How I feel about Library standards

I've read many comments from other students stating that the Australian School Library Association (ASLA) Standards of professional excellence for teacher librarians demand too high a standard in too many areas, and no one librarian could do it all. Although I feel underprepared at the moment with regards to many aspects of teaching and evaluating secondary students which are mentioned in the document, I like the fact that ASLA and ALIA have prepared The Standards as it provides a framework for us to assess ourselves; our strengths and weaknesses. It also presents teacher librarianship as a profession to those outside it, including teachers, Principals and parents. Michell (2006) in her article titled "Australia's professional excellence policy: empowering school libraries" in School Libraries Worldwide 12,(1) 39-49 provides a concise history of teacher librarianship in Australia and how the ASLA standards are designed to help librarians find their place within "the professional teaching standards agenda" She asserts that similar Standards for other teaching professionals were designed to inspire teachers become more accomplished by focusing on certain key areas (p. 42). This is so for the ASLA Standards as teacher librarians must be able to demonstrate that they contribute positively to student learning outcomes and improve professional practice.

I'm hoping (like many others I am sure) that I find a job in a school where I am supported by the Principal and that the library is well funded, but I will keep referring to this document with regards to professional development and as a way to advocate for the library.