This is the introduction of my keynote speech for tomorrow's session on school libraries at the 32nd ASDAL Conference. I will try to post the rest of the document tomorrow and this coming week in parts.
Simon
Cowell, a former judge of the reality TV show American Idol, would make
positive comments at aspiring singer-contestants whom he finds
relevant. The recipient of the affirmation would smile bashfully or jump
in glee. Fans of American Idol know how discriminating Cowell could be
to all American Idol hopefuls so, a good word or a praise from him is
precious.
I often wondered what set criteria he'd used to base his
judgement of relevance to an American Idol contestant. Is it the
commercial value of the singer that promises big record sales? Is it the
singing talent that is rare and innate in a contestant? Is it the
singing style and charisma of the American Idol aspirant? Perhaps all of
the above: the complete package.
What if one day, a critical judge of school libraries visited
your school library and tells you, "I no longer find your library and
your job relevant." What would you do?
I have come face to face with that question several times in my
professional career as a school librarian. May I know who among you
experienced the same challenge? Even as a student of library science in
college, I was thrown that challenge by supposed mentors and peers who
demand that I prove my course's worth in the teaching and learning
process. Early on in my job as a pre-school librarian, I had to show my
co-teachers the value of the early education library that I was tasked
to organize and manage. There were many success stories of the effort
and hard work I put forth to make an impact in the learning community,
but the question of relevance on the role that I contribute in the
learning system and environment has not ceased to haunt me till this
day.
This is the issue I wish to discuss with you today. Together,
let's ruminate on the relevant role that school libraries and school
librarians play in the learning community. To do this, I will begin with
stories, both personal and that of others, that bespeak of school
library experiences. We will go back in time, not very far back, just at
the turn of the 20th century to look at the landmark contributions of
librarians in general and the historical highlights of school libraries
in particular. We will look at factors that shape the modern school
library to what it is today. Researches, manifestos, and position
statements pertaining to modern school library management and practice
that impact the learning community will follow. We will finish with
school library projects, activities and strategies that promote and
advocate school library services and programs. In the end, we hope to
convert the question: Are You Relevant to You Are Relevant.
