By Sarah Agar
A Reflection of the Collaborative Working Relationship of a School and Public Library
Abstract
What are the strengths and challenges of a shared space in a school and community library? This paper will discuss the collaborative relationship between Nottawasaga Pines Secondary School (NPSS) and the Essa Public Library – Angus Branch (EPL) over the past five years, through the lens of the teacher-librarian. The demographics of the community and strengths and challenges of the Joint-Use Agreement between the school and public library are reviewed. The two entities collaborate daily and share resources. Suggestions for next steps for improvement of the Joint-Use Agreement from the teacher-librarian lens will be offered.
Sarah Agar brings a myriad of perspectives to Ontario’s Simcoe County District School Board. She grew up on a small family farm in rural Southwestern Ontario before landing in the City of Barrie for her teaching career. As a physics and teacher-librarian specialist, Sarah offers wide-ranging points of view and encourages interdisciplinary learning in the library. Sarah has taught combinations of science, math, physics, library and literacy for 15 years. She is passionate about supporting her colleagues and students with a focus on diversity and inclusion. Sarah enjoys learning so that she can share the most up-to-date information with her colleagues. Like the quote, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime” Sarah believes that if a teacher-librarian can impart their knowledge and skills to colleagues, her colleagues will become more confident in their own skills and share them with others for all to grow.