Is A Library Really A Library Without A Certified Librarian In It?

4/25/2016

There is an article that has been floating around the internet for awhile now called How a School Library Increased Student Use by 1000% . At first glance the article looks really incredible, and helpful for all the librarians out there that are looking to change up their "traditional library" and include a makerspace. The school did a total redesign of the space and added technology, new furniture, a green screen and more. Students and teachers started to utilize the space much more because it allowed for more collaboration, creativity and the ability for people to connect and grow. All great things!

The problem is this "library" does not have a full time certified librarian in it. This district and many many others (including the South Orange/Maplewood School District, where I use to work and where my child goes to school) made the decision to eliminate certified librarians. One of the many arguments I hear is that with the Internet and technology there is not as much of a need for a librarian... and who needs a librarian in a makerspace. These argument is so misguided and wrong for some many reasons but I do think this letter by the American Library Association, American Association of School Librarian, New Jersey Association of School Librarians, Dr. Joyce Valenza, myself and many more experts in the field does a good job explaining why we must have certified school librarians in every school.

This leads me to the point of this post, should we continue to call the the space a library if there is no certified librarian in it? I am starting to think we should not. What do you think? What would you call it instead?

8 Comments

Sue Levine

4/25/2016 11:14:48 pm

Elissa,

This is so sad. But, it is the reality of what I am facing here in NZ. I have not written about it yet, as I am still processing it but have begun to put a draft together of an initial post just to start writing about my experiences. I am conflicted because I have met many wonderful "library managers" that had professional development and continue to grow and learn.Despite the amount of accumulated awesomeness and expertise, most of the self taught (and even those who have gone to earn some sort official qualification) do not have a teaching certificate or teaching background. I think since School Librarians do a lot of teaching, it is very important for them to be certified teachers first, and certified librarians second. In GA, they recently did away with the "teacher" requirement--I am not sure about what the result was in terms of outcomes--I guess it would depend on what the goals were from the point of view of the school leadership and the school librarian. However, someone who has taught, really understands which content needs to be supported, what types of critical thinking and research need to be conducted, which materials to gather for a particular unit, what the upcoming modules are, what school improvement initiatives are helpful for student achievement etc. This is devastating news--I tried not to tell the US about the situation in NZ bc I did not want them to get any ideas, but it looks like they thought about dismantling the most valuable resource/bang for the buck resource in the schoolhouse. And, if a principal were unlucky enough to get a zombie librarian, that could have been dealt with. I know not all principals think all librarians are gems because some may have librarians that are not a match for their school goals. Nevertheless, it is YOUR district, so they certainly know YOU!!! You did so much to model outstanding librarianship and then you work was also made public on internet shows, articles, books, and tv, and radio. So, it's not like they had no idea what value a school librarian could have. This is the most disheartening...We are taught that by showing excellence, our value will show, we will be valued, and we will continue to be able to serve in this role. I am sorry to hear this sad news. It is clear they have another point of view. The question that I am currently challenging myself with is, "Is there another legitimate point of view besides my own?"

sue levine

4/25/2016 11:17:42 pm

Edits- I jumped in thoughts--Just to clarify--the issue here is no qualifications are needed to work in a school library so a variety of people acquire the position and many are excellent and seek PD...then I went on to imply that I believe it's also very important to be a certified teacher before becoming a school librarian. thanks

Mike McQueen link

4/27/2016 08:53:50 am

Great Post Elissa! Our mutual friend, Sophie (@BlavetSophie), Tweeted a link to this article and I find it greatly needed. In my opinion, renaming a library is great & doing a Makeover is even better, but unless the school has an effective & certified school librarian, so much will be lost! The key note here is that the certified librarian should be highly effective.
~Mike

Elissa

4/27/2016 02:41:26 pm

Agree!

Rihana link

4/28/2016 12:55:20 am

Thank you, i got a chance to learn many things from your blog.

Sophie Blavet

4/28/2016 09:19:45 am

A library without a Certified Librarian is just a room full of books! We make books shine and come to life!!! Thanks Elissa and Mike....

Sandy Swartzentruber

5/10/2016 03:15:31 pm

Well, as one of those "non-certified" library staffers, your thoughts make me sad. It was not my choice for the school I work at to stop hiring certified librarians. In fact, I strongly support the case for having certified librarians. BUT...the other library aides (one of which has 20+ years of library experience) and I do our darndest every day to make up for that loss. To say that we shouldn't be able to use the term "library" is an unkind evaluation of the work we do (and the pittance we get paid to do it.)

Francine

8/14/2016 11:39:43 pm

I agree with Sandy. To minimize those individuals who sacrifice their time and family to service their schools as a library aide is a disservice to those individuals. I put everything I have in my library. Telling me I am not a librarian or that the facility is simply a room because I don't have certificate is a travesty and, quite frankly, I'm rather sick of it. I helped develop the curriculum for the area elementary. I catalog, order, label, shelve books. I hold book fairs. I've made positive changes by bringing in new reading programs and books. I read. I teach. I help. I guide. Do not try to tell me where I work is not a library and don't you dare try to devalue what I am passionate about! I was told outright that if I became a certified librarian, I would be pulled out of the library and placed in a classroom. You tell me, what would be my incentive to become certified as a librarian? Yes, I'm not certified, but maybe those of you who are should show some appreciation for those who do the best they can with what the districts give them instead of criticizing those of us who are just as passionate about the written word, source citations, and research skills as you are.

Is A Library Really A Library Without A Certified Librarian In It?

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