Byline: MIKE FRICANO Staff writer
A half-century ago, the card catalog was such a vital part of Joy Horsman's job that she carried around a picture of one.
As district librarian, Horsman was responsible for teaching North Colonie elementary school students how to use a library. Since there was only one library for the scattered one- and two-room schoolhouses, she had the picture as well as a card catalog drawer to help demonstrate how to find books.
By sixth grade, the students actually got to see a card catalog on the annual field trip to the Albany Public Library.
``We did that so that before they went into junior high they could see a library,'' said Horsman, who was recently honored for her 50 years in North Colonie.
The suburban district now has eight school buildings, each with its own library, which is called the media center. And the card catalog has been largely replaced by the computer.
Assistant Superintendent Greg Carey recalled being immediately impressed by Horsman's dedication when they met 19 years ago. The two used to work together on committees on which he represented special education students and she represented the gifted program, which she continues to direct.
``I was in my early 40s and I'm in pretty good shape, but she was there earlier. She was better prepared and she knew everybody and everything,'' Carey said.
Before coming to North Colonie, Horsman spent two years as a librarian and English teacher at Lake George High School. She was concerned that she wouldn't get as much out of dealing with younger children in her new job. Her fears were unfounded.
``The first year, I was sick all the time because they kept kissing me. So the next year, I made a rule that hugging was OK but kissing was not,'' said Horsman.
These days she also edits and publishes the district newsletter, writes grants and is in charge of an elementary school math program.
Horsman even helped the architect design the high school library: ``He said to me, `Now, Joy, here are your four walls, do what you want.' ''
During a renovation, she made sure the architects saved space for the little-used but still important microfilm machines.
Horsman said that she has no thoughts of retiring now. Her health is good and her husband, Robert, remains supportive, she said.
As much as he praises her longevity, Carey said that he most admires her commitment.
``I have heard of others who have been at their jobs 40 and 50 years, and they retired five years ago, just not officially,'' Carey said. ``This is a person who absolutely is ahead of the curve all the time. Imagine getting that for 50 years.''
CAPTION(S):
SKIP DICKSTEIN/TIMES UNION LIBRARIAN Joy Horsman works at the Shaker High School media center on Tuesday.
