With this issue we begin a new section for Synergy entitled ‘Leaders and Leadership’. Our first article in this new section is reprinted from School Libraries Worldwide, with permission, and is by Sheila Baker from the University of Houston Clear-Lake in the USA. This article is entitled ‘From Teacher to School Librarian Leader and Instructional Partner: A Proposed Transformation Framework for Educators of Preservice School Librarians’. Our aim, with this new section, is to publish articles about leaders within the school librarianship profession, analyses of leadership across education, and research and commentary that considers how teacher-librarians can best perform as leaders to support learning in their school community. We hope you find this new section an interesting addition to the mix of Synergy offerings.
As it is the first issue of 2018 we also welcome a new guest author for our Reflections and Actions section. Anita Brooks Kirkland is a consultant and commentator from Canada who specialises in the areas of information and digital literacy and the role of the school library commons. Anita has extensive experience in the Canadian environment and we welcome her contribution to the journal across 2018. It is always interesting to read about the developments and challenges in other countries; it contributes to our understanding of the global community of school library professionals and assists us to see the SLAV as part of world-wide community working to improve the learning opportunities of young people.
In another attempt to broaden our global focus, SLAV recently joined the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) as a partner association. This membership entitles SLAV members to a range of benefits that position our members as part of a global community and gives them access to a range of opportunities and resources. If you are not aware of this initiative and would like further information, please do get in touch with the SLAV office.
Synergy is fifteen years old this year and it has been online since 2009. The Synergy website includes many articles that are a valuable resource for professional learning, examples of best practice and inspirational ideas. Take the time to look back – I am sure you will find something of interest.
As always the Synergy Board hopes you enjoy this issue’s contents, and we welcome any thoughts or suggestions on possible future articles – topics or authors. Please do get in touch.
Dr Susan La Marca
Editor