This past week I was part of a focus group for a research project from the Department of Information Science at the University of North Texas. The focus group gathered a small group of middle school and high school librarians from around the country via Zoom and asked questions about what kind of data we collected and how we used it. Information from the focus group will be used to create professional development on evidence-based practice. To start the session, the leader asked each participant to tell our name, where we are located, and to tell our purpose. Why are we librarians? What are our overarching goals in our work? It's been a long time since I contemplated this question. After 23 years in the library, I have seen many changes in the library world and education in general. I was a little bit surprised at what I found myself saying: I am passionate about giving students a positive experience with the library, reading and books. I also want to provide a safe space where everyone feels welcome and included. It's about cultivating relationships and helping students connect with a caring adult. Of course I want to build a diverse collection where every student is represented and connect students with books, but I know that not all students consider themselves readers. I want even the reluctant readers to feel welcome in the library and that there is something for them here.
To exchange moments of happiness and belonging with library visitors." -Mychal Threets Yes! I thought. I love this description. It confirms that making positive connections and building relationships with people is more important that teaching lessons or shelving books or collecting overdues. It's more important that circulation statistics and reading scores. Helping people feel a sense of happiness and belonging isn't just a little thing--it's everything.
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Amy BrownleeLibrarian, reading teacher, presenter. Archives
April 2024
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