I have had an opportunity to spend a lot of time on airplanes during the past several years. Often, I have a hard time doing much more than sleeping when I’m on an airplane (even when I have these great intentions of getting a lot of work done). But, during one trip I was wide-awake, and I began to think about how much pilots and school librarians have in common. I have had some time since that flight to reflect more on those similarities.

DARING AND ADVENTUROUS

When you think about famous pilots like Lindbergh and Earhart, you realize that they wanted to be the first—first to travel around the world, first to cross the Atlantic, Pacific, etc. They were daredevils and they were often willing to take risks. Just like these fearless aviators, there are many daring school librarians at the forefront of their field. These successful school librarians are willing to try new things. They are willing to try new tools and strategies, and be the first at something. They are brave enough to know that it might not work as expected or might even fail, but they try nonetheless. They understand that it may be easier and safer to sit back and watch others take risks, but there can be great fun and excitement in taking that leap first.

CONTROL

Another incentive for trying new things is that it offers the opportunity to take control. Like the pilot flying the plane, the school librarian is in control, leading the library program into uncharted waters—whether it is a new school initiative, a new project, or using a new resource or tool never tried before. When the school librarian tries something new, he or she can often impact how that new adventure is going to look and feel. It is possible to guide the design in a way that best fits the school program. Also, if the “powers that be” ever decide to replicate the program across a district, they are going to follow the established map. It is often good to be the one in control.

COURSE CHARTER

Pilots chart a course from one airport to the next. It may be a standard route, or it could be a custom route for a private plane. Whatever path they are following, the course gets them from point A to point B. But, sometimes they have to change course. Perhaps they fly at a higher elevation to eliminate some turbulence. Or, they may circle the airport until they can safely land. Whatever changes they have to make, they do it in order to bring their plane of passengers safely to their destination.

In the same way, school librarians need to take time to think about the destination (point A to point B.). They need to consider what needs to be done to move the library program to the next level. How can programs be better than they were before? School librarians also need to assess the course of the library program. Perhaps an administrator needs help in learning about 21st-century school library programs. Or, the library is closed for some reason, so the librarian needs to take the show on the road. If something gets in the way of building the program needed for students and faculty, the course must be altered to gain success. It is often hard to take initiative, yet it is necessary to get students and teachers to the best learning and teaching destination.

RULE FOLLOWER??

Pilots have tons of federal regulations, rules, and procedures they (and their flight attendants) have to follow on each and every flight. In addition, each airline and airport handles things slightly differently. Educators can certainly relate to that—Common Core State Standards (or individual state standards), principal’s initiatives, district initiatives, Standards for 21st-Century Learner—are just some of the considerations that require change and adaptation.

Even though there are lots of challenges, it is still important to press ahead. One thing school librarians can do (and probably pilots as well) is seek places to make accommodations or find loopholes that provide students (passengers) what they need. Rules are complied with, but at same time, an effort is made so students (passengers) are having the best experience possible within the restraints.

School librarians should not be afraid to challenge the rules and have discussions with those who make the rules. There should be willingness on the part of school librarians to help change and alter the rules when they unfairly impede students. There is no guarantee for success, but school librarians are advocates for students and teachers and must be part of the process to make changes when necessary.

PROBLEM SOLVER

The demands in any kind of technology can always present problems. Pilots train for emergency landings and planes are equipped with back-up systems if something should fail. The same is true in the library. School librarians prepare for alternatives and are ready to be flexible when a new direction is necessary. School librarians have to be able to think on their feet and solve problems as they arise. Successful problem solving for school librarians (and pilots) is contingent on a “can-do” attitude where anything is possible.

SAFETY

On one of my flights, I was the only person on board (I’m still not sure how it worked out that way, but as I needed to get home, I didn’t complain!). To balance out the weight of the plane, I had to sit in the back. The pilot and the flight attendant still had to go through all the safety checks and give the talk over the intercom. Likewise, school librarians help students research, help them find reliable and accurate sources, or provide them instruction on using new tools and vehicles for sharing their work. In other words, they help them get where they need to go in terms of research and learning.

GUIDE

Just like a pilot’s job is to guide the flight full of passengers and crew safely on their journey, a school librarian’s job is to safely guide students and their faculty through each school year. There is significant responsibility in both jobs. There are a lot of people depending on the pilot to get them where they need to be and there are a lot of people depending on the school librarian to help guide them to needed information.

FUN

I think that I’ve been on almost every airline in the country in the last several years, and I always enjoy it when the pilots or the flight attendants add humor to their speeches. They know that it can be boring and mundane for the average traveler, so when they are having fun in their job, it makes the flight better for the traveler. School libraries also need to be seen as enjoyable places. They need to be places where students will like coming and want to come back often. Kids can tell when teachers and school librarians are having fun and should understand that these professionals enjoy their jobs.

IMPACT THE FUTURE

It is good to be reflective about the traits of successful school librarians and how they can impact school library programs. Often, there is only one school librarian per building and that person has huge potential for defining the roles of the job for not only the current teachers and administrators, but also for those teachers who will become future administrators. As these future administrators hire the future generations of librarians, it is important that they know the traits needed for creating successful school library programs. School librarians are currently in the pilot seat and can impact the future of libraries.