This morning, I read another Ross Todd article (2002), School Librarians as Teachers. I tried to make a link to it, but the test took it to my own CSU login. I didn't think that was very helpful, but the name of the article should help anyone who wants to get there, find it.
To summarise - deliberate, and carefully thought out library programs have a positive impact on students learning. This has to occur within the context of a supportive principal. He also said that (anecdotally), many TL's don't keep abreast of the research, so are unaware of best practice, and the reason given was that the research was considered irrelevant to their day to day working lives.
Considering the breadth of the TL role, and all that it may encompass, that many TL's simply don't have the time to keep up with professional literature. And if they are working in a climate where the expectation is the TL hides away in the library, messing about with the books, and providing RFF for the "real" teachers, it could be a little frustrating, and daunting and overwhelming to try and change that culture into something different.
Just by the way - Ross Todd uses a LOT of words. I wouldn't mind something a bit pithier myself.
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