Supporting School Libraries

A growing trend is for various types of librarians to collaborate to form and serve larger communities. You may find school librarians working academic libraries to better prepare high school students for college research. School librarians work with public librarians so that students can have a wider variety of research materials and become familiar with the public librarian who work in their local community. Librarians may also work with archivists or museum librarians to add another dimension to an exhibit or program. Remember libraries aren’t just about books, they’re about helping community members find and use information. I love finding community members who want to work with the school library and one such community member is Laura of Biblauargraphy. Easy to do when we share a love of reading and a genuine concern for young people.

Growing up, Laura traveled the world as part of an embassy family, but today she’s settled in beautiful Boston, Massachusetts. She is currently the Children’s Librarian at an urban library branch, where she works with children and teens of all ages and serves on the Young Adult selection team for the Boston Public Library. Laura’s recent post is a review of newly released Efrain’s Secret by Sofia Quitero!

Thanks for the interview, Laura!

1. Librarians are people we either love or hate. Which was it with you and your librarian? Explain please!
Loved!  She was friendly, welcoming, and a great resource – especially on the big research papers.  I definitely would not have finished my Faulkner tern paper without her.  Since I went to school overseas, the library at my German/American school was one of the few places that I could find books in English, so my school librarian was a big book supplier in my high school days.

2. What is your strongest memory about your school library?

My friend and I would spend free periods sitting on the couches by the periodicals.  It was definitely the best spot in the school for just hanging out.

3. School libraries are changing a lot! What is one thing you think should never change?

A school library should always be the center of the school – academically and socially.  It’s one of the few places in most schools that crosses grade and subject lines and helps turn the school into a community of learners.  (Also – and I think this one pretty much goes without saying – don’t take away the books!)

4. Should students be taught to use print encyclopedias and dictionaries?

Absolutely.  I think using the print versions of these reference sources reinforces necessary skills.  At this point I think it’s still much easier to get a full understanding of what an encyclopedia is and does by carefully looking at one then by searching one online.  And the skills you gain when you are familiar with these basic references can be carried over not only to the online or database versions of encyclopedias and dictionaries, but also to other print resources.  It’s definitely important to have a balance of both print and online/database resources.

5. Should students be fined for overdue books?

I think kids should learn to be accountable for their library materials, so I’m ok with fines within reason.  However, I think the librarian should be able (and willing!) to be flexible and to work with kids to make sure that no one is kept from being able to take out materials just because they can’t pay a fine.

6. You’ve got enough money to buy three classroom sets of books to donate to a high school. What would they be?
Depends on the school!

But I’m going to pick _Chameleon_ by Charles R. Smith, _Dairy Queen_ by Catherine Gilbert Murdoch, and _Sammy and Juliana in Hollywood_ by Benjamin Alire Saenz.

7. Complete the following: “Every school library should have a ____”

Smiling, certified school librarian!

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5 responses

  1. Edi, so glad you’re doing this series. Thanks for exposing me to Laura’s Bib. Bookmarked.

    Laura, thanks for bringing up fines as a potential barrier for kids. Can’t wait to check the titles you recommended! :)

  2. Pingback: Marathon Monday Links « Bib-Laura-graphy

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