Leslie Preddy is president of the American Association of School Librarians and school librarian at Perry Meridien Middle School in Indianapolis. We spoke with her about the changing nature of her profession and what colleagues can expect at the forthcoming AASL National Conference, November 5–8, in Columbus, Ohio.
What are some of the trends you’re seeing in education and educational publishing these days?
One of the most exciting things is that there is now so much scientific research that applies to developing best practices. Years ago, you got your educational training, and on the job you developed a gut instinct about whether what you were doing was right. There’s now a better understanding of education, learning processes, brain development, maturity, which can all be applied to how best to teach students. It confirms that the gut instinct is right, but sometimes it needs a little tweaking.
How has the role of the school librarian changed in recent years?
We are definitely more active and engaged in the building as a whole. The school librarian is becoming the hub for building a sense of community in the school. Every community and every school library is unique, and more than ever the school librarian is able to adapt and develop, depending on what the community needs.
What has been the impact of various technological advances?
In one respect, technology has freed us up from a lot of the day-to-day work that was tedious and clerical—traditionally what people picture when they think of what a school librarian does. The fast pace of change has meant that we are very often the go-to person in the building for assistance or technical support. We know how to do many different things: troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance. We get questions all the time from teachers and students who may need help with Google Classroom, how to embed a photo or video, or a failed Internet connection.
How do school librarians deal with budgets that seem to keep shrinking?
Part of our training is how to manage budgets and how to make the most thoughtful decisions about purchases with the budget you’re given. School librarians also need to use fund-raising, grants, and donations to supplement and bolster what they’re given. I recently figured out that I’ve brought $100,000 into my school just in grants. That’s an impact that makes a difference over time.
What is the best back-to-school tip or piece of advice that you ever received from a mentor?
One of the greats in our state told me, “Every year is a new beginning.” Everybody gets a fresh start with a clean slate. It’s an opportunity to do things better and to try new things. Not every profession gets that. And students get that clean slate, too.
