Things are not always as they seem: perceptions of the role of librarians in TAFE

Anne Lloyd and Marion Bannister
anne.lloyd@tafensw.edu.au, mbannister@csu.edu.au

The educational role of the librarian in TAFE is generally poorly understood or not acknowledged by teachers and management. The TAFE librarian's role is often perceived by these groups to be a service role, which centres on the efficient administration of the library. The failure of TAFE librarians to articulate their educational role has marginalised the librarian's contribution to teaching and learning in TAFE. The literature suggests that similar perceptions exist in other educational sectors. A future role encompassing re-engineered service and educational roles for the TAFE librarian in the digital age is suggested.