This totally relates because I'm in my own little world of 'wandering wonderer,' where I don't quite know yet who I am. As I'm taking the fast-track path to become a librarian, I'm still a full-time English teacher...so where do I fit in?
My librarians are talking to me more now about Conferences and jobs they do around the school, but I still attend my CLT meetings and plan lesson plans. And even with just beginning the process, I'm still finding myself kind of confused on my standing within the school right now. Colleagues who know about my plan either 1)totally see it as a good fit, 2)are confused on why make the change over from teaching, or 3)suggest other things I should have done (like Sped teacher or become Admin). I'm always trying to explain to them what librarians do, but I honestly am still learning all that inside jargon and detail.
I recently came across this nice little article that not only will help me clarify for those confused teachers of what and why a librarian, but to also remind me of what I'm hoping to be when I am truly a librarian and not just a squire. It's from Publishers Weekly, and all the while that it's explaining about schooling and duties of a librarian, it's using tons of humor and relatable examples (referencing characters from the movie Desk Set and the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer...YES!). The perfect extended metaphor of what kind of librarian I hope to be is everything within this article: informative, humorous, and just a touch too nerdy.
While not everyone will laugh at my jokes or get some of my references (how many other 20-something year olds even know who Katharine Hepburn IS let alone Desk Set, let alone incoming generations of teenagers), the point is that I can still be my goofy, fun self WHILE being helpful...and that is something everyone can rely on.
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteThe article you found is fantastic and even helps me out. I am currently almost done with this program and seriously starting to question myself as to why I want to be a librarian. For me, everything we are being told is technology, technology, technology. And I am NOT technology. I completely understand the library and where it is going and I am fully capable of directing someone on the right path, so this article helped me realize I AM on the right path. All I can say to you is to follow your heart. You know what is best for you and I wish you all the best. From every librarian I have ever known, they swear it is the BEST job in the world.
Just from reading your blog and comments on other posts, I too agree you will be a wonderful librarian. A combination of all worlds will help you become that 21st century librarian you need to be for the 21st century learner. Think of it this way, you can be "a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll" and connect with ALL learners who enter "your library"!
ReplyDeleteStephanie, great post! I know what you mean. Librarians are expected to do so much in schools now, that sometimes it can seem overwhelming (especially when an administration doesn't give much time for librarians to accomplish library-related goals). I love the video clip, and the article that you linked is very funny and relatable. I, like you, am still working as an English teacher, and the more I learn in these classes makes me realize that 21st century librarians can be some of the most important teachers in a school. Just think of all of the roles of a modern librarian: teacher, facilitator, partner, administrator, leader, and information specialist. So, in a way, because we have already had experience teaching Language Arts, being a librarian encompasses many of the same roles we've had in our careers as educators; librarianship just helps us keep pace with ever-changing technologies and teaching strategies that aid 21st century students and help them become successful members of a technologically-driven world.
ReplyDeleteStephanie, I can totally relate! When people ask what I am in school for, they are boggled by the answer. So many do not realize that being a librarian requires more education-they think you simply need a pair of glasses on a chain and the ability to shush people! It is hard at this point to describe exactly what my future role will be, and I struggle to make people understand. I will definitely be using some of the examples in the article to clarify to people exactly what it is I want to be (and do)!
ReplyDelete