School Libraries...the Final Frontier -part 4
Today's article is based on a recent interview with Ms. Debbie Lozano a first year school librarian at a public high school in Oklahoma City. Having recently joined the field of education as a school librarian in her current district, she provides an interesting perspective into the world of children's reading habits.
How long have you been a librarian? Why did
you choose this career?
This is my first year! I love to read and I like learning new things. I get excited watching other people learn too! I also like to help people.
Where are you currently working as a librarian?
I work at a high school in Oklahoma City.
Where you always a librarian at this establishment?
This is my first year in this district, so yes?
What is your role in the educational system as a librarian?
I have four classes of library science that I teach, and I manage books and computers. I also help people research.
How important do you feel that a librarian and teacher work together to enhance students’ education?
It is crucial to work with teachers. Our job is to make their job easier—what resources can we give them to help them teach students the skills they need? We should be the gateway to other resources for them.
How do you personally work with teachers to enhance students’ enjoyment of visiting a library?
I offer to help with projects, write grants to bring in guest speakers who have written books they read in their classes, send links to resources, meet and discuss ideas.
How important do you feel it is that
students take time to visit a library?
I think visiting the library should be a natural part of the educational process. It should be the hub of the school, where information is found, processed and made into a product by that student.
How important do you feel it is that students take time to read?
Reading is essential. Of course I am an advocate of reading for pleasure, but reading is a requirement of almost all jobs—manuals, emails, product descriptions, etc. Reading also enhances vocabulary, which improves writing and allows one to become better-spoken.
How do you encourage students to read and enjoy doing so? Can you mention a strategy or two?
I find out what they are interested in, and then suggest a book about that topic! I also recommend books that I’ve read or heard are awesome! Excitement is contagious!
What technologies do you feel are important in helping children remain enthusiastic and interested in reading?
Kindles can help some kids read, and audio books as well. For nonfiction reading, databases and videos and articles can enhance the process.
Do you have any tips that students should keep in mind when they visit a library?
Don’t be overwhelmed by it—learn the system, and HOW to find what you want. That is the key to using the library. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Do you have any tips for parents to help encourage their children who may not be as enthusiastic in choosing to read a book?
Let them see you read! Read aloud to them, and point out how you read on a daily basis (recipes, the news, etc.)
Have you written or published any material for children to read? If so, could you let our readers know and where someone could obtain a copy. Please provide any links that may be relevant.
Not yet!
Can you name some books that you would currently recommend to students to read and why?
We are about to read Passenger, the first in a new series. Series are always fun because you have another book to look forward to! Harry Potter is fun and magical, and gets you hooked. I also enjoyed 1984—that classic book is becoming relevant again in the era we are in, in America.
If one of our readers wished to get in touch with you, how may they do so?
I can be contacted on the following email address: dlozano@millwoodps.org
Any motivational bits of advice that you would like to pass on to the readers of this article?
Try lots of kinds of books until you find one that excites you—true crime? Historical fiction? Sci-fi? The possibilities are endless!
I hope you enjoyed reading through Ms. Lozano's insights. I would like to publicly thank her for taking the time to share her thoughts about this topic.
If you would like to read insights from our contributors to date you can do so by clicking on one of the links below. Don't forget to sign up to my mailing list so that you can be one of the first to be informed of new articles and other interesting items posted on the Ponds of Wonder website for both yourself and your children!
Happy Reading!
Brian
