Letter+regarding+classroom+libraries

As a school library media specialist, I have seen and learned many things. I have learned that the old way of doing business isn't the best way and that students have changed. I can accept the "cost of doing business" and write-off the books that the neediest of our students never return; while seeing the success, in terms of their development as readers. I realize that the books most likely to "walk" are the ones I need to consider purchasing in multiple copies year after year. I consider the student as my patron or client and look for ways to make our services more valuable to that customer. I still have much to learn and look forward with excitement to the possibilities that this great field has to offer.

Recently I have heard comments in district meetings that would benefit from the perspective of a school librarian, (whether that librarian is classified or certified). These comments concern classroom libraries. Classroom libraries are touted in the literature as the resources and materials that will entice and captivate students and help them see the importance of reading. The reality of classroom libraries is that they are a great idea but essentially ephemeral creations that are gone in a very short time. In fact, the better the material in a classroom library the more fleeting. Classroom teachers and their students need ready access to a great wealth of materials. Well-funded and well-staffed school library media centers can meet the need, but only if the resources are available to classes and individual students on an as needed basis. The set schedule of library visits, "our day is Wednesday at 2:00" prevents that access. Natrona County School District library personnel select, purchase, promote, circulate and maintain collections with literally something for everyone. They know what books students are reading, and can help nearly any student find a good read, whether that "read" be a fiction or non-fiction book, magazine, graphic novel, memoir, picture book or any other of a wide range of possibilities.

We are preparing students for a world where they will change jobs repeatedly and perform work that relates to technology that has yet to be invented. But with our district literacy goal we have stated our belief in the importance of reading for our students success. The role of a well-staffed, well-funded school library media center where students are welcome regardless of whether it is their "library day" cannot be understated.