Hi everyone! My name is Carole (“with an E!”) Lemley. I am a Tallahassee native, born to a high school English teacher two days before Christmas. You could say that my love of books and learning started before I did.
I completed my undergraduate degree in English Literature at FSU in 2010, returning to Tallahassee from Valdosta State University when the economy collapsed in 2009. Although I worked part time at Special Collections both at Valdosta State and at FSU, I needed secure, full time work. Fortunately, a paraprofessional opportunity opened up in the media center of a public high school here in Tallahassee, where I have been since the 2013-2014 school year. While I have always had a passion for books and libraries, my time as a media assistant has helped me focus my career goals on school libraries. Now I am in my second year of the MSI program and also earning a graduate certificate in School Librarian Leadership.
Full time work along with grad school certainly keeps me busy, but I do have some other interests in my “spare” time. I enjoy watching Major League Baseball (Go Rays!) and try to attend at least one game in person each season. I also like to travel, especially to colder more urban climates such as Chicago and NYC, and I love attending concerts and live theatre performances. I’m an active member of The Episcopal Church (my local church was founded in the late 1820s) and a happy dog mom to my lab mix Sam who’s been with me since August of 2020.
When I applied for my graduate program, my school district was still recovering from the pandemic. The library was closed; students could see what print and digital resources were available, but they did not have the guidance of a librarian to help them. As we have opened back up and more and more digital resources are available, it seems even more important to have a school librarian who can support both students and teachers in finding and using digital media.
One aspect of this class that interests me is learning more about copyleft and fair use media. Not only will this help me enhance my own media projects, but I will be better prepared to help future students use open source media in their own creative aspirations. I also hope to gain the skills to solve technology challenges I may have with producing and using digital media, and be able to provide technical support for students and my colleagues in my future role as a school media specialist.
Hi, Carole! I currently work as a high school English and social studies teacher. Do you enjoy working in a school library? I am thinking of working in a school library, and I would likely want to work in a secondary school, like you. I absolutely agree that school librarians need to be familiar with digital resources and be able to support students and teachers. I feel fortunate that I am currently learning how to do this during this time of rapid digitization. Hopefully, we will be ahead of the digital information curve in our schools.
Hi Carole! I love that you’re interested in school libraries! That would be a close second for me after academic librarianship; I love the idea of supporting students and helping them create strong digital and search skills. We need empowered librarians in schools now more than ever!
What sort of performances do you enjoy? I was involved with some of the choirs at FSU during undergrad and my favorite part was always the big holiday show we put on in Ruby Diamond, Seasonal Celebration. If you’ve never been, I highly recommend it!
Hi Carole! I am very happy that you have found your goal of working in school libraries, it is a great choice! Your insights have highlighted the crucial role of librarians, especially when I often struggle to locate specific digital resources. It’s admirable how you maintain your hobbies in your busy life. As an international student in the U.S., the coldest place I’ve visited is Denver, and I look forward to traveling to Chicago one day. Could you suggest some must-visit attractions there? Additionally, I must say the photos of dogs sleeping are cute! And I am sure that you’ll make an exceptional school media specialist!
Hi Carole, I enjoyed reading your post; you did a great job of introducing yourself to the class and exploring your professional and personal interests. I’m interested in learning more about your experiences as a public school media assistant. I have been working in a college library, but when I move later this year, my employment options may have to expand to include school librarianship. I also love that, as someone born in Florida, you enjoy visiting colder climates! I was born in Chicago — what a great city! Best of luck in your future as a media specialist.