Written by Rajarama M S, LEC 2021
The LEC course is intended for teachers, school librarians, development sector professionals, literacy educators and anyone interested in library work. My journey with LEC started on 4th October 2021. As a library educator, I learnt a lot from the LEC course. It was a great experience and I got exposed to new ideas through various activities/games, book talks and other reading sessions.
It has opened a new door and new perspectives through the readings and interactions. Virtual sessions introduced a great way of learning and expansion of knowledge. It gave me a strong voice and highlighted the best of what I can serve to the community and my library. I can see how my communication skills, group behaviour, self-confidence and professional skills have sharpened.
What opened up and what was new
I have been working as a school librarian for ten years. My duties include issuing books to users, procuring new books and cataloguing them, arranging book fairs, conducting storytelling and writing sessions, taking library classes and performing some other duties.
I was taught that a librarian is only responsible for the circulation of books, but after joining the LEC, I realize how a librarian can turn into a library educator. A Librarian acts as a bridge between the students and books and strives to bring out the best in them. A Librarian tries to create a passion for reading and inspire them to be a good reader and knowledgeable citizen. I realize how reading can broaden the horizons of a child. I learnt ways of creating an exposure for the children, where they can explore new ideas/thoughts, develop critical thinking and social interaction.
I experienced ‘paradise’ in the form of a library after visiting the Bookworm library. LEC brought new administrative skills and the ability to work on my own. It improved my knowledge. It completely changed my style of work in the library.
I learnt new ways and techniques to engage with children and also to make the library a vibrant space through the readings in the compendium by Usha Mukunda, Sujata Noronha and many other authors.
This course had brought value for the library educator to get recognition in the institution as well as in society. I personally shared my experiences with the children, colleagues and management at my workplace. People started recognizing me for my efforts to implement something new in the library.
Physical Exposure
I feel that getting lost in the stacks for hours searching for books is a different kind of pleasure, which is truly enjoyable. When you visit the library in person, you can touch and feel the smell of the books. Libraries are repositories of information sources. They change lives. Children can browse, read and borrow their desired books.When we think of physical exposure few things impact deeply in the work we do.
THREE CORE SHIFTS
The role of Library educator
- Library ambience: When children visit the library, they need to feel a warm, welcoming and pleasant ambience. The helpful attitude and patience of the librarian also has an impact on children.
- Passion and a strong commitment to their careers and the work they do.
- Creating a space for reading and non-reading activities in the library is essential.
- Vision and values play a very important role in the functioning of any organization. Values and vision need to be fixed at a wider perspective with scope for change. I came to know that libraries require influence and collaborative effort to grow further in future with changing technological advancement.
I like the quote of Lankes, he argues that “it is not a building that makes a library a library, but it is a librarian that makes a library”.
LEC Community
I would like to appreciate the LEC community for their unconditional support in each and every step. The discussion forum on Moodle and Reading circle helped me to open the concept of reading and raise doubts on particular readings under each unit. Virtual sessions were very helpful and effective as they enhanced the new discussions, interactions on different topics. It set up a base for the concept of ‘Virtual library’ which made sure that the learning never ends, even in the worst times of covid pandemic.
Support from Mentor
I appreciate the role of mentors in correcting our assignments, guiding and motivating us regarding field project and other activities. Mentee mentors’ meeting that was held once in a fortnight was really informative. The suggestions/comments really helped me to sharpen my ideas on the field project. I sincerely thank their dedication and compassion for providing support throughout the course.
Finally, I would like to say that the learning never stops, it has no end, no age limit, or anything else, its all about the hunger and eagerness to learn. I feel very obliged to be a part of this wonderful journey.
I would like to thank our MES Management for providing me such a glorious opportunity for being a participant in LEC for the year 2021-22.