I believe the role of the school librarian is to empower students and staff to be lifelong learners by providing resources for literacy, critical thinking, and digital citizenship. The library is the place where the skills emanate, and the role of the librarian is to provide access and education of resources and materials to aid in growth and learning. The librarian is there to plant the seeds to ensure that both students and staff are prepared for the future and are ethical users of information. 

I believe that it is important to know your community and be ever evolving. Ragnanathan’s theories have struck me as pivotal as I have developed my understanding of the role of a library and a librarian. Recognizing that there is always room for change and growth is essential to being a successful librarian and having an effective library. 

Staying relevant is key. As I become older, the students do not, and as a librarian, it is important for me to recognize the importance of staying relevant to today’s students. Students ten years ago do not have exactly the same interests as students today. I believe that I must regularly check in with students and teachers to ensure that I am continuing to meet their needs and provide them with the best resources for today. A library is a living organism, and we must feed it and adapt with it.

I believe that a librarian must work to reach all members of the school community, regardless of race, gender, socio-economic status, etc. Again, every reader has his/her book and every book its reader. Providing relevant and appropriate books for the members of the school community is essential. It is my job to promote literacy and access to information in order to prepare students for their future, whether that be college, career, or general life skills. Students have different needs and will arrive with different reading levels; it is important that I meet them where they are and work to further growth. Furthermore, it is important that I not let my personal biases interfere with my ability to share information and work to educate others in accessing information themselves. 

I believe that as a school librarian it is equally important to connect with the faculty in order to provide appropriate programming and opportunities for students. In order to expand access to materials to students, they must know what is available, and teachers play a pivotal role in this. Building positive relationships with adults in a school building is a personal goal of mine to ensure that students are regularly encouraged to utilize the library and its resources, and to further access to information for everyone.

I believe that my role is to educate and empower students and staff to be independent and critical thinkers and readers. It is my responsibility to do everything in my power to ensure that I am reaching and meeting the needs of my community.