The librarian's role is to serve student patrons by supporting the school's mission. In the school, the librarian is a champion of literature and information. She advocates for library programs and resources by communicating and collaborating regularly with the school community. The librarian stays current with emerging technology, methods, and skills. She bridges these innovations with curriculum and instruction to create professional development and materials for faculty. In the library, the librarian creates a welcoming, attractive, accessible space. The library is filled and regularly evaluated to have a diverse up-to-date collection because the goal is equitable access for all. It is a place to extend education beyond the required curriculum. Here, children can make choices in their learning. The librarian is there to support students on their journey of intellectual exploration, not control which direction they go. Instead, she partners with students and offers age-appropriate activities and lessons to guide the process. The librarian matches the child’s interests with what’s available. This can lead to the type of engagement and sustained attention required to develop intrinsic motivation and a life-long love of learning. If a gap exists in the resources, the librarian makes the adjustments necessary to make those resources, services, and opportunities available. The librarian is present to set expectations to show responsibility and empathy for others throughout the child’s quest for knowledge. In this way, the librarian is critical to the development of the child as an individual and within the community.
