Real learning in the virtual zone

This paper looks at how knowledge management principles can be applied to the professional learning needs of school library and information services staff, and the learning needs of the profession itself. How can teacher librarians learn faster in order to do the same things better, to do better things and to do entirely new things to improve learning in schools? Many teacher librarians are the sole school library professional within their immediate school communities, and some are working increasingly in online environments. How can knowledge management principles and processes be applied when there is no water cooler, no staff room, no Friday drinks, or no physical library space? The authors cover the issues of professional knowledge, professional practice and professional engagement in the online environment, and suggest various tools for connecting people with like interests and needs beyond physical boundaries into a community of practice: e-mail, discussion lists, forums and chat, shared web space, e-portfolios, weblogs, community online archives. [Author abstract, ed]