Textbook Read and Reflect Week 2

Empowering Learners, ch 4
I find it interesting that the role of librarians is so vital yet so challenged.  The responsibilities of the librarian are far greater than most people realize.  In order to reduce some of the misconceptions of the librarians role, we need to become leaders in our schools.  The librarian needs to be at the forefront of change and be visible in all aspects of the school and community.  I had never thought of how necessary it is to have positive relationships outside the walls of the school building.

The School Library Media Manager, ch 12
Being the rookie librarian next fall, I feel that one of my biggest challenges will be advocating the library and what all it has to offer.  It is very important for everyone to know how important the library media center is in the education of children, and if the librarian doesn't promote it, who will.  For several years, our library has been a lifeless room, and I cannot wait to change that.  Knowing that I met some resistance from our school board for a couple of reasons:  1) being only Praxis certified and 2) they debated on even rehiring the position, I know that I have some major hurdles to cross in promoting my library and program.  I was glad to see all of the ideas of ways to promote the library, many of which will be useful for me next year.  My favorite suggestion from this chapter was to have students present their creations and show how they utilize the library.  I also want to incorporate more reading centered activities and special events that involve the parents and community. 

The School Library Media Manager, ch 14
If there was ever any doubt in my mind about selecting LIS as a Master's program, it has been completely squelched.  My original plan was to stick with technology education, but I now know that technology education is a major part in the LIS field.  Being able to embrace the new technologies and to encourage their use by students and teachers is one of the major jobs of the library media specialist.  As a classroom teacher, I incorporated blogs and wikis into my teaching when I could, and not as often as I wish I would have.  I would love to pass this on to other teachers.  Teaching students (and educators) to be ethical users of technology and information is another main role that I will fulfill.  On pages 217 and 218, Woolls discusses how students have difficulty searching for and evaluating information.  I feel that it will be my job to increase the awareness of good searching techniques in our elementary students so they are better prepared for middle school, high school, and beyond.