Understanding Your Rights and Feelings as a School Librarian: Addressing Unfair Expectations
As professionals dedicated to education, school librarians often find themselves caught in challenging situations where expectations and responsibilities may seem blurred. Recently, I encountered a situation that has left me questioning whether I’m being unfairly targeted or manipulated, and I want to share my thoughts to shed some light on similar experiences.
A colleague recently criticized our role in securing grants to fund essential resources like laptops for our students. Their implication was that if we don’t actively pursue external funding, we’re lazy or neglectful of our responsibilities. However, the reality is that it is primarily the school district’s duty to provide the necessary tools and resources for students. The laptops in our district cost approximately $1,000 each, and with a student body of around 600 students, it’s unreasonable to expect me to personally ensure that every student has access to such equipment.
Throughout my tenure, I have consistently gone above and beyond for my students. Whether providing snacks for hungry children or tutoring a student at risk of not graduating—sometimes using my own funds—my efforts are driven by a genuine commitment to student success. In one instance, I collaborated with teachers to organize a way for a struggling student to complete missed coursework in the library, ultimately helping them graduate.
Despite these contributions, it often feels like our work is undervalued, and we’re criticized regardless of our actions. This constant feeling of being the “bad guy,” combined with the dismissive attitude that suggests I should simply leave the profession if I believe these responsibilities aren’t mine, is incredibly disheartening.
It’s essential to recognize that, while we are passionate about supporting students, certain responsibilities—like providing equipment—are the district’s obligation. Feeling overwhelmed or emotional in this context is understandable, and your feelings are valid. You deserve recognition and respect for the dedication you bring to your role.
If you’re facing similar pressures, remember: it’s okay to advocate for clear role boundaries and necessary support from your administration. You are not alone, and your efforts are both valuable and appreciated—even if they sometimes go unnoticed.