I met and chatted with a librarian/media specialist from Alabama today who shared how she “does” the
work of a librarian. She also shared her school, thoughts, and website with me. I love it and was totally
inspired by the work she does for students. When the trend today is to turn the library into a makerspace,
relegating books and thus reading to the wayside, Fredeisha really got me thinking about today’s view of
what a librarian should be.
I just love the possibilities of a librarian as a true resource for staff and students. And Fredeisha’s library
is focused on reading and curating the latest and most representative reads. Her library isn't fancy
looking, but it is focused on literacy and kids’ needs. She teaches lessons on safe searching, research
tips, and digital literacy. She comes to classes or classes come to her for lessons and help.
Fredeisha's library is also where you go to check out equipment like headphones, VR goggles (my add),
to print, get a loaner computer (my add), etc. She even puts out a weekly newsletter for staff and students
with handy tips. She presents “tidbits” as she calls them, at each staff meeting - just a few minutes to
introduce a tech tool or other handy piece of info. Oh wait, she blogs about library/media center goings-on
too! She also promotes the library/media center to the community which builds community.
I then added my own imaginings about this amazing librarian/media specialist I just met - the “Ultimate
Fredeisha” as I envision her. There are book displays around her library of the latest reads, or a collection
of reads organized around a theme or an author or a topic. Fredeisha showed me her gallery of pictures
where she has book jackets hanging from the ceilings above the bookshelves - easy to do and visible to
all. I envision small tables set up too with visually enticing book displays. Fredeisha has comfy spaces -
couches and chairs with pillows - to read or work quietly. I add to this by picturing collaborative spaces
with round tables away from the quiet area. There are numerous outlets and charging stations close too.
The maker space can be nearby but does not conflict with the purpose or the quiet contemplation of the
library - which is focused on literacy - for pleasure, schoolwork, and research.
So then my imagination ran, or rolled, wild. The “Ultimate Fredeisha” librarian/media specialist also has
a really cool decorated rolling cart where she visits classes to do quick book or author or genre talks.
She has multiple copies of books for kids to check out on the spot (she has her computer and barcode
reader thingy with her, of course, to make check out easier).
Fredeisha and I also talked about a librarian/media specialist being a resource for teachers. We were
discussing how our textbooks are not only outdated but they are whitewashed as well - lacking adequate
representation of people of color and/or leaving out critical information to give a more historically accurate
understanding of key figures and events of our collective past that shape our present. Where our
textbooks lack info, the “Ultimate Fredeisha” helps us find the most appropriate and relevant resources to
supplement what is missing or complement what we already have, as she has access to various
databases like Pro-quest, JSTOR, etc., and knows how to access images and websites featuring current
events, historical artifacts, museum collections, etc.
Her library/media center is well-funded or well-donated to, well-stocked, and well-staffed. She has
students and/or parent volunteers to help her with the nitty-gritty of upkeep and organization.
The “Ultimate Fredeisha” is a valued staff member and partner with the classroom teacher in
implementing best practices for kids.
Fredeisha exists; I met her today.
