Everything I Need to Know I Learned In Library School

When I graduated with my degree in education, I was required to create a capstone binder that outlined how I met “core competencies” related to education and teaching. It included things like assessments, teaching of certain core subjects, and demonstrated student growth over a period of time. After graduating, I was so happy to never do anything like that again. That is, I was…until I got to library school.

Growing up and being interested in libraries, I did not have a huge knowledge base to pull from on what goes on behind the scenes of the libraries I knew and loved. Looking back, it should have been obvious that most professions encourage ongoing development and have standards for professionals in their respective fields to meet. However, at 12 I was more worried about which Hogwarts house I was in, rather than the complexities of ALA. Going back to school to get my master’s (as an adult) was truly eye opening. I learned about different kinds of libraries, challenges that libraries in different areas face, and the competencies that librarians strive to meet. 

As we head into turbulent waters, wondering what awaits libraries across the country in the near future, I find it relevant to reflect on these competencies, as well as on the values of libraries as a whole. For example, children’s librarians are expected to maintain “a diverse collection that is inclusive of the needs of all children and their caregivers in the community” (American Library Association, 2020). There is also a large focus on underrepresented communities, “addressing the need for more representation of marginalized groups” (2020). These values are also highlighted by the Library Bill of Rights as well as a statement released in 2021 on Censorship and Information Addressing Racial Injustice, Black American History, and Diversity Education. Now – what exactly does this mean for libraries and library staff?

All of these publications are open to the interpretation of the reader, but I take a few points away as fact. First, is that ALA values and celebrates people of all backgrounds, abilities, genders, etc., and that I should do the same in my role as a librarian. How this is carried out is up to the professional, but the core message from the display or program remains the same. 

Second, is that ALA stands firmly with these values. The Library Bill of Rights was first published in 1939. It was then revised in the 40s, 60s 80s, and 2010s. Since then, multiple statements and publications have focused on diverse programming, collection development, and professional development, showing time after time that these are not values that are going to go by the wayside. ALA is aligned with these beliefs, and its members and library affiliates should be as well. 

The final point that I take away is that challenges to these values existed long before I did. There have always been voices and organizations that oppose the inclusivity that ALA so loudly proclaims. While this may seem harrowing at first glance, it can also be taken as a message of hope. While the opposition continues to challenge and censor, librarians and library workers continue to value all members of their respective communities. So – why do I say all of this now? For us all to remember that there are not only individuals but whole organizations that have cemented these values for over eighty years, and will continue to do so in the future. And – that you are not alone.

Annaliese Melvin (she/they) is a children’s librarian at a neighborhood library in Washington, D.C. Originally from Pennsylvania, she moved to the DC-area in 2020 to become a special education teacher after graduating from Arcadia University. In 2023, she graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Library and Information Science and transitioned into the library field. She is passionate about equity, inclusion, reading, and Philadelphia sports.

This post addresses ALSC Core Competencies 4.2, 4.3, 5.4, and 5.5.

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 When I graduated with my degree in education, I was required to create a capstone binder that outlined how I met “core competencies” related to education and teaching. It included things like assessments, teaching of certain core subjects, and demonstrated student growth over a period of time. After graduating, I was so happy to never do anything like that again. That is, I was…until I got to library school. Growing up and being interested in libraries, I did not have a huge knowledge base to pull from on what goes on behind the scenes of the libraries I knew and loved. Looking back, it should have been obvious that most professions encourage ongoing development and have standards for professionals in their respective fields to meet. However, at 12 I was more worried about which Hogwarts house I was in, rather than the complexities of ALA. Going back to school to…
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