Why I Teach

I originally intended to go into publishing. My first love was, and is, books.

After college, I had an opportunity to attend library school. After a few months, I became deeply inspired to work with people with books, rather than to manufacture them. It was, of course, the influence of one wonderful teacher/professor/mentor, Kay Vandergrift (Children's Literature Web site) who motivated me.

Working in a Library or Media Center can really test one's abilites to understand the underlying question a students asks and to keep a straight face while doing so. My favorite reference question of all time: 'Can you help me find some information on that artist who bit his own ear off?'

The Obligatory Bio

I grew up here in New Jersey, USA. I did go as far as 'Gay Paree' and 'Firenze' with stops at Kenyon College in Ohio, Exeter University in England, Columbia University in New York City. But I am now back on the farm . . . well, if I must confess, the suburbs, and in the high school library.

Ironically, I am working in my alma mater high school district, where the librarian when I was a student had had the lovely nickname of 'Ratlady.' I try to find out if I have such a colorful moniker now, but the students are fairly tight-lipped about it. Hmmmm.

Web sites I Like

Librarian's Index to the Internet

Carefully reviewed, easily accessed Web sites and databases for high school and college students.

Internet Public Library

Fantastic pathfinders and special collections of literature reference as well as literary criticism.

Those Invisible Hiding Places: The Invisible Web Revealed

Well-organized portal to the 'invisible web' by an intelligent and engaging Rider University librarian.

VANDERGRIFT'S CHILDREN'S LITERATURE PAGE

My first mentor's Web site, expressing and exploring her great love for and appreciation of the literature devoted to children.

This is a personal homepage. Let's hope it reflects the views and opinions of the person who posted it. http://web-and-flow.com/members/jcooper/default.htm