With personal and association members from over 80 countries, IASL is committed to the improvement of school libraries and school library programs as vital components of education. Building a network of advocates for the school library is a critical challenge which faces every teacher-librarian in schools around the world. School libraries are threatened and most teacher-librarians do not understand why. Some claim that technology is the problem. Others feel that technology can be the only solution.
Problems are numerous and recommended solutions are many.
I contend the answer lies in promoting a single focus student learning through the library. If we keep discussions centered on helping students to become information literate, we must describe our vision of an information literate student to our peers, our administration, families of students and the communities that we serve. If our programs are described in the context of this learning, they will have a strong and common focus on students learning through the development of information technology literacy skills. Collaboratively developing lessons with other faculty while keeping a focus on these skills can produce measurable results. Membership in professional organizations also conveys the image of being a professional to your colleagues, your school, and the communities you serve.