In Web Age, Library Job Gets Update

[Félix]

Even as more school librarians teach digital skills, they often become the first casualties of budget crunches.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/16/boo...

[RandomAnthony]

It's funny, we were just talking about this today...my wife's school has professional development because of the holiday and they're learning about media, etc. because the district has cut back to one librarian per six elementaries.

I do see librarians as collaborative teachers...unfortunately, some librarians with whom I've worked in elementary schools see the library as their personal kingdoms, without a teaching element, and do everything they can to keep the kids from touching the books, etc. That's the wrong attitude...luckily that attitude is rare. Librarians are going to have to evolve with the times like everyone else, and I think most are ready for the challenge.

[Kevin]

i agree. when i was in school the library was a musty, dark place filled with volumes of out-dated encyclopedia's and hardy boys book. you had to be coma like quiet and only the bee-hive haired librarians knew the nuances of the dewey decimal system.

now libraries are interactive, bright and relevant. DVD's, audiobooks, mp3's, current mags as well as lots of diverse books. they have programs designed to educate, not isolate. yesterday our library had a Clifford The Big Red Dog day (the author is from kokomo) and i was one of the featured readers for the kids. hundreds of sweaty kids clamoring for books and exploring the library. very cool

[Sandy]

Yes, librarians are definitely on the short list when it comes to money saving devices. However, the IT person, who is already overworked, will have to pick up the slack from the lost librarians making it even more difficult to correct essential services. You're right, Random, I've noticed that many librarians are happy only when the books are strictly Dewey decimaled and on the shelves. Heck, they don't ever read. However, one per 6 schools is an enormous mmistake. I hope they have lots of clerks in those libraries.

Luckily, the first school I went to had a wonderful, bright, sunny library and a window seat where I loved to read. From then on, anything was fine as long as there were books.

[Jackie "the Librarian"]

Sandy: I've noticed that many librarians are happy only when the books are strictly Dewey decimaled and on the shelves.

Yes, yes, YES!!! Darn those pesky patrons, messing up the books, checking out the books, MY books! My lovely books, it's okay, I'll protect you...

::muttermutterdarnpatronsmuttermybooksallminemuttermutter...:::





Just kidding!

[Kevin]

patrons. my daughter always says that when referring to people at the library where she works

[Jackie "the Librarian"]

It's librarianese for customers, Kevin.

[RandomAnthony]

I might participate in a book group at the library just to support my librarians. I always feel bad when the librarians organize events and no one comes. That reminds me, Jacks, how's the teen group going?

Our local librarians really go out of their way to be cool. Most of them recognize my kids by name. And I don't think it's because my kids are out of control, either:)

[Kevin]

my daughter is an awesome library worker. she loves everyone and gives everyone equal attention and treatment (even the homeless types that frequent the library and just mill around). she got a rap on her evaluation for being too nice and taking too much time with some of the handicapped ones who don't quite understand the rules. most of the ones here at our library are great! (reference desk people can be a bit protective of the resources)

[Jackie "the Librarian"]

Your daughter sounds wonderful, Kevin, and like she'd fit in perfectly at the Olympia Library, where the staff is wonderful and the patrons are special. ;)

The teen book group is going awesome, RA, thanks! They always make me laugh and feel amazed at what great readers they are. They have an irrational fondness for MadLibs, even though they are a little too old to find them all that funny anymore.

Right now, we're reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. I hope they like it as much as they loved I Am the Messenger.

[RandomAnthony]

Ha...mad libs...my kids like the ones on the National Geographic for kids website...here's one for President's Day...

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/Ga...