School library nostalgias

ABSTRACT

This paper explores nostalgia as both a limiting cultural force in the lives of school librarians and a practice that can be used to more accurately portray library work. The stereotype of the shushing, lone school librarian, based on restorative nostalgia, is related to a nostalgic oversimplification of the school librarian's historical role. Yet, this prevalent view overshadows the real work of school librarians, which is often behind the scenes. The persistence of this misperception results in school leaders simultaneously professing love for school libraries of the past while at the same time eliminating current programs. By practicing reflective nostalgia, school librarians can look at the past through the lens of their present working realities to more accurately portray their lives and work. Reflective nostalgia is the foundation of a reflective teaching practice that helps school librarians advocate for their programs and prevent demoralization. This conceptual analysis thus contributes to the project of research innovations that make the lives of school librarians more visible, salient, and significant.

KEYWORDS:

• Critical theory
• school library
• educational theory
• teacher education
• socio-political conditions

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jessica Hochman

Jessica Hochman is an assistant professor at Pratt Institute School of Information and Library Science (SILS) and the School Library Program Coordinator. Her research interests include the nexus of youth culture and technology, informal learning and literacy practices, discourses of teaching and teachers, and feminist theory and practice.

Email: [email protected]