Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/969549
formed a Makerspace Club to design objects on computers for 3-D printers. Such inquiry-based learning makes school fun — and supports the new standards. (Th e trend for libraries to support science, technolog y, engineering, art and math — STEAM — and makerspace activities was first reported in California Educator's January/February 2017 issue in a profile of Kory Bootsma, a Val Verde Teachers Association member whose students create robots, connect circuitry, and use computer-assisted design pro- grams for 3-D printers.) S cho ol li brari e s have al s o b e c om e more inclusive and safe spaces where students are encouraged to play games and hang out, before and after school and durin g lunchtim e. By ser v in g as campus community centers, libraries a re b e c o m i n g t h e h e a r t a n d s o u l of schools, say librarians. S ch o o l li brari e s m ay b e ch an gin g, but books are still important. Teacher l i b r a r i a n s r e p o r t t h a t d e s p i t e t h e emphasis on technology, students still enjoy books. Anthony, a member of United Teach- ers of Richmond, says students spend more time in the library, so they notice more books that jibe with their inter- ests. She adds that young adult fiction has never been more interesting. Librarians take on new challenges Once known for stacking shelves and ch e ckin g o ut b o o k s , to d ay 's t ea ch er librarians have a variety of responsi- bilities that may include selecting and managing digital databases, teaching s t u d e n t s t o n a v i g a t e a n d i n t e r p r e t o n l i n e i n f o r m a t i o n ( a v o i d i n g f a k e n e w s) , sp o n s o r i n g b o o k c l u b s , c e l e - brating cultural diversity with art and research projects, supporting STE AM activities, and holding computer pro- gramming workshops. " It 's an awe s om e jo b," say s Fre sno Te a c h e r s A s s o c i a t i o n m e m b e r S u e Navarro, a teacher librarian who does all these things at Fresno High School. "I've been told to stop telling people how much I love my job because people will think it's not work." Mo st p e opl e refer to th eir "sch o o l librarian" on campus, but the correct term is "teacher librarian" for one who Anthony stands next to the "Readbox," with suggested books for students. Union Mine High School librarian Virginia Hamilton, right, and classroom teacher Stephanie Luther team up for students. 34 cta.org Feature