Librarian profiles
Meet Craig Odle
Every day, Craig Odle goes fishing—he never knows what he might catch.
“Teaching is a lot like fishing, in that you are always casting to make connections with students, never knowing which students will bite and which need it the most,” says Odle, library media specialist at Blue Valley Northwest High School in Overland Park, Kansas.
“In the library, our line is always in the water, making a difference in the lives of those around us daily."
“I rarely know what the day will bring as I go to work. I might be helping students create digital video documentaries complete with soundtracks. On another day, I might be helping a student track down information on punk rock for a project."
“On another day, I might be reviewing the newest graphic novels for our collection. The days of just sitting around and checking out books are gone!”
Odle is more power broker than a “shushing librarian,” as he puts it. “Let's face it, having access to information gives a person a lot of power. As the information brokers for the school, we are seen as leaders in the community."
“People rely on us to help them with more than just high school term papers. Often, the information needed has great personal importance and could be life-changing.”
For Odle, there are plenty of chances to change lives. “Since we see so many students—more than 5,000 each month—we have the opportunity to make a difference in many lives. This job is certainly for those who love to interact with people.”
It's also a job for those who love to innovate. “This job keeps me on the cutting edge. It is rewarding to know that my knowledge of diverse things such as online databases, research techniques, software applications, digital media, and networking are nurtured and appreciated by my employer."
“This isn't the library you probably remember when you were in school. Libraries today are dynamic places that buzz with activity. It is now a bustling hub, that brings new challenges and excitement daily.”
