Not that Maggie Rogers

Hello Hyperlinked Classmates! My name is Maggie Rogers (not that one, although I keep hoping I’ll score a nicer table at restaurants when I call ahead) and I live in Oakland, California. I’m not originally from California (my dad was in the Army and we moved around a lot when I was younger) but I landed here in high school and never left. I have a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from UC Berkeley and a Library Technology Certificate from Diablo Valley College. I have been happily employed as a Library Technician at a wonderful and supportive public middle school in Oakland for the past 8 years (hence, the title of my blog). It’s a great job where I get to run my own library, work with talented professionals, and most importantly, engage with students. Initially, I was nervous about working with middle school-aged kids, but it turns out that I love this age group. These kids are funny, smart, inquisitive, thoughtful, and eager to learn (even if they don’t know it!).

When I first started working in a school library (it’s my second career – in my first I was a college textbook editor), I thought it would be about the books. Wow – was I wrong about that! I quickly learned that it’s all about the kids. These amazing humans are so eager to be seen and heard (even the ones who hide behind their hoodies all day) and they have so much to say. There is still a lot of book business that happens in my library. But I had no idea how much I would enjoy building relationships with the students and hopefully making a positive impact on their lives. They have certainly made a positive impact on mine!

I’m about halfway through the MLIS program and have been really looking forward to this class. I’m eager to engage in the discussion surrounding hyperlinked libraries and apply what I learn to my practice at my own school. I’m not a luddite regarding technology but definitely want to improve my use of it, social media, and learn to think more outside the boxes that I’m most comfortable with. 

On a personal note, my husband and I are the proud parents of two wonderful daughters, ages 23 and 20. They are both in college on the East Coast (Boston and Montreal). When we are all together, we love to travel and explore new places. This summer we did not get a big vacation but we did spend a week in Quebec where our youngest daughter goes to school. She wanted to make sure we saw the sunset from the top of Mont Royal. It was a bit crowded but worth it for the view!