I believe it is my responsibility to provide an environment where all patrons within my community feel welcomed and valued. In order to achieve this, I will create a library space that is inviting to all patrons. This will include a well organized collection with clear signage so patrons can easily find the materials they are looking for. It will also provide flexible seating to accommodate all patrons. Finally, I will continuously seek out feedback from my patrons to ensure the library program is meeting their needs and addressing any concerns.
I also believe it is my responsibility to create a library program that supports student learning. In order to do so, I will work towards building collaborative relationships with the school staff. This will allow me to “design and teach engaging inquiry-based learning experiences” and help to keep the library collection current and relevant to the curriculum by receiving staff input on resources that will benefit student learning (AASL, 2018, p. 174). In striving to keep my collection current and relevant, it will also align with the American Association for School Librarians’ Common Belief that “school librarians curate current digital and print materials and technology to provide access to high-quality reading materials that encourage learners, educators, and families to become lifelong learners and readers” (AASL, n.d.).
Finally, it is vital to me that the library collection reflects the diversity of the school community. I will follow Ranganathan laws so that the library collection will accurately reflect the diverse needs and interests of my community ensuring “every reader his/her book” and “every book its reader” goal is met (Rubin & Rubin, 2020, pg. 709). I will include diverse books in my lessons as well as in book displays so that every student feels represented and seen.
References
American Association for School Librarians (n.d.) Common Beliefs. https://standards.aasl.org/beliefs/
AASL. (2018). The national school library standard for learners, school librarians, and school libraries. ALA.
GDJ (2020, May 8). Bookshelves-frame-heart-love-5142509. [Image]. Pixabay. https://pixabay.com/vectors/bookshelves-frame-heart-love-5142509/. CC-BY-NC.
Rubin, R. E. & Rubin, R. G. (2020). Foundations of library and information science (5th ed.). ALA Neal-Schuman