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1- Watch video and record your thoughts on how and why school libraries make a difference in the school.
4- Think about:
-- What different roles do school librarians take on? or are expected to do? or asked to do in schools?

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School Libraries Matter: The Changing Role of the School Librarian

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School Librarians see all students. We interact with every student that belongs to that school. The library can be a safe place to explore and discover. It is a place to make your own choices and try new things. School Librarians take on many roles in a school due to their abilities to reach all students. Librarians are digital teachers. We help with chromebooks, AI, Research, digital citizenship and more. Librarians help with Book choices. Many students say they don't want to read or don't like books. Librarians have the opportunities to change this. Librarians lead Book Clubs like Battle of the Books. Getting kids excited about reading a book and discussing it. Then competing on how well you know the book. It is exciting. Librarians have an everchanging roll that grows. Reading is always and forever! Some librarians are asked to do yearbook, school news, robotics, tech problem solving and more. We have to be able to evolve.

Librarians help students learn how to learn.

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School librarians wear so many hats (500 according to Barbara Braxton's blog) all day every day. Their influence permeates all classes and spaces in a school because they "teach how to learn" and empower students to navigate information independently. As the principal in the video said, the library is the biggest classroom in any school and should be the center of the school, the "epicenter of meaningful learning". In addition to teaching students how to access and navigate all of the information at their disposal, school librarians also pique and fuel student curiosity. This curiosity creates lifelong learners, which creates productive citizens. Their roles may be ever-evolving, but their importance remains the same!

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As the video said, school libraries are more than just a place to store books and materials. They are the hub of the school, supporting learning for students, staff, and the community. School libraries foster a love of reading by providing books for a wide range of interests and reading levels. School libraries can be a place to inspire collaboration and creativity with makerspaces, STEM activities, robotics, and research projects. They are also a place where students learn how to think critically and develop information literacy and research skills, which is so important in today's digital age. School librarians take on many different roles, such as supporting the reading curriculum, aiding with technology resources, collaborating with teachers, and even handling smaller tasks around the building, like managing the school website or school news. By supporting literacy, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, school libraries ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

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School libraries have changed and evolved over the last 20 + years. Librarians do so much more than read and shelve books. At my school every students comes to the library in a week so I am responsible for their learning. I love the statement from the video that we set no ceilings on what they can learn. We help them achieve that curiosity for anything they want to learn. Libraries are busy and an interactive place to create and research. Librarians have many responsibilities: teach lessons, teach digital citizenship, constantly doing our own research for new books to add to our collection, organizing our collection, connecting students to books they will enjoy, collaborating with teachers and provide a safe space for students. Outside of the library roles I help with carpool, cover some planning (occasionally), help with beginners night, share our space for meetings, help with school news, help with chorus club, and after school book club. We are stretched thin but our role is important as I see the library as the hub of the school.

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Librarians are the center of learning in schools is my favorite theme emphasized in the video.The superintendent in the video School Libraries Matter discussed the library as the biggest classroom in the school which speaks to the priority that school administrators should have when assigning extra duties to librarians.

My extra duties assigned by administration include substitute teaching when we don't have enough coverage, before and after school hall duty, and School Improvement Team. Because I taught in my school before moving to the position and them knowing my tech deficits, we have someone else who handles technology issues, although I am expected to assist her. In reality, I work with every ELA teacher in our middle school to schedule time to help their students with book selections and to co-teach lessons relevant to reading and books. I also plan lessons with other teachers for working with SPED students on reading skills, with gen ed teachers doing research projects, and with electives teachers for topics relevant to history of their subjects. I request purchases of relevant books focused on the needs of our curriculum and students, and for our magnet theme. I also do all the background paperwork, circulation work, and my own research about our school and library needs and am genrefying my fiction collection. Digital literacy is another area that should be prioritized, but I have a hard time committing to lessons I'm to teach independently since my admin pulls me frequently to sub (typically at least 2 to 5 days per week with varying amounts of time involved). I also am pulled to be gen. ed. teacher in IEP meetings when the student's team can't participate.

Although it should be, what this video said about the importance of libraries is not what I see in my building despite my school district pushing to ensure librarians are the center of the schools.

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"[The school library] has evolved from a place that was dark and a place that you pulled out books to a place that...is limitless." YES AND AMEN. SLMCs take on any and every role that the people around them see fit for them to take. There's a joke around my school of "if it's broken, send it to the library. " This can mean the technology that needs a ticket put in; the kid who needs a place to collect themselves; the teacher who is in need of resources. Librarians are the "fix it" for the schools - the curriculum expanders and supplementers; the friend to both the downtrodden and the exuberant; the co-teacher, the chairperson, the work order placer.

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Watching the "Power of School Librarians" video, I was struck by the myriad of ways in which school libraries can impact a school environment; the possibilities are limitless (to borrow an adjective directly from a principal featured in the video). As a new librarian in an elementary school, I am both thrilled and daunted by the task at hand: transforming the library. The library SHOULD be the beating heart/hub of learning in a school. The library SHOULD be a place in which students expect to collaborate, explore, and construct knowledge. Unfortunately, that has not been the case in the recent past at the school in which I work; it has been a dark, quiet, disused space. While it is exciting to be at the helm and WANT to change things, it is daunting because of outdated materials, limited/non-existent funds, and the ingrained expectations of staff members.

School libraries (and school librarians) should be well used tools for students (and teachers). They are a place in which questions can be asked, exploration is always occurring, and deep understanding can be constructed. It should be a place for curiosity and investigation. I intend to make my school's library all of these things, but I have to figure out how to do so. The good news is that I have a very supportive principal; the kinda bad news is that I am unsure of even where to start.

At this time, the librarian at my school is expected to be in charge of the book collection and circulation; as the media coordinator, I am also the device manager. This means that I am the building liason for the technology department, I am in charge of all 550+ student iPads, and all of the staff devices as well. I am the EBOB coach and I handle other things such as Read Across America planning and book fairs.

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As stated in the video, the school library is the epicenter of the school. This should be an area that is a bright and welcoming spot in every school building. As a librarian we have the privelege to get to know ALL the students in the school, especially on the elementary level. At my school teaching all K-5 classes at least once a week ensures that all students have access to checking out books as well as to our media curriculum and digital citizenship lessons.

Media teachers can help classroom teachers extend what is being taught in their classroom. As a former classroom teacher, I always want to remember how I wouldn't have time for more of the "fun things". In media I can help build on what is being taught in the classrooms with more interactive activites.

Read alouds! Students K-5 love to be read to. The more books they can be exposed to the better. Through read alouds, book talks, or book commercials, students can better choose books based on their interest in the media center.

Over the years, librarians have also taken on more of a role with technology. At my school I am the tech contact and have time in my day scheduled to helping teachers and students with their devices. We also bring student devices into media so students know how to access their books on SORA, the public library, and find books from our collection on Destiny.

No matter what role a librarian is playing from day to day, hour to hour, it is in full support of the school as a whole and also to each individual student.

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School librarians are leaders of the school and they have a ever-evolving role. They are teachers, technology integrators, keeper of books, expert of information, program administrators. Within the school, the school librarian collaborates with teachers to elevate lesson plans, develop a collection of curriculum relevant materials, inspire students to read and help them with research and research skills. Depending on where you work, there can many other responsibilities that a school librarian can take on. But, to me, the one of the main jobs of the school librarian is to encourage curiosity and create life-long readers.

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I think that school libraries make a difference because, as stated in the video, "we teach students HOW to learn." We are the place to go to integrate all aspects of the school in one place. We take on just about any role needed, but the most important role is getting kids excited to read and learn. My #1 goal is getting books into students hands .

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School libraries are the heart of a school. They give every student access to books, technology, and a safe space to explore new ideas. Librarians teach research and digital citizenship skills, partner with teachers to support lessons, and help students discover the joy of reading.

A school librarian is a teacher, leader, technologist, reading advocate, program manager, webmaster, Social Media specialist, Infinite Campus guru, Ident-A-Kid, PTA rep, ILT, SIT and Priorty Teams and so much more.

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Librarians has a variety of roles to support students in their academics. They help students navigate the vast amount of information available to them, teaching them how to effectively search for and evaluate sources. Librarians collaborate with teachers to integrate information literacy skills into curriculum, helping students develop research skills. They recommends books and other resources to students based on their interests and reading levels promoting a love for reading. Librarians also serve as a listening ear and source of support for students, " Librarians are great team builders" as mention in the video I think they have the skills and qualities to bring people together and work effectively as a team towards common goals.

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School librarians are important because they don't just see one classroom, as most teachers do. They know every class for a good chunk of the day. Libraries can be a safe space for students who need it. Not only do we need to provide studetns with books and a love of reading, but we also need to inspire creativity in all students with STEAM activities. We are expected to create lesson plans for each grade level, follow through with them, and make them engaging while ensuring students find the joy of reading.

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School libraries are a safe space for learning, collaborating, creating, and even resting. They are a place that encourages critical thinking and supporting students in finding answers to educational and personal questions. Libraries encourage students to embrace diversity as they see books that show different cultures and stories. They are a place with low pressure. While we do "assess," we don't grade. We assess to know how to teach, support, and guide, not for grades that will affect their GPA and getting into that next class they have to have.

Roles that librarians have taken on...well, we are the hub of technology. Both for students and teachers. We teach students how to access information and evaluate information. We teach teachers where resources are and how to blend technology into learning and teaching as a tool. We might head up school news crews and yearbook crews. Teaching students life skills in sharing information and editing products. Makerspaces are encouraged to be part of the library, fueling those standards of inquiry, exploration, and collaboration. Then there are those other hats outside of the library program such as testing coordinator, broken technology problem solver, random school projects, remote school day planners, and so on.

Librarians are a highly valuable part of the school family with so many ways to support students and staff with the large variety of hats we wear.

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After watching the video, what shocked me the most was when JoAnn Conlon states that you need librarians more now than you did 10 years ago. It shocked me not because I don't believe it, but because you don't hear that perspective anymore. Librarians, more often than not, tend to feel and be treated as babysitters for the teachers for 40 minutes a day. But, librarians are so much more than that. As the video states, if you had a tech integrator, a reading teacher and a school librarian, and you had to get rid of all but one, who would you keep? The school librarian! They are a 3in1 bundle. Librarians can take on so many roles in a school, but I feel as though they are limited due to the fact that teachers and staff don't use them to their advantage and full potential.

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School libraries are now a hub of connection, community, and heart of the school. None of that happens haphazardly and it is the intentional work of the school librarian to create an environment that supports those things. We support content teachers, teach digital literacy, build a school culture of reading, curiosity, and learning. Although not explicitly stated in the video, I think that the school librarian plays the most important role in creating school culture. The school library is often a safe space for students. Communicating and collaborating with the school counselors is often a missed opportunity to serve the students in a unique way.

School librarians take on many roles, including teacher, program administrator, information specialist, reading advocate, technology guide, and many more. We are frequently asked to do more and more. Battle of the Books advisor, Yearbook advisor or class, Help Desk classes, makerspace managers, babysitters of test takers, school news, and are often in charge of laminating everything for staff. I think part of the reason school librarians are asked to do so much is that the administration really doesn’t understand or see all that we do on a day to day basis. For elementary schools, that may be less so since classes are usually on a fixed schedule and always in and out of the media center. But for secondary schools, it may be a matter of educating administration on the many hats we wear and how much we are asked to do that is above and beyond.

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School librarians are there for every student in the school, providing them with the resources to explore their interests and needs. The school library is truly the heart of the school community, where collaboration, creativity, and curiosity should be encouraged. School librarians are leaders, instructional partners, teachers, and so much more. An effective school librarian encourages a love for reading, learning, and asking questions/seeking answers for these questions.

As the video mentioned, we need librarians in schools now more than ever, not only because test scores are higher when there is one, but also because of the support they provide for every person in the school, including teachers. They help support teachers and other school staff by encouraging collaboration and aiding teachers in classroom learning. Additionally, they provide resources and tools for inquiry-based learning. School librarians are often early adopters of technology, being school leaders in how to evolve as new technology continues to develop.

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School librarians take on many different roles in a school, and those roles are not always clearly defined. Over time, the library has shifted from being a quiet place focused mainly on books to a space full of technology and possibilities. Because of that shift, librarians have a vague role where they are often expected to do a little bit of everything, from supporting reading to helping students and teachers navigate technology.

One of the biggest roles of the school librarian is balancing literacy and technology. Librarians help keep students reading, which directly connects to student success, while also teaching them how to find, evaluate, and use information. They support research, information literacy, and digital skills, and they give students opportunities to create, explore, and even have fun while learning. In many ways, school librarians act as both reading teachers and technology instructors.

School libraries make a difference because they are often considered the biggest classroom in the school. They provide instant access to information on almost any subject and help students learn how to learn. Research shows that schools with strong library programs and librarians present tend to have higher reading scores, showing the positive impact librarians have on student achievement.

Ideally, the school library should be the focal point of the school. It is a collaborative space for teachers and students and a place where meaningful learning happens. When school librarians are given the freedom to do their work well, the library becomes the center of learning, creativity, and connection within the school.

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Libraries are no longer quiet places that only offer books. As they said in the video, the library is the biggest classroom in the school. School librarians are in a unique position to support all teachers and learners in the school. In addition to offering readers advisory, librarians can help students (and teachers) learn to use technology, give them opportunities to work collabratively, teach students digital literacy and how to find reputable sources on the internet, and help students develop research skills that they will use throughout their life. School libraries should be vibrant, welcoming places where students are encouraged to ask questions and be creative. Ultimately, the goal is for librarians to work with teachers to turn students into lifelong thinkers and learners. It is also important for librarians to promote their skills and offerings in order to build relationships with classroom teachers. These strong relationships will benefit students, teachers, and the librarians.

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The school librarian role has grown substantially in the last ten years. As the video says, the school librarian also has several different expectations beyond helping students find books and managing the collection. For one, they are expected to teach students what is credible and what is not credible when reviewing sources. Information literacy and digital literacy are important for navigating the internet and social media today, especially with AI. Without skills like this, students could fall into a trap of reading information that is inaccurate. One instructor said, “we teach how to learn.” This stuck out to me because librarians may not be a classroom teacher, but they play a role in test scores in a school. Librarians are teachers as well. They teach students critical thinking, inquiry, and how to conduct effective research. School librarians also integrate STEM/STEAM into their lessons through hands-on activities, makerspaces, and inquiry-based learning. Librarians are asked to manage robotics teams, yearbooks, and in my high school library, the teacher cadet program. They are expected to facilitate professional development, teach classes, and always provide tech support. Librarians have many different roles and are expected to support the teachers, staff, administration, and students.

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School Librarians are unique in that they see every student, can teach without the rigid structures of the curriculum, and can offer a space where students are safe and feel empowered.

They can have the same impact as many different types of student support positions within the school. What struck me as compelling was the case that can be made for school librarians to meet the needs of students over the Reading Specialist and Information Technology Facilitator. Obviously, it's important to have all three positions in a school, but the School Librarian can fulfill all of those roles, and when faced with a budget cut, should be considered last. This shows the lasting impact that school librarians have on students, which test scores indicate!

I think a lot of times, administrators especially, don't realize the potential that school librarians can have on students. School librarians can enrich learning, boost literacy levels, and be champions for information technology. When administrators think of the school librarian, they focus primarily on either the space itself or just books and reading. As we all know, school librarians go beyond that! I also don’t think that teachers realize how much they can utilize the school librarian to support their needs. Many teachers use the librarian as a glorified "babysitter" for their classes.

It's our job as librarians to advocate for what we can do and share the value of what a school librarian brings to a school.

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School libraries play a powerful role in supporting student learning and the overall school community. As noted in the video, they are not just storage places for books, but flexible learning hubs where literacy, inquiry, and access to information of all kinds come together. A strong library program helps students develop reading habits, research skills, and digital literacy - all skills that are essential across subject areas and grade levels. Libraries also promote equity by ensuring that ALL students have access to resources and technology, regardless of their background.

School librarians take on a wide range of roles that go far beyond what you would expect. They serve as instructional partners by collaborating with teachers and supporting curriculum and school improvement goals. From my observations of my school's librarian, as well as visits to a local elementary and high school, librarians are often asked to step into additional roles within the school. My librarian also serves as our tech person for minor computer issues, she fills in as the regular education teacher for IEP meetings, and she administers make-up district and state tests. At the elementary school I visited, that person was in charge of the school yearbook, was the SIT chair, and ran both the Battle of the Books and Science Olympiad teams. When I visited a local high school, I found that they, in addition to their regular duties, also ran credit recovery classes and supervised students taking remediation and college classes online.

Today's school librarians are expected to be flexible, knowledgeable, and highly collaborative. They are often relied upon as problem-solvers and staff wherever needs arise, whether this means assisting with testing logistics, supporting student learning gaps, or managing and introducing new technology initiatives. These varied responsibilities highlight how essential librarians are to the daily functioning of schools, even though their work is sometimes overlooked.

School librarians make a difference by wearing many hats and adapting to the evolving needs of their students, schools, and communities.

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School libraries offer a third place in a school where students can take a break from the classroom grind and exercise some independence. Even in my elementary school library, kids come in before the bell rings to show friends their favorite books or search for books on their own in an environment that’s slower than a media specials class. The school library offers books and digital resources on so many topics that, when used and publicized, can capture the attention of even the most dormant readers. This is valuable to learners, as finding their own reading material motivates them to read more, strengthening their literacy skills across all subjects. The superintendent featured in the video wonders whether the name “school library” should be changed to better reflect the library’s variety. I think keeping the “school library” is important to maintain the emphasis on books and reading, while recognizing that it is the librarians' responsibility to market it as a multifaceted learning space.

School librarians wear so many hats. From reading specialist, to research guru, to IT technician, to software marketer, to fundraiser, to bookseller, to video-producer, to book-guru, the list may literally never end! My hope as a new school librarian is to showcase my special skills, passions, and willingness to learn to my team so we can collaborate to motivate student learning.

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A school librarian wears so many hats and I love that one person in the video boiled it down to “we teach how to learn.” I think that is what it comes down to for a lot of librarians. Yes, we help with technology and teaching kids how to use it. Yes, we teach digital citizenship and where to find accurate information. Yes, we do STEAM, and reading, and all manner of other things, but teaching kids to learn and giving them a place to explore and have fun while they are learning is so valuable. Helping students find a life long love of learning helps them in every other aspect of their educational journey, but also life.

I also really appreciated what they said about giving librarians “freedom to do good work” and how we should set “no ceilings” on what students learn in our library. I think that if we make the library a place where students are excited to be, it will help create that love of learning and help them become life long learners.

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How and why school libraries make a difference in the school?

School libraries are the epicenter of a school, which makes having school librarians so important. Libraries bring students from all grades in the school together to learn across all subjects. Whether it's elementary, middle, high, or university, librarians are there to help promote learning. There are so many quotes from the video I loved, but two of them are that "we teach how to learn" and that "we set no ceilings on what they can learn". Both of these quotes show that important school libraries are to supporting the learning that is happening outside of the library in the classroom and outside of school. There is proof that schools with a school librarian have higher reading scores. This just shows how important having a library is for the students. Another word that the video used to describe the library was "limitless". I think this word describes what a school library used correctly can be. There is no limit on the learning and support that a school lirbary can have on a child. This is something that I wish more people outside of the field realized.

More quotes I liked: "Biggest classroom in every public school in this great country."

"One of the great team builders in the schools."

What different roles do school librarians take on? or are expected to do? or asked to do in schools?

School librarians take on so many different roles. Whether that be technology help, teachers, collaborators, and many more. Being a librarian, you put on multiple hats a day and switch between them several times. There are roles they are expected to do, such as teach and be an information curator for their library. However, there are many roles they do that aren't thought about that are still done. For example, in my school, when there is no technology help at the school, then the librarian turns into tech help. I feel like this is one of those roles that many people and fellow coworkers don't realize the librarian is also doing during their day. School librarians end up doing more jobs than what is in their official job description. But as someone who works in a school library, I definitely think it's worth it!

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Without sounding too corny, I truly believe the library is "everything" and can make all the difference. The library is a reading, math, science, and social studies classroom. With proper collaboration, students are learning every subject, and as discussed, learning how to learn. The library is the place where students have the most choices to make for themselves. Students are able to have autonomy in their learning/reading choices, and that can make all the difference in their interest in school.

Librarians are expected to take on all of the roles: librarian, tech facilitator, teacher, collaborator, administrator, social media manager, and more.

I appreciated when Rebecca Miller said, "When librarians have the freedom to do good work, it is transformative." Many times, it can be discouraging when the majority of my day is eaten up by student computer issues or subbing for other teachers, and I can't get to the core of my work. When we are allowed to do good work, we do, and we excel, but the school/admin team has to be understanding of that.

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The video truly opened my eyes to how powerful and meaningful the role of a media coordinator is within a school. I didn’t realize just how many hats they wear, but seeing it laid out made everything feel so real. Media coordinators are not just managing books. They are shaping learning, supporting teachers, inspiring curiosity, and helping students find their voices. Watching this video honestly touched me and confirmed that leaving the classroom is not me stepping away from education, but stepping into a role where I can impact even more students and teachers. It made me feel seen, hopeful, and confident about the path I am choosing.

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I 100% feel that my school library is the the hub of the school. Students and staff come to us for everything from getting computer help, to checking out our giant master calendar we have on the wall, to needing Band-Aids or sticky notes. Honestly it makes me happy that we are the center of the school and if I don't have an answer or solution, I can usually help someone find it!

For the second question, I cannot help but think about the fact that I am getting ready to go on maternity leave in May. I have now had 3 different hour long meetings with my Principal to discuss the many different roles I take on and who will cover it. I am proud that I wear many hats at RHMS and can jump in wherever teachers and students need support. Beyond media and tech, I can help as a certified history and AIG teacher, literacy expert, DPS Tech Champion, web‑master, network manager, Magnet Coordinator, curriculum designer, and organization guru. I also create engaging bulletin boards, manage the RHMS Marquee, post school wide Canvas/Rooms announcements, offer Google Drive expertise, serve as a Canvas and Infinite Campus liaison, and facilitate RHMS MTAC. But I am a little nervous about who will cover it all while I am away!

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School libraries are such a vital part of a school ecosystem. They're that foundational space that serves as the largest classroom in the school. The video states that libraries are more than just a place to store books, and that really resonated with me. Seeing learning take shape and form in the libraries in the video was inspiring and valuable to witness. Creating a space that transforms and extends learning is more than valuable in schools. I think school librarians take on many different roles in a school, and it usually shifts depending on the needs of the school. I know in my school, as the librarian, I take on many roles. I do car line duty in the mornings and afternoons, I lead the Battle of the Books club and Puzzle club, I do lunch duty once a week, I push into 4th and 5th grade classrooms once a week, and I pull an ELL group of students 3 times a week. At times, it can feel like I only have other roles and have no time to do what I would like to be doing in my library. I think being a librarian is about engaging students and creating a space that invites students to value learning and seek answers to their questions. Librarians provide a space for students to flourish and ask questions.