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David, As you describe the jobs a librarian does, yes, they are probably can be done by low-level clerks and computers. But it will be a long time before computers can do what I did today: *thorough reference interviews with probing questions about what students were really trying to learn about as they started on their 9th grade English papers. I kept asking questions until they could articulate what they really needed. Then we searched the OPAC together as I instructed them how to reword their queries to eliminate irrelevant results. I reminded them about using chapters in books that were more general than their own topics. About using the index, and keywords in relevant portions to find more and better information. I then helped them examine the databases and develop appropriate queries, all the while encouraging them that this is NOT too hard, but it does require thought and hard work. *Had I "taught" all of these skills when they were in the middle grades? Yes! But I taught it again today, and to at least 1/2 dozen kids who had not been in this school then. *I conferenced with a teacher about the video commerical for her class--what worked and what didn't, and about using the output by her students to model one with younger students. *I proofread the book review wiki, and set up a new page for its expansion. *Many kids stopped by for help with tricky citations for their Works Cited. (Had we taught that in younger grades? Sure! Did they need to be reminded? Sure!) *I ordered one particular book for immediate delivery because it would be "just right" for several of those aforementioned papers, and because I could, it will be "just in time" too. *I touched base with the Latin teacher about her students' progress on their projects, and *chatted with an 11th grader on his progress using a book I had found for him at the public library. (Trust me, he NEVER would have found it on his own). *Then I attended and participated in our Curriculum Council meeting after school. I have had major input there as we try to delineate a more comprehensive research skills curriculum to integrate across the board. Today was not an unusual day. I did do some repair cataloging, did troubleshoot the circ system, and did some menial tasks like help kids at the copier. But mostly I was engaged in professional tasks that could not be done by computers or clerks. I think I'm OK for now. Maureen S. Irwin, Library Director Rye Country Day School Rye, New York 10580 msirwin@optonline.net Any book you have not read is a new book. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book. To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL 3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation. * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/ * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/ * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html --------------------------------------------------------------------