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received top quality teaching. I can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done!
Creativity The biggest surprise was the scope of creativity, and my engagement with library ethics, which absolutely gripped me from the start! As I previously mentioned, the act of mak- ing is a huge motivator for me. I was able to create daily as a librarian, making displays, discovering new ways to reach our huge audience, even hosting a creative writing group for a season. The aspect of library ethics I particularly loved was discov-
ering the beginning of public libraries in Britain – to enrich the lives of people who were unable to buy books. People were able to learn how to read books, to pay a small fee and have access to all the books available. We have become more s ophisticated through online databases and internet search- ing, but the core value of libraries remains.
When calls were made for books to be removed from the school board, or when I heard of other school libraries facing scrutiny for ‘inappropriate’ materials, or school libraries be- ing shut down entirely, it only pushed me further to advocate for free reading. We host a multitude of programs in our library to assist users in becoming more literate, and in turn, more autono- mous in their studies, and it has only showed me the intrinsic nature of schools and libraries being together – that mutual respect of each others’ institutions is necessary to create and enriching learning environment for the students. One of the biggest challenges I faced was around commu- nication styles with our students! I assist users of all ages. The apprenticeship shows me the theory, but at TDA I have to put it into practice. It was through finding solutions in my public speaking ability, and the measures I take to embody the library values in my work to the students that helped to cement everything I was learning. I have a few tips for other apprentices or those thinking about taking an apprenticeship. Read Information Profes- sional! And if you’re interested in working in school libraries, reading articles from the School Library Association. It was a comfort to see other librarians’ experiences after a challeng- ing moment at school, and it may help to consolidate what you’re learning with real stories from others like you. To all school librarians, your work is so crucial. Everything you do, you’re doing it for your students, and on days where nobody sees what you’re doing, just know that the one child who finds solace in the library will think of you for years after they’ve left school. I know I’ll never forget the librarians in my life that made it possible for me to find my passions, and I know you’re doing the same for children across the country. We’re in this together!
Spring 2025
We host a multitude of programs in our library to assist users in becoming more literate, and in turn, more autonomous in their studies...
Thomas Deacon Academy. Photos © Forster + Partners INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 47
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