School Librarians as Significant Other

This chapter explores three strands of research: professional learning communities, the significant others in the development of pre-service teachers, and teacher-school librarian collaboration to develop a strategy for using Online Professional Learning Communities (OPLC) as a means for fostering career-long, mutually beneficial collaborations among teachers and school librarians. A previous study of such an OPLC comprised of pre-service and in-service teachers, university faculty, and school librarians is described. The role of the school librarian as a member of the OPLC is examined, particularly as a significant other (Karmos & Jacko, 1977) in the professional development of pre-service teachers. Recommendations include the key elements of creating OPLCs that are inclusive and demonstrate the value school librarians bring to this community.