Anne Girolami

Teacher librarian

I have been involved in school libraries since 1990. I was a primary school teacher looking for a change in career and after considering a number of options enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Library and Information studies at Melbourne University. Originally I had designs on becoming a children's librarian at a public library but as I progressed through the course, which I did full time, I realised there was potential for me to combine my teaching degree with this new librarianship qualification. It became quite apparent from an early stage that the school library could play a vital role in improving and enhancing student learning ... so began a new stage in my professional career.

Towards the end of my studies, I had an opportunity to work part time on a casual basis at a primary school and this short term work really cemented the idea of going back to the school environment.

When I completed the course I was fortunate to secure a full time teacher librarian job in a Catholic primary school in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. This began a wonderful six year experience whereby the role of the school library and the role of the teacher librarian was clearly supported by the principal. Through the sound leadership of the principal and his vision for utilising support teaching staff with specialised skills the school library and I gained respect within the school community.

The school library was perceived as a learning environment for all students and staff in the same vein that the classroom was. To support the information needs and reading requirements of students, the library was given a good profile with face to face teaching time and management time. A substantial budget was given over to the school library and collection development was a high priority.

In the early days of working in a school library I was able to develop some very good working relationships with other teacher librarians who have helped and guided me on my professional journey. These teacher librarians have shown me how to improve my skills by participating in relevant and continuing professional development and by becoming an active member on school library committees.

At the end of my first placement I took on the role of library advisor for Catholic primary and secondary schools in Victoria. This was a very enjoyable experience and further developed my skills in management, student learning and leadership. It has sharpened my vision for school libraries not only in Victoria but within Australia.

In 2000 I changed course again and moved into secondary school libraries. This change has allowed me to continue to work to improve student learning outcomes within a team situation. Working in a team allows for group discussion, sharing of ideas, greater implementation of programs and shared responsibility and vision. After spending five years in a Catholic boys school I am now trying my hand in a Catholic girls school.

I was invited to join the ALIA school library committee in 1996 which has proven to be a most valuable experience. Working on this committee on a voluntary basis, and in an executive role, has really demonstrated and acknowledged my strong belief in and commitment to school libraries. This active participation has allowed me to not only gave better skills, ensure network opportunities and develop a better vision for school libraries in Australia but it has also allowed me to give back to the school library community.

In 2001, two other members of ALIA Schools Victoria and I, were invited to take an active role in a new advisory group for ALIA and Australian School Libraries Association (ASLA). This national and cross sector school library commitment has given me an opportunity to further my leadership skills, keep abreast of school library trends and become involved in policy writing and implementation.

Aside from my involvement in school libraries my interests are travelling, reading, listening to music and pursuing crafty ideas!

Pursue a career in school libraries - you will find it rewarding, intellectually challenging and a most pleasant learning environment.

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