My Life as a High School Library Clerk
What I do, why it matters, the pros and cons, and more
For me, September has been all about school starting back up. I went from sleeping in until 10:00 a.m. some days to getting up at 5:00 a.m. (I miss my bed so much.) Despite my early wake-up time, during which I feel like an alien visiting Earth for the first time, I’m happy to be back. I love my job and look forward to it most days, which is a blessing.
Since work is 98% of what I’ve been thinking about this month, I want to share what my job looks like, my favorite parts, and some of the challenges. By doing so, I hope to remind you why school libraries are important and must be protected.
Why libraries?
Before jumping into my current job, let’s start with some background. As I looked for my first job as a teenager, a library position seemed obvious. I was at my public library at least once a week anyway, so I figured I might as well get paid to be there. I started my library career as a page for that library nearly 20 years ago. My bosses knew I was interested in a full-time library career, so they took me under their wings and showed me how libraries functioned, even though my job was focused on shelving and other smaller tasks. Still, they taught me and gave me hands-on experience with collection development, weeding, interlibrary loans, customer service, and so much more. My bosses gave me opportunities for continuous learning and growth. That first job laid the foundation for much of what I know about libraries now.
Even though I loved my public library job, I knew a career as a public librarian wasn’t for me. I saw myself in an academic setting, so when a position opened up for a high school/elementary library clerk back in 2011, I went for it. My interview only lasted about 10 minutes, and I was certain I blew it. The phone call offering me the job was a lovely surprise!
The library clerk role is perfect for me because I get to do all the bookish stuff I love without teaching. The librarians in my district are all certificated teachers, and that’s not a journey I wanted to take. While they teach, handle most testing, and oversee the school’s technology, I live my best life with stacks of books surrounding me most moments.
What I Do
Even though I started in elementary school, I now work full-time in high schools, an age group I love. I go to a different school each day of the week. Serving five high schools is often overwhelming, and much gets left undone, but I try to be as efficient as possible with a less-than-ideal schedule.
My primary duties are book cataloging and processing. I never tire of those tasks since getting new materials for our students and staff is always exciting. Other things I do include:
helping with book selection and ordering
weeding the collection
circulation
assisting students
creating book lists and pulling books for teachers
marketing through displays and social media
writing grants
website design and information
supporting librarians with tech distribution/maintenance
I also help facilitate student and staff book clubs in a couple of my buildings.
Why This Work Matters
School libraries might be a student’s only access to books. Several students over the years have told me that the only library they can access is the school’s. The students in my district have accounts automatically set up with the public library, but some students can’t get there due to a lack of transportation or responsibilities at home.
When book bans come up in the news, I’ve read arguments that the books aren’t really being banned because a student can just get a copy at their local bookstore. The price of YA books has risen dramatically over the last few years, and many students have no way to get to a bookstore or the funds to purchase anything, even if they could. School libraries offer kids a place to browse, try new authors or subjects, and explore whatever interests them without extra time or monetary commitments.
School libraries also provide kids with a safe space. Sometimes, students are behind in their classes, so a teacher sends them to the library to do independent work so they can catch up. Seniors might have a free period, so they come to the library to relax or do homework. Several of my libraries host after-school homework centers. One houses free school and hygiene supplies for students. Another hosts several clubs, like D&D and Nintendo. Gone are the days of quiet, stale libraries. They’re now multipurpose spaces, trying to meet kids where they are and give them a place to belong and have their needs met.
The Pros and Cons of My Job
I’m thankful that the cons list is pretty short: low pay, inequitable library budgets, and a too-crowded schedule. Those are all big problems that need to be addressed, but the good outweighs the bad and includes:
working with wonderful staff
serving diverse groups of great kids
being part of a district that values equity
getting to spend my days immersed in a bookish world
a sense of pride in getting to help a school meet its literacy goals
seeing students grow, learn, and slowly but surely turn into adults
Every day, I get to partner with wonderful librarians and other teachers doing work I love and believe in. That’s an enormous privilege, and I don’t take it lightly.
Things You Can Do to Support School Libraries
Since you’re reading a newsletter about books and libraries, I trust that you believe school libraries are important for students and staff. Here are some ways you can support the ones near you:
If you have children in school, reach out to the librarian to say thank you. Explain what the library offers your kids. Reach out to the principal and say what a vital role the library plays in your child’s education. My principals decide our budget, so they need to know how much the library matters.
If you’re currently attending school, use your school’s library! Circulation and attendance statistics matter a lot.
Stay informed about who’s on or running for your local school board. Support anti-censorship candidates.
Learn about what book bans or challenges might be happening in your area. Speak out against them at public meetings, on social media, with friends, or in spaces where you have influence.
Donate new or gently used books. Donate your time by volunteering.
I hope this post was interesting and informative. Let me know in the comments if there are any library-themed posts you’d like to see next. Thanks for being part of this community!
I am so grateful for your work and glad you wrote about it. I wish you were better compensated and were not divided among so many buildings. I admire you staying true to the work your heart calls you to do.
I loved this post! I am envious that your district has both librarians and clerks--though dividing you among 5 schools speaks volumes about how stretched your resources are. Most districts in Oregon no longer have librarians in buildings. I was a certified teacher-librarian, but I served our entire district--10 schools, K-12--in a half-time position. I remember when the high school in my old district had both a full-time teacher-librarian and TWO assistants! Feels like a whole different world now, in so many ways. So glad your students and staff have you doing all the good work you're doing. It's so important!