Hermon is is the host of School Librarians United, a weekly podcast for and by school librarians.

Amy Hermon, a library media specialist for more than 14 years, is the host of School Librarians United, a weekly podcast for and by school librarians. During the pandemic she recorded several episodes addressing the challenges of virtual programming in school libraries and provided a platform for presenters whose conferences had been cancelled.

The podcast, created by Hermon in 2018, now has listeners in all 50 states and 110 countries. Hermon was included on Library Journal's 2022 list of Movers and Shakers in the Community Builders category.   

Q. What inspired you to get a Master's in Library and Information Science? 

A. My lightbulb moment came when I was teaching high school social studies. I was brand new to the school and drowning in lesson plans. I didn't want to let my department know just how overwhelmed I was. Carla the librarian came to my rescue. I knew I could ask Carla for resources and judgement-free support. Carla was, without fail, the happiest person in the building. And that's when I asked Carla what I needed to do to become a school librarian.

Q. Why was Wayne State the right school for you?  

A. I needed proximity, flexibility and a reasonable time frame to complete the program. When I started, our three children were 4 years old and 18 months (twins). When I attended, the classes were face-to-face with an occasional remote class on Blackboard.  

Q. What did you enjoy most about the MLIS program? 

A. Instead of large impersonal lecture halls, my classes were these fantastic discussion groups with conversations led by knowledgeable faculty and instructors. I desperately needed to connect with adults, and I was inspired by everyone in my classes. 

Q. Why did you decide to create a podcast for school librarians? 

A. I've been an avid listener of podcasts for years and I love that they are free, customizable and convenient. I looked for a podcast that would help me do my job. There were already plenty of edtech, author/kidlit and podcasts for classroom teachers. I decided to create a platform to share resources, exchange ideas and build a listening community. My podcast, School Librarians United, shares not just my own perspectives but includes conversations with school librarians from across the country. I can collaborate with school librarians remotely, record and edit an episode whenever it works in my schedule. 

To listen to the podcast visit https://schoollibrariansunited.libsyn.com/