First and foremost, I am a huge advocate for education and literacy for all students. I think that the school library is a powerful place where students of all backgrounds, ages, reading levels, and educational abilities can benefit. Students in the 21st century often acquire crucial digital literacy and inquiry skills in the library. Libraries provide programs and access to a variety of material that is practically unlimited, everything from more traditional fiction and non-fiction books to maker-spaces and games. 

School libraries can even be thought of as the heart of the school, a place for all students and staff to gather as a community or individuals. I also feel that the librarian and its materials do not belong to any one person, but exist to benefit everyone at the school. As important as the physical library and its valuable resources and materials are, it would be nothing without the librarian in it. Aside from the collection, technology, and collaborative space that the library provides, the librarian can offer so much more. I see the librarian as a resource that is there to plan engaging lessons for students, collaborate with other teachers, and curate resources for school staff. Having said this, I feel that it will be important for me as a librarian to be an advocate and make sure the importance and value of the library is known to the teachers and staff in my school building.  

It will be my goal to make sure that students have a warm welcoming library where they feel wanted and respected. Not only this, but a library that meets their needs regardless of what level they are at and certainly a library with a diverse collection where all students feel represented when they come to choose a book. It is also my hope that students will learn valuable digital literacy and inquiry skills that will help them through their school careers and beyond. My coursework at Old Dominion University to become a school librarian has prepared me to dive into and build upon a great school library program.