Philosophy

Library Philosophy

Today’s school library is a learning commons that functions as a place to extend student learning beyond the required curriculum.  Vic Kelly says it well, “A library at its best is the heartbeat of the school, the nucleus, the focus.”  It is a place that meets the needs of all patrons with multiple uses and where students may develop critical thinking, problem- solving, and communication skills.  Students and teachers alike investigate, collaborate, seek and use information to explore ideas and solve problems.  

The library program does not exist in isolation, libraries support every academic unit, not only it’s curriculum but also the various needs of the faculty, students, and community members.  Librarians collaborate with students, teachers, administrators, Board of Education members, and the school community to develop the program; incorporating the District mission and vision, the goals and objectives of the Future Ready Schools Framework, and the National Informational Literacy Standards for Student Learning as prepared by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL).

My mission as a librarian is to promote lifelong learning and facilitate achievement and education for our patrons.   Librarians are here to support those efforts by providing access to varied materials, guidance how to navigate and understand it, and in an environment that cultivates learning.   We create opportunities that allow students to explore new forms of literacy and communication.    It is essential for library staff to be friendly, flexible, enthusiastic, accommodating, adaptable, and passionate about technology and reading.  Our role has evolved from gatekeepers to guides.  My responsibility is to increase well being for as many people as possible.   Librarians fulfill intellectual, innovative, social, and practical needs of their patrons.