Library Secrets

The Librarian’s Secrets Revealed - Jasmin Tran

Stephanie Ward or, as most students know her, Ms Ward, is a librarian that's been here for most of our high school lives. Yet she’s still so young. Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a librarian? What kind of person Ms Ward is like? Let’s find out more together aswe dive into the world of high school libraries, books and students.

How long have you been a librarian at University High School?

I’ve been at Uni High for 10 years but I've only been a librarian for 3 years, I was an English teacher before that. I loved teaching English because you have your own group of students you get to know very well. In the library, it's more difficult to know students in that way. But I love working in the library. I think it's a really nice way to see what's happening in a lot of different subjects across the school and I get to talk to a lot of people in different year levels.

What made you want to work at Uni High?

I finished my university studies the year before I started at Uni high and it  was one of a few positions that I applied for. I had a few friends starting here at the same time, Miss Louie and Mr. Brodie Mckenzie started the same year as me. I was happy to work here because my friends were starting here too. But I also loved the culture of the school. I loved that there weren't any uniforms and there was an appreciation for individuality and diversity here. I think that really shaped me as a teacher and they’re things that I really value now.

Any hobbies outside of school?

Reading. I love reading books but I also love gardening. I have a small little garden where I grow herbs, vegetables, etc. I have two quails that lay eggs and they create compost for my garden. I also love pottery. I do ceramics as well. I make cups, bowls and various other things and those are the things I do to relax.

What do you think of the new library space?

I’m so so happy with it. I’m reassured everyday when students come in and say that they love it because that's the most important thing for me is that the students want to be here. So far it's clear that the students want to be here and that means to me that it's a success. 

What are some things that you do in the library as a librarian?

So a big part of the work that students are probably aware of is working with the reading classes, helping students find books and recommending books. I need to keep up to date with what the great new books are and we order them and buy them to keep our library with good books. But we also have a lot of great databases and research tools and one of my jobs is to make sure the students have access to those things. We also set up displays and help planning committees with planning events that happen in the library.

What’s your favorite part of the day in the library?

I love talking to students about books. So when I get to have chats with students about what they’re reading and I get to hear what they really enjoy, that's a really good part of my day. I love it when people come to visit, like teachers from different faculties coming to say hi or when someone comes by and they want to work with us on something. I really love those moments.

If there were new students at the school, what would you say to them to make them feel welcomed in the library?

I would say that this space is theirs. That we’re there to help, whether it's book recommendations, help with research, help with homework, help with printing, just a place to hang out and relax, a place to play games, a place to study. The library is here to support them. All they need to do is ask and we’ll be here for them.

Thank you Miss Ward for letting me interview you. Hope everyone will visit the library for hangouts, study or anything else of the sort.