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The Teaching Librarian 19.3 19 Introduction by Diana Maliszewski "Who is one of the most powerful people in your building, and why? how do these powerful people impact your school library program?" We asked our OsLA members this question, curious to see who would be mentioned. patient custodians or caretakers? Vocal parents on the school council? Certain teachers on staff? Nadia Sturino responded with an eloquent testimony to a key figure in her school. One of the most powerful people in our building is our Vice Principal Ms. Lois agard. we have had Ms. agard at Maple high school, York region, for the past four years. During this time, she has been involved in our school library in various ways. First of all, she helps me in my role as teacher-librarian and encourages ideas I have to move our school library program in new directions. she is also supportive in allowing us to purchase new materials and technologies to better deliver curriculum. secondly, Ms. agard has run several professional book clubs and opportunities for book exchange. These opportunities were available to any interested staff members so that they could then meet and generate discussion. her purchases have ranged from print to e-books and audio books in order to accommodate reading styles. having such professional opportunities offered through the school library has allowed for a very inclusive environment where all staff and support staff have come together and felt that their voices and ideas could be heard. several of these staff members have since returned to the school library to seek out personal and professional reading materials or they have asked us to work with their students. our school library is a very busy, vibrant place but to keep it this way, we need a leader who listens, who appreciates new ideas and allows us the freedom to make them happen. I thank Ms. agard for understanding what a school library really means and for her positive support. z Idea file nadia sturino