Calls to Cultivate Equitable Education Systems: Will School Librarians Be Acknowledged as Information Literacy Specialists?

• In Event: AERA Virtual Poster Session 7
  In Poster Session: Formal and Informal Leadership Roles in Cultivating Equitable Educational Programs and Systems

Abstract

Although school librarians (SLs) are professionally trained to provide information literacy instruction to students and teachers their teaching capability is rarely acknowledged. In this study we identify the multiple roles SLs played in a populous state during the COVID-19 crisis. Results reveal that SLs are first and foremost teachers, information literacy educators, instructional consultants, information specialists, and technology integrators. Information literacy, defined as the ability to access, sort, select, and identify credible and reliable information is critical in order to promote social justice and prevent disenfranchisement and systematic oppression. Understanding the roles SLs performed in schools during the pandemic may help raise the visibility of SLs as educators and key partners in helping teachers and students to become information literate.

Authors

• Joette Stefl-Mabry, University at Albany - SUNY

• Michael S Radlick, Learning Technology Visions, LLC