If I couldn't teach and share my knowledge with the children, I wouldn't be in this field. I am not an academic who would be content living among my books. I want to reach out and instruct and motivate the kids to make a difference in their lives. If Dr. Swigger cannot accept that, then he is in the wrong field. I am where I should be.
Information is power.
Try getting anywhere without it. As a school librarian on elementary, middle, and secondary levels since 1973, the frustrations attending this school of thought have been many. The idea that school librarians should be teaching classes has ruined many a potentially effective library program. Due to these and other similar situations, librarians have little or no time to be librarians. I agree that until school librarians are ready to be librarians and not teachers, others' perception of the position will not change.