Fox Chapel Area High School librarian Laura Ward likened her profession to that of Star Wars character Jocasta Nu.
She is the keeper of the Jedi Archives, or the galaxy’s vault of knowledge, Ward said.
“School librarians give students the tools they need to locate, access and synthesize the best information for the task at hand,” said Ward, who was elected as vice president of the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA) and inducted into office on March 29 during a conference in Hershey, Pa.
Ward will serve as president elect and then president during the 2020-2022 terms.
“The way that information is presented has changed over time and will continue to change as online resources evolve,” Ward said. “But the importance of the school librarian’s role in teaching students information literacy skills will remain constant.”
The PSLA works with the mission to create a world of connected learners and ensure excellence in school library programs.
Ward is working to earn her Doctorate of Education at Point Park University.
She earned a Master of Library Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh and has served PSLA as co-chair of the communications committee and as a member of several other committees.
At Fox Chapel Area, Ward advises the school’s chess club, book club and social activism club.
