ABOUT ME and MY PROGRAM

The school library is not just a room, it is a program. It is my goal to build a successful and sustainable program at Murdock Middle High School.

WHO: I'm William Kline and I am the library media specialist or librarian or library teacher or school librarian or teacher librarian... I don't really care what you call me.

I have been in education since 1995. I began my career as a HS English teacher. I have worked in school libraries since 2003. Other than the last three years, I have worked in high schools.

I spent the bulk of my life in North Carolina where I attended Duke University (home of the Blue Devils) and the University of North Carolina. I moved to Massachusetts in September 2016 to be closer to family, and I then spent three years working at a middle school in Framingham, MA. Luckily I was able to come to Murdock in October 2019.

I have two children, two dogs, two cats, and one very patient wife.

WHAT: For the most part, students and the public in general have no real idea of the role of the librarian. Some view libraries as obsolete in an increasingly digital world, but the role of the librarian as an information specialist has increased. The more information that is available; the more a librarian is needed to navigate it. Because of the size of most schools and libraries, the librarian serves all roles of the program. This means tasks that would normally be handled by an aide (checking in and checking out books, shelving books, processing books) are handled by the librarian. The main role of the librarian is teacher. Librarians are specialists in information acquisition. This means that the librarian can teach students where and how to find accurate information. The librarian, when running a successful program, is part of the research process. Librarians collaborate with teachers, teach and co-teach, and work individually or in small groups with students.

Behind the scenes, the librarian curates the collection by purchasing and weeding books to provide books that are needed to support curricula and independent reading. School libraries generally operate with a small budget, and therefore, librarians must be very selective when adding items to the collection. Finally (I think), the librarian manages the facility, creating an inviting atmosphere for users.

WHERE: The Richard J. Robinson is located on the 3rd floor of Murdock Middle High School. Simply take the Hogwarts stairs until you reach the top floor and look for the door. There is an entrance from each side of the school (middle and high).

WHEN: The library is open from when I get here until I leave. The library does not close for lunch as the library and the librarian are needed at all times of the day. The library generally closes around 3:00, but I will stay later for students who need time to complete projects or just need access to materials.

WHY: Librarians get to put their grubby hands in all the pies. A successful library means that the librarian is busy most if not all of the time.