As a newly hired teacher librarian, I would like to thank The Bee for calling attention to our constantly evolving profession by highlighting the outstanding improvements with the Henry Madden Library [story Nov. 1].
It is true that libraries and librarians are going through an exciting transformation, and while issues of eating and noise levels may be debated, no one can deny that we have come a long way from the days when we were forced "to turn away women wearing slacks." We are indeed becoming "the change agents on campus" and administrators are beginning to see libraries as important hubs of learning and information rather than simply as book depositories. Today's 21st century librarians are connected, tech-savvy information sleuths, part mind-reader and part educator.Recently, the Strengthening Kids' Interest in Learning and Libraries Act, or the SKILLs Act (HR 3928), was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This act establishes a goal that all public school libraries employ at least one highly qualified school library media specialist.I encourage everyone to help assure that all students will continue to have access to quality libraries and librarians by asking your representatives in the House to support the SKILLS Act.Rich MelandFresno