School Librarians and Professional Learning Networks

Professional Learning Network and Professional Development Defined

Professional learning networks (PLNs) are venues or tools that allow professionals or "colleagues" -- or in this case, educators and school librarians -- connect virtually with a community in a learning environment (Moreillon, 2015).  Examples of online PLNs include social media groups and tags, online forums through different sites or organizations, and other subscriptions such as Discovery Education.  Some PLNs allow for resources to be shared, while others may be more conversational to learn from each other. Sometimes referred to as Professional learning communities, PLNs have common purposes and a shared vision and encourage continuous growth through professional development (Trinkle, 2009).

Professional development (PD) is defined as learning opportunities for continuous learning or professional growth, frequently through conferences or workshops, or institutional meetings (Trust et al., 2018).  Online professional development is similar except, according to Trust, Carpenter, and Krutka, it can be delivered asynchronously and offers more personalization and engagement.  Examples of this might include webinars, online courses, virtual conferences, and more.  

Advantages of Online Professional Development and Networking

One of the advantages of being globally connected to other school librarians through PLNs is that while on-site workshops, meetings and training opportunities might be focused on teachers and faculty, online connections and opportunities allow school librarians to focus on library-specific needs (Moreillon, 2016).  Some of the benefits that school librarians have reported in one study included "instant family of acceptance and support for librarianship," access to others with more experience, staying current with trends and technology, as well as sharing library lessons and programming (Moreillon, 2015).

Disadvantages of Online Professional Development and Networking

One of the disadvantages of online PLNs for school librarians is that according to a study by Smith (2015), many librarians do not have online PLNs so the audience may be limited.  Furthermore, social media such as Twitter or Facebook are frequently used which may also exclude librarians who do not use social media.

Another disadvantage to online PLNs is getting more than you bargained for.  Jaeger (2010) mentions one situation wherein a teacher-librarian was covering two schools due to budget cuts; when the teacher-librarian reached out for help, it started a lengthy dialogue that started at the very beginning -- if the assignment was even designed correctly -- instead of answering the question.  While this might be helpful long-term and well-intentioned, it was probably not very beneficial to someone who works as a solo librarian for two institutions.

Benefits of Global Connection

Student Benefits

School librarians being connected globally helps students by providing the librarians with tools and knowledge to facilitate learning and resources that students will need to become future-ready (Moreillon, 2015).  Cordell, Rogers and Parker (2012) say that the collaboration allowed by these global connections are "vital to improving student achievement and impacting school learning."  

School Librarian and Teacher Benefits

One of the biggest benefits of being globally connected is that school librarians are frequently solo librarians which may be isolating.  Social media and national organizations are a good start for becoming connected, but there are international organizations that offer more ideas and experiences.  Two of the big ones are the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), which has members from over 150 countries, and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL), which is an international network specific for school librarians (Everhart, 2018).

References

Cordell, S., Rogers, R. R. H., & Parker, L. (2012). No more CPR: Resuscitate your professionalism through professional learning networks. Knowledge Quest, 41(2), 18-21.

Everhart, N. (2018). Going global: International professional organizations for school librarians. Knowledge Quest, 46(5), 1-5.

Jaeger, P. (2010). Virtual PLC's @ their best: A daily diatribe. Library Media Connection, 29(2), 14-15. 

Moreillon, J. (2015). #Schoollibrarians tweet for professional development: A netnographic case study of #txlchat. School Libraries Worldwide, 21(2). https://doi.org/10.14265.21.2.010

Moreillon, J. (2016). Building your personal learning network (PLN): 21st-Century school librarians seek self-regulated professional development online. Knowledge Quest, 44(3), 64-69.

Smith, D. (2018). Growing your library career with social media. Libraries and Social Media. Chandos Publishing.

Trinkle, C. (2009). Twitter as a professional learning community. School Library Monthly, XXVI(4), 22-23.

Trust, T., Carpenter, J. P., & Krutka, D. G. (2018). Leading by learning: Exploring the professional learning networks of instructional leaders. Educational Media International, 55(2).