Arika Dickens

Background

About Arika Dickens

As a librarian, I excel in curating a relevant, inclusive collection and in connecting readers with books. Staying current within the world of children’s and young adult literature requires both passion and interest, and I have both. Using this passion, I strive to connect each reader with the right book. As any librarian knows, there is a book for every reader. The trick is knowing the reader: their likes, dislikes, and interests. I’m proud of the time I take to get to know each of my students and in my ability to connect them with books that match their interests as well as with books that will expand their horizons. Serving as a leader and role-model in technology is something I’ve also pursued throughout my 20-year career as a teacher. I’ve been an eager technology learner, actively seeking out the most relevant, current knowledge in technology, information literacy, and media. In many instances, I’ve also been an avid early adopter. Modeling the use and behavior has allowed me to more effectively lead others by establishing credibility and empathy. Technologies can be hard and have a high learning curve! Finally, I’ve been an enthusiastic advocate for information literacy and media. Teaching students and staff to critically analyze information and media is a complex skill; however, making the content engaging and relevant to their world is where I shine.