with the school principal. This can impact greatly on the effectiveness a TL can have in establishing and maintaining an ILSC. Hay & Foley (2009) propose that a large body of evidence identifies the essential role the school principal plays in developing and sustaining an effective library program and the importance of a successful relationship between the principal and the TL; ensuring TL's construct both short and long term plans for the library in conjunction with the principal and then be evaluated on the progress made towards realising those plans.

An enjoyable and thought provoking assignment as far as writing a paper goes ;)