Author- Tsering Youdon
Our life is uncertain and it’s funny how life sometimes leads you to where you’re meant to be, even when you least expect it to. Well, I used to be a teacher for many years before stepping into the track of librarianship. My journey into library education was one that happened by chance due to an administrative reason. I was a novice to library education. After enrolling for the Library Educators’ Course, I felt that I was exactly at the place where I should be and now a decision led by chance has become my choice.
Learning
Firstly, the course opened my eyes to the difference between a librarian and a library educator. Earlier, I had a notion that a librarian’s role is limited to safeguarding the library’s resources, checking in and checking out books, and ensuring that students maintain pin-drop silence inside the library. But I was wrong. A library educator’s role extends beyond that. A library educator must think about all the elements of a library from vision and space to collection, activities, people, administration and planning.
I realized that a library should be a welcoming space where a library educator actively engages students in literacy and learning through a diverse collection of books and interactive approaches with a clear vision. I also gained insights into the role of a library as a hub for inquiry, engagement, and critical thinking, and not just a space for books.
The course introduced me to effective strategies for conducting book talks, interactive read-alouds, as well as for fostering a culture of reading and making the library an inclusive learning environment.
The application of what I learned during the LEC sessions in my own library sessions was both exciting and eye-opening. Children became more open to me when I started organizing various activities like interactive read-alouds, book talks, musical books, genre games, and many more. These helped me connect with students in new ways. I did many read-aloud sessions, particularly with students of Grade 8 who were my target audience for the LEC Field Project. These were very engaging, and in one instance when I casually asked which library sessions stayed in their minds, they immediately responded that they really enjoyed the interactive read-alouds and asked me to conduct more such activities.
I tried out a library card making class too to encourage students to take ownership of their reading journey. Furthermore, book care sessions nudged the students to care for their library resources, and setting library agreements encouraged them to behave in the library space in a manner that would help the class to proceed smoothly.
Reflection and Experience
As the course progressed, I found myself not only acquiring new skills but also undergoing personal growth. I learned that working with diverse groups of students requires patience and flexibility. I learned how to adjust my approach to accommodate different learning styles and needs, such as while working with young children and older children.
The world of libraries is constantly evolving, and the course instilled in me the importance of being a lifelong learner and passionate reader. I learned that to inculcate the habit of reading in children, first I should be a passionate reader which would help me proceed in this path in the long run.
Looking back on my reading journey, I can see how far I’ve come. From my childhood days in school, I had only read textbooks to score good grades in exams. As far as I can remember, I hardly read any book for pleasure. When I became a teacher, my main concern was completing the syllabus within the prescribed time frame and my reading was solely related to my subject.
My journey of reading for pleasure began when I joined LEC, and it has been one of constant growth. Now I am familiar with many different children’s authors such as Patricia Polacco, Jeaneatte Winter, Allen Say, and Oliver Jeffers. And I have read most of the above-mentioned authors’ books. I have also learned other details about these authors, such as how most of Patiricia Polacco’s books are inspired from her own childhood, family and personal experience such as Thank You, Mr. Falker and Junkyard Wonders.
Challenges
However, challenges also accompanied me. Time constraints are one of the biggest challenges as sometimes I couldn’t finish a planned session within the stipulated time. Most of the library classes are held after lunch which in itself was five minutes less than the forenoon classes.I had to request the teacher who had the next class to adjust a few minutes so that I could finish.
Bringing reluctant readers to participate in library activities is really difficult sometimes and I had to find creative ways to engage them in the library. Initiating library activities such as musical books, guided drawing, genre games and interactive read-alouds helped those readers fall in love with books.
Conclusion:
My LEC journey has been an enriching and fulfilling experience. From being a novice to a transformative and confident library educator, I have grown immensely. I look forward to pursuing this journey, evolving my practices, and making the library a vibrant space for learning and discovery.
I would also like to extend my heartiest gratitude to The Department of Education, Central Tibetan Administration for offering me this golden opportunity. Without its support, I couldn’t have accomplished this journey and would have remained unknowledgeable about the library. Moreover, I would also like to thank all the hardworking and passionate mentors of the LEC for making me a capable and confident Library Educator.
Nicely written… I can totally see your efforts. Thank you for working for the students. Keep it up….