Librarian Interview

I met with Ann Eddens, the new librarian at Moravian Falls Elementary School, yesterday afternoon for my interview. I came into the library noticing instant improvements since I had done my interim there last Spring. Miss Eddens had weeded out all the haggard texts, re-organized the circulation desk, and even painted over the former hideous green motif of the south wall of the library. While this was Miss Eddens’ first term at this particular school she has been a practicing librarian for three and a half years after obtaining her masters degree through ASU. It was clear from the immensely improved setup of the media center that she knew her craft well and even found enjoyment in it. My first tech question for her was what technologies were utilized in the library. She provided this list:

Follett Circulation Catalog
1 - Smart Board
1 - Inventory Scanner
1 - Checkout Scanner
1 - LCD Projector
1 - Document Camera
4 - Student Computers

Granted, Moravian Falls is a small school, but I next asked if she felt this technology was adequate enough for the students needs. Miss Eddens said she felt that it wasn’t quite enough. She would prefer that there be at least ten more student computers, along with space in which to place them. Miss Eddens told me that much of the student body was made up of bi-lingual students and that the library catalog contained a large selection of Spanish and bi-lingual books for the students. I asked if the students ever had difficulty working with the media center computers. According to her, only around three out of every five students had enough knowledge to work comfortably with the computers. Among these skilled students, most were upper grade children in the fourth and fifth grade levels. For the Kindergarten through third grade levels she said that she used a visual OPAC with images to help them with the catalog system. Miss Eddens said it was her opinion that technology was extremely important to libraries and that she often kept up with the advancement of new technology through monthly district media meetings, professional literature, and word of mouth. It’s also her opinion that self checkout is a myth, my sentiments exactly! Thinking back to our weekly reading I asked her if she thought that librarians were in danger of becoming obsolete. Her quick answer was no, someone will always be needed to teach new technology to learners.