Teacher librarians' activities during COVID-19 report

 The American Association of School Librarians released its final survey in a series of snapshot surveys measuring the state of school libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Responses to the latest survey indicate that a majority of school librarians have seen an increase in responsibilities during the 2020–2021 school year, with 75% of respondents reporting they are doing more technology troubleshooting and nearly 86% reporting they are doing more ebook promotion in their districts.

AASL. (2021). Final school library snapshot survey results. KnowledgeQuest.

https://knowledgequest.aasl.org/final-school-library-snapshot-survey-results/

Who Should Teach Digital Citizenship?

New research examines the perceptions and beliefs of school librarians regarding state-mandated digital citizenship instruction in K–12 schools. Results from a statewide survey of Utah school librarians found that school librarians expressed a desire to be more involved in the instruction process. They need for more time, and desired consistent collaboration with teachers and administration.
Phillips, A., & Lee, V. (2019). Whose responsibility is it? A stateside survey of school librarians on responsibilities and resources for teaching digital citizenship.  School Library Research, 22.
http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/pubs/slr/vol22/SLR_WhoseResponsibilityIsIt_V22a.pdf 

Technology priority in education survey

More than 90% of school district leaders across the country say their top priority for education technology is to personalize learning for students, according to a national survey. More than nine in 10 respondents to a survey on the topic reported that in the pursuit of encouraging personalized learning their districts 1) provide software or digital curriculum to classrooms (designated by 96 percent of participants); 2) provide computing devices to classrooms (94 percent); and 3) provide professional development in personalized learning practices (92 percent). Two-thirds of districts (65 percent) also assess teachers on their implementation of personalized learning practices.The survey also reveals that about three-quarters of districts offer blended-learning options and more educators are expressing concern about student data and privacy issues.
Center for Digital Education. (2018). K12 school district priorities. Folsom, CA: Center for Digital Education.
http://www.govtech.com/education/papers/2018-K-12-School-District-Priorities-Is-Yours-on-the-List-103201.html?
 

School librarian collaboration report

A new report reveals that school librarians are highly involved leaders playing a critical role in their schools through consistent and sustained collaboration with other educators, and that they deliver professional development to peers, educators, and staff in their schools. The report details key findings from a nationwide survey of more than 2,400 educators from all grade levels and subject areas.
Survey findings indicate that many schools are not structured to support the professional collaboration educators identified as important in strengthening their practice. Despite this, educators are participating in some forms of school-based collaboration, and school librarians are often participating at rates equal to or greater than other educators. With the already small amount of time set aside for collaboration during the school day dwindling, a substantial number of school librarians are participating in professional learning networks on their own time. Fifty-one percent reported seeking and sharing ideas at least weekly in online networks and communities. Of those school librarians participating in the survey, 66 percent indicated they also provide professional development to peers and other educators, and 58 percent provide these services to staff inside their school. Further, 60 percent indicated their decision to do so was voluntary.
National Center for Literacy Education. (2013). Remodeling Literacy Learning: Making Room for What Works, Urbana, IL: Author.
http://www.literacyinlearningexchange.org