Congratulations! Of the many careers one can pursue with a library science degree, school librarianship is one of the most important, and often the most overlooked. You play an essential role in your school by becoming a facilitator of knowledge and guiding young minds as they learn more about the world they live in.
By becoming a school librarian, you take on the role of not just a traditional librarian, but also a myriad other roles that many do not necessarily think of when they hear the word "librarian". The five most important roles you will take on during your career are those officially recognized by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL); information specialist, instructional partner, teacher, program administrator, and leader.
It can all seem overwhelming at first, but by familiarizing yourself with each of these important roles and what they will mean for you personally, it will start to make sense why school librarians wear so many hats.
As you click through the tabs and explore the different roles, remember that even the most seasoned school librarians are usually not experts in every single role. Much of your learning will happen on the job, and that is ok!
Everyone has their own personal reasons for wanting to become a librarian. Mine is because of the lasting good impression that was made on me when I was a child. From a very young age, trips to my local public library happened at least once a week, whether it was to attend children's programs, check out new books or for my mother to use the computers. The library became a refuge for me, especially during middle and high school; as a sheltered child, having access to library materials opened up a whole new world of exciting possibilities for me.
As a school librarian, my personal mission is to create the same safe, nurturing and inviting learning space that I was lucky enough to have growing up. I found myself within the walls of the library, and I want other kids to be able to experience that as well.