The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step (Lao Tzu). My journey of a thousand miles began with my enrollment into the Master of Library Science program at East Carolina University. Throughout my coursework, I have learned and applied many of the principles of librarianship. My initial impressions expressed in my first essay have not wavered, but they have been reinforced with three years of experience in a school library and a wealth of information and research gained from coursework and collaboration with fellow students and professors. The internship experience provided me with valuable opportunities to apply what I learned, document the evidence of my work, and reflect on each facet of librarianship. I have learned that librarianship is an ongoing learning experience, which will continue throughout my career.
The earliest libraries originated from a need to store and access information. Although, this fundamental purpose still exists, today’s libraries have become more complex, making information readily accessible through digital resources whenever or wherever a patron might need it. Libraries not only contain resources, but also provide a variety of services and programs tailored to the diverse needs of the community. The school library strives to produce globally competitive, 21st Century skilled students by providing a wide range of educational materials on all levels of difficulty and in a variety of formats, with diversity of appeal. In addition, the school library provides a collection of materials and resources that will enrich and support the curriculum and meet the needs and interests of the students and faculty.
The role of the librarian is multi-faceted and varies according to the type of library. The librarian must possess knowledge in the area of information resources, technology, and research in order to evaluate and select print, non-print, and digital resources. Using professional selection tools and evaluation criteria assists in developing and managing a quality collection designed to meet the diverse curricular, personal, and professional needs of patrons. As an information specialist, the librarian plays a vital role in a democratic society, providing access to information and ideas representing all points of view through resources in a variety of formats for students and staff that must function as well-informed and literate citizens in making choices and decisions. Librarians have had to move away from the traditional idea of a library being a static collection of books and acknowledge the library as a dynamic, ever-changing information network that utilizes the most up-to-date technology trends. Professional development is crucial in making this transition and giving librarians the confidence and ability to implement new technologies. Librarians provide leadership and embolden other teachers to incorporate new tools that can enrich learning. School librarians collaborate with teachers to design lessons, which integrate technology and present opportunities for powerful authentic learning experiences for students. Knowledge of the Common Core and Essential Standards at each grade level is essential so that the librarian can assist teachers in promoting student achievement. The librarian in a school must devise a collection development plan, which supports and enriches the curriculum. The school librarian has a fundamental responsibility to help students develop their information literacy skills to find, analyze, and use information effectively. At the same time, librarians create a culture and learning environment that fosters reading literacy for information and for pleasure.
A librarian must possess a multitude of skills and dispositions in order to be successful. The first of these dispositions should be evident in a welcoming and positive attitude, which creates an inviting atmosphere, in which people feel comfortable asking questions and pursuing answers. Understanding that patrons have a diversity of backgrounds and needs allows us to acknowledge these differences and treat each individual with respect and compassion. Communication is key is building positive relationships with patrons and colleagues. The librarian must develop partnerships with key stakeholders who work together toward the mission of the library. The school librarian should be committed to life-long learning. Pursuing personal and professional goals sends a message to others that learning is important and necessary for self-improvement. Librarians should embrace the love of learning, communicating and demonstrating the impact it has on daily successes and feelings of self-worth. Librarians must engage in thoughtful reflection of their practices and strategies. They must consider the effectiveness of their educational and professional practices and their impact on student success. The librarian must have strong organizational skills so that the facilities and resources support the needs of patrons and maximize both intellectual and physical access to resources. Being flexible is an important attitude that school librarians must possess to encompass fully the many aspects of this profession.
The library is the cornerstone of the community and belongs to all of its members. The library is a multi-faceted organization, which provides a broad range of services and programs, such as print and digital formatted materials, access to Internet, research assistance, personal development sessions, both face-to-face and online, or providing a space for lectures and public meetings. The library is especially valuable in rural or impoverished communities where resources and enriching opportunities are limited. The library fosters literacy, self-improvement, and the pursuit of information. When libraries provide training and preparedness for the workforce, the economic well-being of a community is boosted. Newcomers and immigrants to a community can find assistance that enables them to become productive members of society. Libraries promote freedom of thought and speech and the pursuit of information. These are the ideas that cultivate citizenship and democracy, which is the foundation of our constitutional freedoms.
The importance of schools libraries is reflected in its contribution to the academic well- being of a school and in its support of the teachers and the curriculum needs of the students. A broad range of educational, informational, and recreational resources and activities enrich the curriculum and create students who are effective users of ideas and information, competent and enthusiastic readers, independent learners, and positive contributors to the school community and to society. The school library incorporates emerging technologies and equipment in order to provide access to information to a diversity of students with special needs. The school library sponsors events such as book fairs, author visits, and reading initiatives, which provide opportunity for community involvement. Families and friends join their children to participate in library activities and programs, supporting and advocating for the library program. The school library is the hub of a community, which brings its key stakeholders together.
Librarians must recognize the importance of self and professional development. It is essential to model a strong commitment to learning by participating in professional growth and leadership opportunities. The field of librarianship is ever changing as it incorporates a variety of technologies and works with patrons with increasingly complex information needs. Librarians must take an active role in keeping current of new technologies and issues, gaining expertise and knowledge by attending workshops, joining online learning communities, reading professional literature, attending conferences, and networking with other librarians. As libraries compete with other providers of information, librarians must strive to stay abreast of the needs of their community and use the information to provide services and programs that will keep patrons looking to the library to meet their information needs. With ongoing assessment and reflection of the effectiveness of the library program, the librarian commits to continued personal and professional development. Without this commitment, the librarian cannot fulfill the mission of the library.
An important part of a librarian’s job is to promote lifelong learning of patrons by providing services that support the mission of the library. Librarians work with patrons to provide them with tools to access information so that they will possess a valuable skill that can empower them to solve their own problems, answer their own questions, and make decisions that will benefit them in their lives. Modeling an inquiry-based approach to learning and finding information, the librarian demonstrates and teaches patrons to use information literacy skills to perform their own information queries. Mastering these skills promotes confidence that fosters creative problem-solving, expression of ideas, and contributions to improving the community.
Censorship is a challenge that faces many libraries. The librarian must be prepared to face censorship challenges with a comprehensive, up-to-date policy that provides detailed information about how materials are selected for the library collection and the procedure for challenges. The policy should indicate how the collection enriches and supports the curriculum and meets the needs and interests of teachers and students. The policy should be founded on the principles of library service as they apply equally to all users, minors, as well as, adults.
I feel that censorship of materials in the school library has educational and social implications. The effects of censorship can be detrimental to students regardless of the reasons for the removal of the material. In order to meet the educational needs of the students, the school librarian has a responsibility to ensure access to materials and services that reflect diversity of content and format sufficient to meet their needs. Censorship threatens intellectual freedom, which is the basis of our democratic system. The librarian should be committed to protecting each patron’s constitutional right to information by working against censorship.
I never really thought about becoming a librarian when I was young, although I always loved books and libraries. As a child, I used to enjoy looking through the shelves of books at my grandmother’s house, reveling in the musty smell that emanates from old books. Every visit to the library was a chance to escape from my two younger brothers and the work on our farm. Finding a private corner where I could disappear entirely into the book provided me a refuge and an everlasting love for libraries. As a classroom teacher, I always loved taking my students to the library. Unlike most teachers, who dropped their classes off at the library to have a planning period, I always stayed with my students. I enjoyed helping and guiding the students as the discovered their own reading interests.
When a principal of a neighboring school asked me to consider taking the media coordinator position at his school, I was immediately interested. I walked into the library carrying my experiences and perceptions of librarians as a person who helps students choose books that they eagerly begin reading. Those perceptions were immediately challenged. Of course, I did assist students in finding books, but librarianship was more complex than I realized, involving duties that were often overwhelming. My first courses in the MLS program began to shed light on the behind-the-scenes functions and responsibilities of a librarian. The principal and teachers looked to me for answers to technology questions and training. Combining my leadership and teaching skills, I quickly became the lead technology teacher. This leadership role allowed me to foster relationships with key stakeholders in the community and build advocacy for the library program. As a leader, I help others succeed and develop their own leadership skills, promotes the overall mission of the school. Each day in the school library presents challenges and new understandings. No one day is the same as the next. Interacting effectively with students, staff, administration, parents, and the community allows the school library program to grow and thrive as it builds advocacy as a key component of the community. The library is a great thing, and that is why I want to be part of it. Therefore, as my journey of a thousand miles continues, each step makes me realize how wonderful it is to be a librarian.