What's Being Taught about Libraries in Teacher-Preparation Programs?

I have decided not much.....

I have spent the past two days interviewing potential teachers during our annual district job fair. I enjoy this assignment. I think it shows the value my administration on my campus places on the library media program.

At some point during the interview I asked each candidate how he or she either uses the library (if currently employed) or would use the library. Here are the responses:

• to remove troublesome students from the classroom
• for silent reading
• to use Study Island
• to take AR tests
  
• to be taught how to use word processing, database, spreadsheet, or presentation software
• to check out books

Not one time was there mention of a collaborative lesson with the librarian. Not one time was there mention of citing sources. Rarely was there mention of research.

I also ask about their use of technology. Here are the responses:

• Powerpoint presentations
• Use of computers -- mostly for word processing, database, spreadsheet, or presentation software
• Use of United Streaming -- good
• CPS system (or the clickers as one applicant called them)
  
• Webquests -- again, good

Not one time did an applicant mention blogging or the use of a wiki or podcasts. I question the teacher preparation programs for not including these Web 2.0 tools. I question the school districts from which the currently employed applicants come.

Now that I have spent two days at the job fair I believe I am ready to work this summer on some much needed teacher training. What "lessons" do I want to develop?

• Orientation to the services in a 21st century library
  
• Using powerpoint effectively -- or beyond the electronic outline
• Using blogs in the classroom
• A class/department/schoolwide wiki
• Collaboration with the librarian
• How to find, validate, and incorporate the use of online materials
  

I see my summer is going to be busy!

Debbie