Linda Herward

Librarian at Falk School since 1990.  Began career as a fourth grade teacher in Pittsburgh Public Schools.  During the twelve years spent as a full-time mom, obtained library science degree.  Resumed professional career as the librarian at Blairsville High School before coming to Falk.  

Committed to professional development and the organizations that support continuing education.  Served as Membership Chair for the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association and on the Executive Board of the Western Pennsylvania School Librarians Association.  Active in the Pittsburgh Area Independent School Teachers Association, holding offices over a period of years as President, Vice-President/Conference Chair, Treasurer, and school representative. 

Goals:

To promote reading and an appreciation of a wide variety of literature.  To provide resources and act as facilitator with teachers to encourage and nurture literacy. 

Committed to resource based instruction, flexible scheduling, and the development of higher level thinking skills through integrated library/subject area projects. The library is the resource center for the school with the librarian as the facilitator and teacher.

Committed to the Common Beliefs outlined in the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Standards for the 21st-Century Learner:

• Reading is a window to the world.
• Inquiry provides a framework for learning.
• Ethical behavior in the use of information must be taught.
• Technology skills are crucial for future employment needs.
• Equitable access is a key component for education.
• The definition of information literacy has become more complex as resources and technologies have changed.
• The continuing expansion of information demands that all individuals acquire the thinking skills that will enable them to learn on their own.
• Learning has a social context.
• School libraries are essential to the development of learning skills.