Cry Havoc and Let Slip the Librarians of War!

Amazing to think I remember so much from my A-Level English Lit that I should misquote the same Shakespeare speech twice in the space of a week.

Anyway, I am getting the distinct impression that I am undergoing some sort of brainwashing process. I believe that Lyn Hay et al are creating an army of  teacher librarians that they can send out into the field to fight their war for them. Having read 'School Libraries 21C' I was struck by the impression that todays TLs are fighting a war for recognition, not only as part of the eduactional team, but as teachers of excellence. However, I detect a note of desperation.

Could it be that there a large number of old-style TLs out there who are holding back the image of the profession? Could it also be that CSU aims to combat this complacency by turning out an army of zealots who will carry forth their key messages of collaboration and instructional leadership?

All I know is that Ms Hay's Number 1 recommendation was that TLs stop whinging and take up the sword (maybe not in those precise words, but I got the message).

So, Hold the line! Stay with me! If you find yourself alone, riding in the green fields with the sun on your face, do not be troubled. For you are in Elysium, and you're already dead! (That one was from Gladiator..maybe not Shakespeare but still a cracking quote!)

Library Book Avengers

Absolutely loved this video. Who knoew that you could learn about libraries and have a good laugh at the same time. If you do nothing else today, wathch this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=gSkat7th2FA

Friends, Romans, Countrymen...

.. I come to bury Herring, not to praise him.

Having read a few articles, the ETL501 course book and the assignment guidelines I am getting the impression that one of Mr Herring's favourite buzzwords is 'critical', so I guess I'd better be viewing everything I read with a critical eye. It is noticeable, however, that the pool of authors on teacher librarianship is not extensive. Articles make frequent references to the same authors, which can be a mite confusing. I've already read two things by Herring from 2011.

In other readings I've been reminded of a lot of teaching theory that I'd put to the back of my mind. D. Pardoe's 'Towards Successful Learning' (2009) prompted me to quiz my class on their views about learning and we now make frequent reference to helpful and unhelpful talk. Also, I have found myself spouting the thoughts of others about how children learn in this weeks parent-teacher interviews. Good to know that at least some of it is sticking in my head.

At The Coast

Beginning anything new, even a simple blog, can be a daunting prospect. Even before starting you are faced with the seemingly momentous decision of what name to choose. Rather like naming a child there are innumerable options and they all seem objectionable. After all, I want the name of my blog to reflect who I am and relate in some way to the purpose of it's creation.

So, after much deliberation, welcome to The Anabasis.

For those not in the know, an anabasis is a journey from the coast heading inland. As I am currently beginning my journey into the land of teacher librarianship through study at Charles Sturt University I thought it a fitting analogy. The purpose of this blog is to record my progress towards that target. Currently I am standing on the coast looking inland, more than just a little apprehensive about the task I have set myself, but determined to succeed nonetheless.

In my younger days of study I was an ancient historian, and at heart I shall always be so. While my wife would not allow me to name our children Agamemnon or Heracles, I can at least pay homage to Xenophon with this reference to his 'Anabasis,' although I suspect his writing will still outlast mine.