With National Library Week just passing from April 7-14, it is crucial to appreciate the work that goes into maintaining Northwood’s Media Center, which is integral to fostering a safe and peaceful learning environment for Northwood students. A lot of work goes into keeping it running smoothly.
Tech Staff, a service-oriented class dedicated to helping students and staff on campus with technology and library related issues, plays a significant part in this. From cataloging Chromebooks to checking out library equipment and textbooks, Tech Staff students are always willing and able to take on logistical challenges and perform whatever tasks need to be done to help keep the school functioning, including delivering copies to teachers or emptying recycling bins.
“We’re a service to students, staff and administration,” head librarian Peter Fatzaun said. “They have their hands on pretty much anything that comes into the library.”
Since there are so many jobs that Tech Staff performs, having an open mind and being flexible is a must for members as they never know which job they’ll have next.
“We get to do a lot of tasks,” Tech Staff student junior Nathan Setiaboedhi said. “We can deliver papers, fix Chromebooks or just hang around the library putting away books. I like how chill it is.”
Tech Staff students primarily focus on what they are passionate about. Students who construct their own gaming computers handle teacher’s technical difficulties, meanwhile those who are shyer can tackle bookkeeping and behind-the-scenes work. Though students are welcome to build upon the skills that they currently have, there are plenty of opportunities to try new things for those up to the challenge.
With three or four spots available per period, all students are welcome to apply for Tech Staff provided they are not also a teacher assistant or peer tutor. There is no technical skills requirement. Members of Tech Staff strongly encourage those interested in applying to do so as Tech Staff provides an opportunity to meet new people in an interesting, fun environment.
“I met a lot of passionate people there,” Former tech staff member junior Dehao Zeng said. “It’s a collaborative process, so we worked on problems as a group to figure out some solutions. Tech staff’s not all tech; you can sort out books in the library or deliver papers to teachers. If you’re not really into tech, then you can still join.”
