Dangerous statements for librarians to make
Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 05:52PM The online workshop last Monday night made me think a little about how librarians can be their own worst enemies. I shudder when I hear these phrases uttered:
1. But the school HAS to have a librarian/library.
2. The research proves that libraries improve student achievement. (Subtext: So I don't have to.)
3. Kids can't come into the library at _________ time...
- because I have work to do
- because I might need to step out and they would be unsupervised
- because it is MY library and what I say, goes.
- because I need 4 weeks in the fall and spring to get it ready/shut it down
- (Subtext: Because they annoy me.)
4. I can't create a good program because I am in a fixed schedule.
5. Having a study hall in the library is out of the question.
6. I let the technology people take care of that (to a teacher who needs help NOW.)
7. Correct bibliographic format is absolutely critical (Subtext: No matter how brilliant the content.)
8. I can't work with a teacher who does not give at least _____ days/weeks/months advance notice.
9. The library catalog information has to conform to _________________ standards and I will spend all my discretionary time cataloging until it is!
10. Computers and the Internet are the bane of reading and rational thought. I refuse to learn about them.
11. Wikipedia/blogs/Twitter/etc. is not an acceptable source of information.
12. If only the principal/teachers/parents knew what I do they'd appreciate me!
13. It's my job to read so if I read on the job others can just think what they want.
14. But ALA/AASL Standards say ___________________________.
15. That kid has shown he can't be responsible so he'll never check anything out from this library again.
16. Computer games in my library? (Subtext: It would just bring kids in and they annoy me.)
17. I can advocate for my own program. I don't need anyone else vocally supporting it.
18. My expertise in children's/young adult literature makes me indispensable to my school.
19. I don't need to collect data about my program. My principal loves me.
20. I don't teach "computer skills." That's the technology department's job.
21. The right job title will make my position more secure.
OK, those are 21 fast ones off the top of my head and are dedicated to Chris Harris who sparked the idea.
I am not convinced that the profession as a whole is in a crisis. But I suspect a lot of librarians (who aren't reading this blog anyway) may be.
And rightfully so.
What other dangerous statements do you hear from your library colleagues that make you wince?
Reader Comments (36)
Games before school, after school, recess, lunch time - YES! During instructional time students should be learning rather than playing games, watching TV episodes, watching music videos, and all those things that keep students from being academically successful. Hey, let's not forget that we are here for students and we are in schools.
"They just don't understand what I do"
Hi Cathi,
Great observations and additions. Thanks for the comment!
Doug
Hi Digberry,
The statement assumes that everyone knows and supports libraries and others do not need to be informed about the reasons for them.
Doug
Hi Mary Jane,
Given the educational value of many games, I would hope you would moderate your stance. Gaming is a fomat that can teach skills and deliver content and each game should be evaluated on its merits rather than have an entire format banned or allowed.
All the best,
Doug
Hi Mariann,
Dangerous statement indeed.
Thanks!
Doug
My least favorite response from a colleague at another library was "You can't borrow that book because it's popular here." Well, it wasn't checked out and we are in the same district. Idiot. I don't do any of the things you listed. The sign by my door reads "You are not an interruption."
Another quote that bothers me, "Kindergarten students should not checkout books until January because they don't know how to take care of them."
I agree with all but the first statement. #1 "But the school HAS to have a librarian/library"is self promotion...If we did not have a library / librarian then we would cease to exist.
Sometimes you have the right attitude and do the rights things, and they eliminate your job any way. If you are fortunate enough to still have a position, think before you say any of the above statements. You are there for the students and it is their library.
Hi Jude,
I LOVE your sign. May I make one and use it as blog post?
Doug
Hi Cindy,
And first impressions (of the library) are important. What message does THIS send to our youngest students?
Doug
Many of us out here are collaborating successfully and giving a wide access to student and staff usage. I even deliver the books to classrooms-something one of my field experiences taught me not to do-"Just let them sit there, the teachers should come pick them up." she said to me. I dislike hearing about librarians in my district still using coloring sheets and/or worksheets, when we have such great technology at our hands!!
We just presented to the National School Board on how the library is key to building technology into student learning.
Here are my talking points. Interesting. They are the opposite to the other list. Just say YES!!!!
Our Library Technology Keys to Success- Meiklejohn Elementary Library- Jeffco Schools, Colorado- Melissa Swenson-
Just Say YES!!!!!!
Foundational Pillars of a quality Library program
• Information Literacy-
• Technology Literacy
• Literacy Acquistion
Student- Differentiation
o Raise the roof! Take the kids as far as they will lead you in technology. Hang On and don’t be afraid to ask them for directions!
o Work above the district curriculum- Higher Level thinking strategies
o Rigor
o Take them as far as they can go
o Provide them with the resources they need
o Remember, “It’s all about the kids!”
• Building Technology Teachers- Differentiation
o Build capacity and empower them
o Provide active, positive support- provide scaffolding/ Make the 1st template or rubric for them!
o Model and team using technology
o Actively participate in data analysis and lesson development
o Collaborate often and creatively
o Get in where the learning is tough- Provide support were the test scores are dipping, enrich the unit the teachers hate to teach!
o Share the load with the teachers
o Set goals
o Create Rubrics
o Open door,” Disney policy”, Sure, you bet!
o Flexible scheduling
o Provide them with the resources and information they need when they need it. ie ISTE standards
o Learn what they are learning- Sit in on those teacher trainings, even when it isn’t your area of study, ie a math, music or spelling workshop. You will find unique ways to support teachers.
• Empower Volunteers
o Parents, Grandparents, Community members
o Get to know them
o Find out their “sweet spot”
o Value them
Melissa--I love your "just say YES" comment. I think if we keep those three simple words in mind, it will be easy to know what to do. I am always reminding my small staff that we are here to support and to do everything we can to get those kids in here, to make this a happening place!
I work with a librarian who has saved my fanny at least twice this year. The main thing I hear out of her mouth is, "How can I help you?". I plan on supporting any rule she wants to make to make her job more manageable. She is constantly running to help people and students, never closes (first day to last day of school), and leaves her lunch to get cold when someone needs help. I know she would never go into classrooms and tell teachers their rules for behavior were stupid or mean spirited.
I tell my high school students they shouldn't be using any encyclopedias (print, online or open-source) for research. I expect them to use a little bit higher grade resource and spend some time looking for other scholarly work. Wikipedia is just too easy. If that is their go-to source, they are going to be lost at University.
Great post. I'm about to finish my MLIS and I work in an academic library - we are constantly baffled by librarians who refuse to embrace technology, Google or anything new for that matter. The truth is, if librarians don't evolve, we won't be necessary.
Check out: When I Become a Librarian . . . http://youtu.be/_zVFktNmUoo The message is even more powerful when you hear the voices and see the faces.
Hi Collette,
Thanks much for leaving the link to this powerful video. Ah, if we could but see ourselves as others see us, as Robert Burns reminds us.
Will you be at AASL in Minneapolis this fall? Hope to touch base if you are.
All the best,
Doug