Every April 16th, we celebrate National Librarian Day—a day dedicated to honoring the efforts and invaluable contributions of school librarians across the globe. Among the diverse spectrum of librarians, school librarians stand out as unsung heroes, playing a crucial role in shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning.
As we commemorate National Librarian Day, let’s delve into the question: what do librarians do for schools, and how do they impact education, particularly in the realm of STEM/STEAM learning?
What Do School Librarians Do?
School librarians are more than just guardians of books—they are educators, mentors, and champions of knowledge. They curate diverse collections of resources, from traditional books to digital databases, that support the academic curricula and cater to students’ varied interests and learning styles. Beyond managing the library, school librarians serve as information literacy instructors, teaching students essential research skills and fostering critical thinking.
In the age of rapidly advancing technology, school librarians play a pivotal role in promoting STEM/STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning. They integrate STEM/STEAM resources into their collections and collaborate with teachers to develop interdisciplinary projects that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. By providing access to hands-on learning materials, such as STEM/STEAM robotics kits and coding tools like Ozobot robots, librarians empower students to explore STEM/STEAM concepts in engaging and interactive ways.
Integrating Coding and STEAM Learning with Ozobot
One exciting example of how school librarians promote STEM learning is through coding activities with learning tools such as Ozobot. Ozobot, a mini programmable robot for kids, introduces K-12 students to the fundamentals of coding in a fun and hands-on way, with and without screens. By drawing color-coded sequences on paper or using block-based coding languages, students can program Ozobot to perform various tasks, building computational thinking and digital literacy skills.
School librarians often organize coding workshops or incorporate Ozobot into library makerspace activities, providing students with interactive experiences that ignite their curiosity and passion for technology. These initiatives not only enhance students’ coding skills but also promote collaboration, problem-solving, and perseverance—all essential skills for success in the digital age.
Celebrating National Librarian Day
On National Librarian Day, let’s express our gratitude to school librarians for their dedication to supporting young minds and encouraging a lifelong love for learning. Through their multifaceted roles as educators, mentors, and advocates for literacy and early STEM/STEAM learning, librarians empower students to become critical thinkers and future innovators. As we celebrate their contributions, let’s continue to support and recognize the indispensable role of librarians in helping shape the leaders of tomorrow.
