Leader School Librarian: Hanna Chaterina George

I first met Hanna Chaterina George in 2013, during the annual conference of the International Association of School Librarians (IASL) in Bali, Indonesia. Already, she has shown remarkable organizational skills and charm. These, I believe, are essential qualities of a leader. Last April, we met in the annual conference of the Philippine Association of School Librarians (PASLI) and the regional school librarians workshop by the IASL in Manila.

Hanna, as I call her, strikes me as someone who continues to learn. Another trait that makes a leader, a leader. When I flew in to Jakarta for the seminar that she helped organize with a cadre of young Indonesian school librarians as volunteers, I was further more impressed at her unending energy and zeal. She is indeed, one of the many leaders in school librarianship in the Southeast Asian region.

The blog is featuring her as the Leader School Librarian of the month. I hope that this write up inspires school librarians to grow and develop in their chosen field. 

1. Who is Hanna Chaterina George? 

I am a professional school librarian with both undergraduate and master degrees in Library and Information Science. I have been working as a school librarian for 20 years before I became a full time library consultant, especially school library trainer.

Hanna Chaterina George (red dress) is one of the prime mover of APISI, the school librarians organization in Indonesia

2. As a librarian leader in Indonesia, what potentials are present that contribute to school library development?

One potential is how the school's stakeholders, especially the school principal's paradigm on role of the school librarian has gradually changed. It gives lot of opportunities for school libraries to grow and be in line in the schools' learning and teaching process. 

Secondly,  government regulation for school librarian position has materialized and this sharpens our profession as it has been recently issued. It is called, the Cultural and Education Ministerial  Regulation No 6 Year 2019 about School Organisation Guide and Unit Work Procedures that put school librarian in the same group with teacher in  Functional Position Group. Hopefully  this become a positive trigger to support the profession better in the future.

3. What advise can you give a young school librarian starting out in the profession?

School librarianship is a dynamic and growing profession that give you lots of opportunities to work creatively to play its roles in education. You will find that become one, whether you realize it or not, your life become fulfill both in professional and personal, as what you are :"a whole package of a lifelong learner person". 

So, know exactly who you are, what you do and what you want to do as a lifelong learner in education. Expand your network, never stop to inquire anything that interest you, always find something new from your learn experience. You will find that learning can be joyful and enrich your soul and life at the same time.

Thank you very much, Hanna! Wishing you all the best in your chosen mission!