PHILOSOPHY
People will tell you that you should never say in a library interview that you like reading. It’s certainly true that books are only a part of the story, but it boils down to access to knowledge. Do we want our students to have access to the world’s knowledge? Do we want them to have opportunities to use that knowledge? Do we want them to share their learning and knowledge with others? We’re going to do that through technology and MakerSpace and writing and creating, but if the books are just the backdrop for your videos, do you really have a library? Librarians are the mediators of the school. They are the ones who can help us consider our methods of delivery and our means of knowledge acquisition. When do you read a print biography vs when do you watch YouTube videos? Librarians help you sift through the information and get at it the best way AND then help you convey your information in the best way possible. None of this precludes reading!
I also feel that when we say that libraries are “more than books” that we devalue books. If you’ve read any recent picture books or young adult books, you’ll know that they aren’t behind the times. Books are not dusty old tomes on the shelves. Books help convey our messages about society just as plainly as any other medium. The value of students seeing themselves in books is incalculable. Dr. Bishop’s “mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors” are not going anywhere. Donalyn Miller, Penny Kittle, Nancie Atwell, Kelly Gallagher, Colby Sharp, Mr. Schu, Pernille Ripp and so many more-- these are all contemporary experts who know the value and power of reading. Why do we want to act like libraries and librarians can’t be about books? |