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TL 10.1q 10 Ontario School Library Association P r o fe s s io n a l c o n n e c t io n s T L MMaannaaggiinngg MMaannaaggeemmeenntt -- YYoouu AArree NNoott AAlloonnee by Brenda Dillon Again and again, in workshops and pro-fessional literature, I'm told that myfocus as a teacher-librarian must be teaching. If I want to be taken seriously as a teacher, understood as someone who's more than a shelver of books, then I shouldn't be seen spending my time processing materials, organizing and labeling shelves, shelving books, filing, taking care of administrivia. It's a nice theory. And I agree - theoretical- ly. But the reality of my life in the school library and, I suspect, the reality for many of my colleagues, is that I can't provide a good program unless a sound foundation has been created and is maintained. And that founda- tion is everything we tend to lump together as management. So, how to manage management in such a way that we have the time and energy to do the more important things? First, each of us must realize that we are not alone in this struggle. We're part of a communi- ty with a great deal of collective experience, expertise and wisdom. Do yourself a favour - don't reinvent the wheel (or the filing system!). Learn. Teach. Share. Where to begin? Start here... SUGGESTIONS • Be an active member of your local associa- tion/subject council. If you're a new T-L, take advantage of the experience of those in the best position to know how things work in your school district. If you're an experienced T-L, offer this experience to your new colleagues. • Look for and take advantage of opportunities to work with a mentor or to serve as a mentor. And remember, you don't have to know absolutely everything about everything to be a good mentor. • Take advantage of professional development opportunities, even if it does mean being out of school or attending sessions during the summer. The time will be well spent. • Participate in the wider world of school librarianship by joining associations, reading journals, joining listservs, and taking advan- tage of the many internet resources available. RESOURCES Associations Ontario School Library Association Membership in the Ontario Library Association is worth the money. Check out the links to other associations on the OSLA web- site. Even if you don't join the associations, do take advantage of their websites. http://www.accessola.org/osla Journals (print) In addition to the journals published by the various associations, you might want to check out the following titles. Library Talk (elementary), Book Report (secondary) - both from Linworth Note: In January 2003 a new pre-K - 12 title, Library Media Collection, will replace both Library Talk and Book Report. See the Linworth website for more information. http://www.linworth.com Teacher Librarian Edited by Ken Haycock, this joint Canadian/ American publication is from Rockland press. See the TL website for more information. http://www.teacherlibrarian.com Journals (online) Online journals are a valuable supplement to print journals. The Informed Librarian Online Take advantage of a free subscription to