I'm a librarian in the trenches in Spring Branch ISD, where Liz Phillipi also
works. I'm at one of the low end of the economic spectrum schools - 90% free &
reduced lunch and all that that implies.
I don't feel in the least obsolete. The library is a very integral part of the
school. Granted, the library as now stands bears almost no resemblance to the
library I first walked into back in 1991. They both have doors, walls and books
but after that there is no comparison.
We've got iBooks, iTouchs, an Activ Board, a Wii, Accelerated Reader, Library Lunch
Club, High Point Kids, blogging classes, Brownies and Ice cream parties, a
sleepover and all sorts of other silly things that I dream up. We've got books and
books and a circulation in the 50,000s and test scores in the 90s. I try never to
say "no" to any request - and yes, I've had some strange ones. I think an
important part of my job is to make it easier for the teachers to do their jobs.
The internet has totally changed my acquisitions strategy. I don't buy
encyclopedias, nor do I buy the books on individual states or countries, or a
biography of each President. The money that used to go for those now goes for
multiple copies of The Fran Books or the Magic Pickle series or the Stone Arch
Graphic novels. The kids lap them up and holler for more.
I love my job - it changes every year and it's never boring. My district supports
the libraries and the librarians and we've been lucky enough, as Liz said to have a
great leader in Dr. Bishop. He took us from 3x5" cards to the internet and beyond
and it's been an exciting ride. He's retiring but I'm pretty sure the ride will
continue to be exciting.
Guusje Moore
Librarian
Housman Elementary
Spring Branch ISD
Houston, TX
Guusje@mindspring.com
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