A high school English teacher once told me I should look into librarianship. At the time, I thought I wanted to be a journalist, a job I perceived to have more glitter on its label.  My grandfather, Paul Gapp was a critic for The Chicago Tribune. In 1979 he won a Pulitzer for his work reviewing architecture. While I don't expect to acquire the same notoriety, his literary accolades served as inspiration to pursue the same field. It wasn't until later I realized how hip librarians were. I went on to earn a BA in Comparative Literature, discovering that accomplishment to be the first launch phase of employability. I started working for Silver Falls State Park as a seasonal ranger aide the summer after graduating and starting wondering why my degree wasn't in wildlife conservation or parks and recreation management. In anticipation of the seasonal job ending I found myself applying for library assistant positions and full time rangering work.  My high school alma mater took a chance on me and I was hired with a Restricted Transitional Teaching License (issued by TSPC) as a school librarian at a middle school. To fulfill the licensure requirements I pursued my Initial Teaching License in Educational Media. Discovering the precarious nature of school libraries in a continuously unsupportive economic climate I went on to get an MLS.

After five years at Cascade Jr. High  I was laid off as a result of the economic downturn. I then found a position at Portland Public School District where I worked at  Sabin Elementary (preK-8) and ACCESS Academy (alternative education for academically gifted students). While I thoroughly enjoyed my time in this urban setting (a huge contrast from rural Cascade) the economic and political climate of the District did not foster longevity on my newly paranoid job security radar. Over the summer I found out about a job opportunity at Valley Catholic High School in Beaverton. I got the job. I then discovered private institutions were not immune to economic hardship and outmoded attitudes. Thankfully I was able to transition back to PPS, and am currently employed at Peninsula K8 in North Portland. Additionally, I now work as an on-call librarian for Oregon City Public Library, and have recently had my first shift on the reference desk!

In addition to information and media literacy I have a passion for interpretation. Interpretation of cultural, historical and natural resources (as found in State and National Parks), interpretation of information queries (it's like playing Nancy Drew!), and interpretation of arts and literature. While my professional experience remains largely in public education (school libraries) I seek to bridge that with other experiences such as the Teacher-Ranger-Teacher program offered by the National Park Service, and Outward Bound's educator's experience, which emphasizes the John Dewey (not to be confused with Melvil) philosophy of experiential education. In my professional life I seek to engage and inspire. In my personal life I seek to be engaged and be inspired. I often look to cultural and natural resources as the source of engagement and inspiration. Libraries, archives and museums are on the forefront of providing education about and preserving these resources. 

I am interested in the intersection between information science (libraries, archives, and museums) and interpretation. Freeman Tilden, the "father of interpretation," addresses information in his six principles, excerpted from Interpreting Our Heritage (1953),  "Information, as such, is not Interpretation. Interpretation is revelation based on information. But they are entirely different things. However, all interpretation includes information."

A "ranger librarian" reminds us that we play many roles. We ultimately serve as pathfinders for learning communities. We delve more deeply and thoughtfully than any search engine.