Debra O’Brien is Shawnee Mission South’s friendly librarian. But how does she feel about our school and student body, and what secrets lie in the library? Let’s dive into the secrets.

NM: Tell me what responsibilities being the librarian usually entails.
DO: The job usually involves “being responsible for the book collection and lot of the databases”.

NM: I’d like to know about the number of people in the library at any time.
DO: “We can have three classes at maximum, but usually only one or two.”

NM: What usually goes into obtaining new material? Does student demand influence selections?
DO: “There are order guidelines that I have to follow, and I have to select the vendor, then go through the bookkepper.” Student demand does influence selections, “I take requests all the time.”

NM: The library is usually colder than the other classrooms. Why is that?
DO: “I don’t know. I can, to a point, control the temperature, and it’s probably because the library is a wide-open space. There’s also no insulation.”

NM: I’d like to know what your opinion of the technology initiative is.
DO: It’s great for research. It has hurt pleasure reading, and it’s very hard to read on a Macbook. It’s just awkward.

NM: How would you describe your relationship with the Apple Core?
DO: “I say “good.” The Apple Core see more of what happens in Google Classroom, so they’re really helpful.”

NM: To all potential applicants for Apple Core, what would you say the job is like?
DO: You have to be friendly and willing to help.

NM: Any down-the-road benefits for Apple Core members?
DO: “I just think it’s a chance to be of a service to your classmates. It’s really good for problem solving.”

NM: Did you usually have lab assistants before Apple Core began?
DO: “A few. I never had a lot of lab assistants.”

NM: Incidentally, I don’t recall a third party being present this year. Is it just first hour or was the supervisor concept scrapped?
DO: There’s not enough people taking into account the credit recovery classes.

NM: And what of your opinions of the student body?
DO: I think we have a good group of kids this year. The majority of them, when you help them with something, say thank you which is very nice.

NM: Anything you can say to our readers at home?
DO: In spite of all the technology, I’m still ordering books. And I’m always glad to help kids.