Reflections of a School Librarian

My earliest ambition was to travel the world, meet lots of interesting people and to be a magician.

A career in School Librarianship has already helped me realize many aspects of this and I'm still working on the rest.


Originally I trained in an industrial library - with shelves of reports & specifications rather than books. The engineers were voracious readers and quite a demanding customer base not unlike my current clientele - the teen reader. 


I've been inspired by so many clever authors and motivated by marvellous speakers at educational & literary events. I love being with likeminded professionals who are happiest when sharing good practice.


In fact this networking is key to why I love being a school librarian. I consider myself fortunate to have worked with some brilliant people, especially but not solely, from English departments.


Currently I'm working in a large state secondary School. It's my 13th year here and the changing educational landscape has been challenging but over the past years I've enjoyed a measure of success in collaborative projects both locally and internationally.


Of course as an avid reader - I had inhabited a variety of worlds and becoming a school librarian has allowed me to continue to explore & share this experience. Sharing stories and listening to young people is an essential part of this job and one of the greatest rewards too.


This job is a challenge. In addition to being a super librarian with great resources & magically tidied shelves you are also a sneaky teacher; helping students build up their reading stamina and to sharpen their information skills.
Plus you have to be a role model and keep on learning yourself.


Being a school librarian means taking a pro active approach and using tried and tested methods but avoiding tired and testing ones!


I still love my job!


#End of My first blog post for 23 things...