An Examination of the Communities of Practice of Elementary School Librarians in Rural Settings
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Authors
Scott, Kimberly Michelle
Issue Date
2014-05-10
Type
Dissertation
Language
en_US
Keywords
communities of practice , school librarian , professional development , educators , rural settings , basic interpretive qualitative study
Alternative Title
Abstract
This basic interpretive qualitative study utilized the case study approach to
examine the experiences of eight elementary school librarians participating in
communities of practice in rural settings. Data was collected through a brief
demographic profile, interviews, and observations. Several main themes and three
subthemes were identified through an analysis of the interview and observation data. The
major themes included communities of practice in rural settings, Regional Educational
Service Area (RESA) as an organizational community of practice, use of communities of
practice for professional development, overcoming isolation, and initiating a local
community of practice. Subthemes included mentoring, technology, and collaboration.
The data analysis indicated RESA serves as a primary source of networking and
professional development for rural school librarians. Professional development was
delivered primarily through the district RESA organization followed by redelivery of the
professional development by attendees at the RESA training meetings. Local
communities of practice reflected a very loosely organized, need to know now type of
structure relying on the knowledge base of individual school librarians to provide
assistance as needed. Mentoring was offered as a result of a personal response to a need.
References to technology mainly related to administrative responsibilities such as the
implementation of new library automation systems. Comments about collaboration were
focused on collaboration and assistance given to school librarians peers rather than
between teachers and school librarians. Additional research is needed to investigate the
impact communities of practice have on the daily practice of school librarians using a
larger sample size as well as isolation within the practice of school librarians.