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| No, really. I love it when you come to the library. |
School Library Journal is awesome. Every issue is chock full of good stuff such as the recent article, "What Every New Media Specialist Needs to Know," smartly reblogged by Mary Woodard in Top Shelf.
The article put me in mind of my first year as a librarian, and the many things I didn't know (see tags). To this end, the following is a partial list of things I wish I'd known.
As always, the list is in random order and not necessarily by order of importance...
1. There is no such thing as a library emergency.
The laminator film may be wrapped many times around the spool, but trust me, it's not an emergency.
2. People are more important than things.
Books to be shelved? Reader's advisory to be done? Pick the kids every time.
3. Most of the deadlines in the library are your own deadlines.
Do you find yourself working later and later because you can't pack up the library like the bag of hope you dragged home every night as a teacher? Tend to what's on fire, and then go home and read a good book. You'll be a better librarian for it tomorrow.
4. The kids can spot a fake every time.
Don't recommend books you haven't read. Ditto for booktalking. The kids will know, and they will decide that the books must be crummy if you can't bother to read what you're trying to get them to read.
5. Three strikes and you may be out.
One of my library school professors claims kids will give you three chances when you recommend a book. After the third dud, she believes they won't ask you again. Pretty scary, huh? That means you need to listen, get to know the kiddo, and read like a maniac.
6. The library is a shared space.
It's not your personal space. It's not your classroom. It's not even your library. It belongs to the entire school. Let your attitude reflect this philosophy.
7. Say yes more often than you say no.
This goes for helping kids as well as helping adults.
8. Everything you do that first year sets a precedent.
Think carefully before you answer, and remember that it's ok to say, "Let me check and get back to you."
9. Don't be afraid to leave your footprint.
Make the library and library program your own. Give it your own personal flair. That's what will draw students and staff in. Change things slowly? Not on my watch!
10. You have sixty days to view your job with fresh eyes.
This isn't my wisdom, but I wish I'd said it. Don't waste even one of those sixty days.
Librarians, what would you add to this list? Whether you've been in the profession two weeks or twenty years, what do you wish you had known?
Wow, I couldn't agree more. I'm now halfway through my 3rd year working in a primary school library, and I think you are spot on with this list. I have probably hung back a bit on number 9 until recently, but I think you're right - our own enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment of reading can hopefully be contagious :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks! I am posting this top ten on my "physical" office wall. A 12 year teacher librarian from Florida, number 3 is the one I have to work on. Your wise observations was a great way to start my day.
ReplyDeleteGreat list! I would add: circulate yourself. Get out and about in the building, even if it means you have to close the library (gasp) for a few minutes. The rest of the faculty needs to know that you are a congenial AND collegial member of the faculty.
ReplyDeleteLeigh Ann,
ReplyDeleteYou never cease to amaze with your gentle manner and your easy wisdom. Thank you for this post because you know I will abide!
As a first year librarian coming form the classroom, I think I have shifted all that energy I put toward grading and lesson plans toward being a professional librarian. I read, read, read, and then read some more both for my kids, parents, and staff, as well as for my own professional development and to stay current. I also have found a balance in still reading things that are in no way tied to my profession, but are just for me. I know I need to be a good model when it come to being a life long learner and a life long reader!
Thank You!
Nancy Jo
ECS
Great list and inspirational! Here's mine:
ReplyDelete1. I am the librarian's custodian, not its owner. The library belongs to the staff and students. I am there to help them achieve what they want to achieve, not to create MY idea of a perfect library.
2. If you don't actively engage in long-term planning, you will never improve.
3. Assessment of the program is critical if you want to keep your job. (1 and 2)
4. Reporting are as important as program. You can't just do great stuff, you have to have a real plan to let staff, admin and parents know about it.
5. Shared policy-making is the only way to have more influence.
6. The principal has to be your ally, and you have to be his/her ally.
7. Copyright counselor is a better role than copyright cop.
8. Kids can teach me as much as I teach them.
9. If your parents and teachers won't advocate for you, you are doomed.
10. Collaboration is a means and not an end - and you will never get every teacher on staff to work with you. And it's not you.
If I could add an 11th, it would be that the best impact you have is having an impact on individual kids and teachers. You don't have to change the world - just the world of another person.
Great list -- I enjoyed it as well. I think #6 is hard for those who are new to being a school librarian but are experienced classroom teachers. You may be in the same building - but you are no longer the queen of your little corner of the world.
ReplyDeleteI love your list! Thanks for posting. DOug Johnson also posted his at Blue Skunk Blog, and I have shared both lists with my peers in Syracuse iSchool's distance learning program.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!
Susanna
Don't assume your principal knows how to write, read, or spell two syllable words and up. And you may need to show him what an apostrophe is and where it goes.
ReplyDeleteLeigh Ann,
ReplyDeleteThe only quibble I would make is with #6, "The library is a shared space... It's not your classroom." While I agree that the school library is a multi-purpose space, I think one of those purposes is to be my classroom. After all, as provider of prep time to 28 "regular" teachers per week, I do as much teaching in there as they do elsewhere!
~Miss Barnes
Pittsfield, MA
I had to laugh out loud at #1 ... I call the laminator the bane of my existence :) Thankfully I don't have to DO the actual laminating, but I still have to deal with it. And it MAY be an emergency if the old, hot laminator is left on overnight with stuff laying on top of it ... as ours was the other night :(
ReplyDeleteI think #4 is impossible -- I very often recommend books I haven't read (especially right now when I -- thankfully -- have lots of new books). However, I always say something like "I haven't had a chance to read this yet, so will you tell me what you think about it when you bring it back?" It is AMAZING how many kids make a point of doing this. I also try to tell students, "If you start reading it and you don't like it, be sure to bring it back and we'll find something else you like." Again, they do.
Great list. Love 2, 6, 7, 8, & 9.
I had to laugh out loud at #1 ... I call the laminator the bane of my existence :) Thankfully I don't have to DO the actual laminating, but I still have to deal with it. And it MAY be an emergency if the old, hot laminator is left on overnight with stuff laying on top of it ... as ours was the other night :(
ReplyDeleteI think #4 is impossible -- I very often recommend books I haven't read (especially right now when I -- thankfully -- have lots of new books). However, I always say something like "I haven't had a chance to read this yet, so will you tell me what you think about it when you bring it back?" It is AMAZING how many kids make a point of doing this. I also try to tell students, "If you start reading it and you don't like it, be sure to bring it back and we'll find something else you like." Again, they do.
Great list. Love 2, 6, 7, 8, & 9.
I love your list! Thanks for posting. DOug Johnson also posted his at Blue Skunk Blog, and I have shared both lists with my peers in Syracuse iSchool's distance learning program.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work!
Susanna
Great list and inspirational! Here's mine:
ReplyDelete1. I am the librarian's custodian, not its owner. The library belongs to the staff and students. I am there to help them achieve what they want to achieve, not to create MY idea of a perfect library.
2. If you don't actively engage in long-term planning, you will never improve.
3. Assessment of the program is critical if you want to keep your job. (1 and 2)
4. Reporting are as important as program. You can't just do great stuff, you have to have a real plan to let staff, admin and parents know about it.
5. Shared policy-making is the only way to have more influence.
6. The principal has to be your ally, and you have to be his/her ally.
7. Copyright counselor is a better role than copyright cop.
8. Kids can teach me as much as I teach them.
9. If your parents and teachers won't advocate for you, you are doomed.
10. Collaboration is a means and not an end - and you will never get every teacher on staff to work with you. And it's not you.
If I could add an 11th, it would be that the best impact you have is having an impact on individual kids and teachers. You don't have to change the world - just the world of another person.
Thanks! I am posting this top ten on my "physical" office wall. A 12 year teacher librarian from Florida, number 3 is the one I have to work on. Your wise observations was a great way to start my day.
ReplyDelete