School Librarians and the Technology Department: A Practical Guide to Successful Collaboration

This handbook provides librarians and technology specialists with the tools to understand the issues and challenges related to their counterparts' jobs, and find ways to work together for the betterment of all concerned.

School Librarians and the Technology Department: A Practical Guide to Successful Collaboration was inspired by the authors' collective realization that far too often librarians and technology specialists fail to collaborate successfully, and sometimes even find their groups at odds with one another. This book is the antidote: it is a powerful call to establish and improve relationships between the two for the benefit of the students as well as the librarians and technology specialists themselves.

The book begins by providing background information about the history of librarianship and the use of computer technology in schools. The authors trace the origins of the positions related to educational technology, such as "technology specialist," "teacher," and "director." The following chapters describe and address specific concerns of both librarians and technology specialists. Most importantly, this collaborative work offers practical suggestions for cooperation between these two groups of educators as they work together to offer the best possible materials and instructions to students. School Librarians and the Technology Department concludes by hypothesizing what the future holds in the realms of librarianship and technology in this rapidly changing information age.

CHAPTER 1: Looking Back: How Far Have We Come?
Introduction
In the Beginning
Storage
Compact Disks
Infrastructure
Growing Importance of Internet
Importance of Technology Specialists and Librarians
Technology Specialists
Librarians
GUI—A Real Game Changer
Networking and Infrastructure
Web 2.0
CIPA and Filtering
2010 to Present
What's in a Name?
Naming School Librarians
Naming Techheads
What's in a Name Anyway?
Summary
Works Cited
CHAPTER 2: School Librarians: Working Effectively in Their Environment
Introduction
School Librarians' Use of Technology
But What If They Don't Want to Use Technology?
Accessing Available Technologies
Influences Regarding Technology's Use with Students
Working Collaboratively
Using Available Technology Applications
Evaluating Technology Applications
Summary
Works Cited
CHAPTER 3: The Technology Department: Appraising Current Responsibilities and Challenges
Introduction
Living in the Information Society: Universal Access
Focusing on Knowledge Management and Education
Education of Users
Communicating and Collaborating: The Techheads
Encouraging User Buy-In
Globalization
Training
Meetings
Summary
Works Cited
CHAPTER 4: Students and Teachers: This Is Who It's All About!
Introduction
Conducting a Simple Search
As a Result of Online Safety Concerns, What Happens at Schools?
When the Government Becomes Involved
Teaching and Learning Using Technology
What about Best Practices?
Guided Inquiry
Summary
Works Cited
CHAPTER 5: Building Bridges
Introduction
First Things First
Let Bygones Be Bygones
Get Off on the Right Foot
Offer Small Courtesies and Friendly Gestures
Foster Mutual Respect
Take a Hard Look in the Mirror
Engage All Parties
Reach Out and Meet Face-to-Face
Take Time
Attend the Same Staff Developments and Conferences
Start Small
Use Web 2.0 Technology to Everyone's Advantage
Be Persistent
Look for Ways to Use Common Challenges
Involve Administrator
When All Else Fails
Advice from the Trenches
Take a Holistic View
Summary
Works Cited
CHAPTER 6: Where Do We Go Next? Or Give the Techheads a Project
Introduction
Collegiality
Shared Spaces
Shared Planning
Staff Development: Project-Based Learning
How Does This Translate to Techheads?
Evaluating for Ongoing Success
Summary
Works Cited
Epilogue
Appendix A: Library Use Survey
Appendix B: Technical Evaluation Checklist
Appendix C: Technical Evaluation Checklist
Appendix D: Techheads
Appendix E: Technology Implementation Request
Index

Mary Ann Bell, EdD, is professor in the Department of Library Science, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX.

Holly Weimar, EdD, is associate professor in the Department of Library Science, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX.

James Van Roekel, MLS, MA, is associate director of Lowman Student Center at Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX.