Collaboration

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of school librarianship is the process of collaboration – with teachers, students, administrators, parents, and other media specialists. Without collaboration, the media center becomes a book and media warehouse and the media specialist is merely a keeper of the collection. It is a complex process that requires perseverance, tact, curriculum knowledge, and a desire to integrate fully the media program with the curriculum.

Like all relationships, collaboration is built upon trust. We are not there to judge or criticize, but to offer help to all patrons so that their experiences in the media center are worthwhile and of value. Although face-to-face collaboration is preferred, once a relationship between teachers and media specialists has been established, a great deal of planning and collaboration can occur through the use of email and impromtu conversation. For some, collaboration/planning forms assist in the process and can be formal or informal in nature.

Several professional articles help give an overview of collaboration between the school media specialist and classroom teachers. @http://www.doug-johnson.com/dougwri/collaboration-and-reflection.html @http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/home/886351-312/what_every_new_media_specialist.html.csp

Collaboration, as defined by Miriam Webster:

COLLABORATE intransitive verb 1: to work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor

Collaboration is working on a team and with the team.