[LM_NET] What We Do (long)

[Harry Coffill <HCoffill@EGRPS.ORG>]

This morning’s e-mail about the perceptions of librarians got me
thinking, and I thought I’d collect some thoughts and share. (As we
were requested to present this idea in a more positive manner…)

What we do…

School librarians attempt to present voluminous, multi-faceted material
to our students, staff and administrators.

What’s Good…
On a great day, we cause staff members to breathe sighs of relief. We
hold students hands as they walk through the jungles of information (and
misinformation) and help them “thin the trees.” We drop data in the
hands of our administrators. We create quiet places to study and read.
We host PTSA meetings, movies, author speeches, luncheons and
gosh-knows-what else. We help with tech and repair books. We cover our
colleagues classrooms (and, occasionally, their >ahem< rear-ends.)

What’s bad…
We can be overwhelming. We can give our colleagues TOO MUCH STUFF. Ever
get a request for an atlas and show up with a cart of books? We can try
TOO HARD.  

We’re asked to explain or confirm copyright policies. And we get WAY
TOO involved in the answer. And then we worry. (Just keep saying
“I’m not the copyright police, I’m not the copyright
police.”)

Administrators want the tools we provide—but don’t want to pay for
them. Occasionally, we look like a big “dollar sign” to our
districts. Often it’s just a misunderstanding about what we do:

Here’s some things I’ve observed:

We ask for money to buy new books.
We weed books.
Misconceptions?

We ask for money to buy database subscriptions.
…But Google’s free, isn’t it?
Misconceptions?

Schools are paid by “per pupil” attendance in classrooms…
…but we don’t take attendance?
Misconceptions?

We fight book challenges…
…do we want our students reading “dirty books?”
Misconceptions?

I thank the earlier poster who fights to get librarians involved in
committees. But I wonder how my librarian colleagues are presenting
themselves at these meetings sometimes. Have they explained to folks WHY
they do the things that they do.

Are you Dr. No?

No, we can’t. 
No, we shouldn’t. 
No, it isn’t. 
No, you have to.

Or, are you—as another poster said—more like Dora? (Just keep
swimming/smiling!)
Yes, here’s how we can… 
Yes, I think we can… 
Yes, we should…
How can I help make this happen?

Do you advocate for yourself? Simple things—like “Hey! I just
raised the copyright dates for our collection!” “Mrs. Jones and I
did a great Social Studies lesson—the kids loved it.” Do you provide
pics of kids working in your library for the school newsletter? Have you
showed your School Boards what you do? (Get on the agenda!) Have you
hosted the PTSA in your library? Ever do anything fun like a “Guitar
Hero” competition for your students? Is your library welcoming and
happening?

…or is it cold, with barriers?

Are your favorite words “How can I help you today?”
…or do people think they’re “How can I stop this from
happening?”

Just some thoughts. I’d like to read yours.



Harry F. Coffill
hcoffill@egrps.org
Media Center Specialist
East Grand Rapids Middle School
Drama Department
East Grand Rapids High School 

"An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest."Benjamin
Franklin 

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