I was reading an article in the journal Knowledge Quest, which is published by the American Association of School Librarians, and it started me thinking of the core principles of school libraries and librarians. Although the job duties of school librarians have changed drastically (think technology), our core principles have changed very little. The article is called "The Paradox of Our Profession," and it's by Ann M. Martin and Suzanna L. Panter.
Martin and Panter list these four values:
1. School librarians create sanctuaries for our students.
For both students and staff, the media center is a place of refuge; from crowds, noise, pressures, and worries. It's a calm and safe place to read, study, and escape from the stresses of the classroom.
2. The school librarian is a collaborator and instructional partner.
This is the part of school librarianship that most people don't know about. We are certified teachers and we instruct students daily, team teaching with others and helping students learn to carry out research, develop a love of reading, and use technology wisely.
3. School librarians prepare students for lifelong learning.
By introducing students to great literature, teaching them to choose good resources, and helping them develop critical thinking skills, we prepare them to continue to learn throughout their lives.
4. School librarians protect students' right to information.
We teach students is to be good users of information. That means they follow copyright law, practice Internet safety, and value opinions and information from different sources. We also advocate for their right to read what they want, locate the information they need, and to be exposed to diverse resources.
Our media program has evolved over the years, but the foundations stay the same. In 1899, Melvil Dewey wrote that, "a great librarian must have a clear head, a strong hand, and, above all, a great heart." The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Martin and Panter list these four values:
1. School librarians create sanctuaries for our students.
For both students and staff, the media center is a place of refuge; from crowds, noise, pressures, and worries. It's a calm and safe place to read, study, and escape from the stresses of the classroom.
2. The school librarian is a collaborator and instructional partner.
This is the part of school librarianship that most people don't know about. We are certified teachers and we instruct students daily, team teaching with others and helping students learn to carry out research, develop a love of reading, and use technology wisely.
3. School librarians prepare students for lifelong learning.
By introducing students to great literature, teaching them to choose good resources, and helping them develop critical thinking skills, we prepare them to continue to learn throughout their lives.
4. School librarians protect students' right to information.
We teach students is to be good users of information. That means they follow copyright law, practice Internet safety, and value opinions and information from different sources. We also advocate for their right to read what they want, locate the information they need, and to be exposed to diverse resources.
Our media program has evolved over the years, but the foundations stay the same. In 1899, Melvil Dewey wrote that, "a great librarian must have a clear head, a strong hand, and, above all, a great heart." The more things change, the more they stay the same.