School Librarian Interview: Include

This school librarian interview focused on the Shared Foundation Include. I interviewed Glenda Kern the school librarian at Haut Gap Middle School for this foundation. Haut Gap Middle School is a very diverse middle school located in Johns Island, South Carolina.

Mrs. Kern strives to implement inclusive competencies in her library program. One way she does this is through providing opportunities for learners to experience diverse viewpoints. She does this through curating a very diverse collection that includes African American, Hispanic, Native American, White, and LGBTQ+ voices and perspectives. Mrs. Kern also promotes a library environment that helps learners feel empowered. 

Through information literacy instruction, Mrs. Kern teaches students how to evaluate information in order to determine the author's viewpoint and perspective. This helps learners understand that not everything they read online is trustworthy and they must evaluate the information and determine their on viewpoint and perspective on topics. This encourages students to have their own opinions and voices. 

Mrs. Kern collaborates with many ELA classroom teachers in order to engage students in conversations and discussions over different viewpoints. While I was interning, I was able to see some of these class discussions with one of the 7th grade honors classes. It was so interesting to see this environment the teachers and librarian created that allowed everyone to feel welcome and open to expressing their viewpoints to one another. 

The challenges Mrs. Kern faces with implementing these competencies revolve around pushback from some parents and teachers. A few parents and teachers have expressed issues with inclusive library practices, especially with some of the LGBTQ+ reading materials. Of course, there are district policies in place for these book challenges. Mrs. Kern makes sure to have evidence to support her library reading materials like book reviews just in case there are these challenges. 

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