Narrative
Do you remember your childhood library? It was likely a silent space with musty books and the feeling you were more likely to get shushed than discover an amazing book. The picture I just painted describes the library I inherited as a first-year librarian. Fast forward seven years. Gone was the silent space with old, outdated books. I transformed it into a place with a diverse collection, maker spaces, and kids completely engrossed in reading. The cherry on the cake was all the authors I brought to talk to my students virtually and in person. The library became the school's heartbeat, a space filled with laughter, learning, and, best of all, reading.
After seven years as an elementary librarian, I was recruited to apply for the position of District Specialist for Library Media Services. Because of the complete transformation of the library program, I was invited to apply and given the promotion. I understand the power of a great librarian, so I became a coach in my new job, building a program to empower new librarians and slashing the turnover rate by over 30%. As new legislation was passed in Florida which made librarianship difficult, I figured out a way to keep the district compliant with the laws without removing a single book from the library shelves.
I am now a Librarian/ Associate professor at Palm Beach State College. Since starting at PBSC in August 2023, I've been able to create and present workshops for faculty on the use of Artificial Intelligence in research and using Canva to spice up your lessons. I've also created a library education module and a module teaching students how to use artificial intelligence ethically, which professors can copy into their Canvas courses. I'm always looking for new ways to keep learning exciting. My latest accomplishment is creating a partnership with the School District of Palm Beach County, where I am now the liaison to the district's 25 high schools, and I go to the schools to teach research skills and source literacy. We are working to ensure that the students leave high school ready for the rigors of research in post-secondary education.
All my experiences have led me to a new dream of becoming a professor in an iSchool and helping shape the next generation of library heroes! Completing a doctoral program feels like the next chapter in my adventure. I imagine classrooms and libraries filled with eager scholars learning the secrets of libraries. This magic can be found in book pages and spaces where students can unleash their creativity.
It's an audacious dream, but so was turning a dusty library into a vibrant hub. With a heart full of stories and a head brimming with ideas, I'm ready to write the next chapter. Let's discuss how we can turn this dream into a reality together.
After seven years as an elementary librarian, I was recruited to apply for the position of District Specialist for Library Media Services. Because of the complete transformation of the library program, I was invited to apply and given the promotion. I understand the power of a great librarian, so I became a coach in my new job, building a program to empower new librarians and slashing the turnover rate by over 30%. As new legislation was passed in Florida which made librarianship difficult, I figured out a way to keep the district compliant with the laws without removing a single book from the library shelves.
I am now a Librarian/ Associate professor at Palm Beach State College. Since starting at PBSC in August 2023, I've been able to create and present workshops for faculty on the use of Artificial Intelligence in research and using Canva to spice up your lessons. I've also created a library education module and a module teaching students how to use artificial intelligence ethically, which professors can copy into their Canvas courses. I'm always looking for new ways to keep learning exciting. My latest accomplishment is creating a partnership with the School District of Palm Beach County, where I am now the liaison to the district's 25 high schools, and I go to the schools to teach research skills and source literacy. We are working to ensure that the students leave high school ready for the rigors of research in post-secondary education.
All my experiences have led me to a new dream of becoming a professor in an iSchool and helping shape the next generation of library heroes! Completing a doctoral program feels like the next chapter in my adventure. I imagine classrooms and libraries filled with eager scholars learning the secrets of libraries. This magic can be found in book pages and spaces where students can unleash their creativity.
It's an audacious dream, but so was turning a dusty library into a vibrant hub. With a heart full of stories and a head brimming with ideas, I'm ready to write the next chapter. Let's discuss how we can turn this dream into a reality together.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash