Outreach: connecting with teachers, administrators, & the community!
With DepartmentsConnecting with departments is an active exercise in outreach. One aspect is in promoting the physical space of the library. For example, after several weeks of conversations, I now have a rotating gallery of student artwork maintained by the art teachers. In terms of resources, I frequently email departments regarding new materials and project ideas. As a result, I have had the opportunity to attend and present at a variety of department meetings. This gives me a better sense of what departments may need from the library program and collection so that I can better serve these groups. I have greatly expanded our non-English texts to better support the World Language Department and I have increased the title offerings and accessibility of the audiobooks for students seeking additional supports.
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Across DepartmentsInterdisciplinary learning is a large focus for my school. This is a natural fit for the library since it is essentially every project we do. I work closely with the Technology Integration Specialist in my school in supporting the projects of teachers. Additionally, I apply for grants funded by community groups to host guest speakers in the library such as authors, musicians, and more. These opportunities have been incredible in building bridges across departmental divides and into the greater community.
I have become much more involved in my school's One School, One Book, One Day program. This is an ambitious interdisciplinary undertaking that involves the selection of summer reading, the cultivation of material to support cross-curricular connections to the text, and the implementation of the One Day, a series of workshops conducted by faculty and guests connected to the summer theme. Additionally, I worked with the TV Studio students to create an application to the Follett Challenge about this program. |
With TeachersTeachers are often stressed about fitting the curriculum into the year. As my school goes 1-to-1, I am ever concerned with maintaining relevancy in the library. I have updated the library schedule by going digital. This allows teachers to view the schedule online to better plan projects. Since they are unable to book online, they still connect with the library staff to reserve space and brainstorm project ideas and needs. I strive to connect with teachers through other digital means: emails, blogs, Smore newsletters, Canva creations, and more. My most effective method to connect with teachers: go to lunch!
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With LibrariansI am never more rejuvenated or inspired than I am after chatting with fellow librarians. Therefore, I seek these opportunities as often as possible. I am currently collaborating with an elementary librarian in my district and a chemistry teacher in my school to bring the high school students into the elementary school to conduct everyday chemistry demonstrations. I also connect with the teen librarian at the local public library so we can support each other's endeavors and plan events together. We are working on hosting an evening study party, organizing a community writing contest, and more.
I have connected to an incredible network of librarians through MSLA events, meetings, listserv, and more. I have visited a number of other high school librarians who have generously shared their time and information with me, easing my concerns as my school goes 1-to-1 in the fall. I am also excited to founded a job alike group of secondary librarians with member districts of The Education Cooperative. |
Library AdvocacyIn the current state of our nation, it is more important than ever to grow as an advocate for libraries. As important as it is to send postcards to representatives and attend rallies, there is often a need for advocacy within the school. I use my end-of-the-year report as an opportunity to explain the value of the library program and needs for additional growth. In using an infographic format, the information is clear and quickly accessible for administrators and community members to use. In order for the value of the library to increase, I find myself volunteering for everything: leading professional development, joining and chairing committees, going on NEASC visits, presenting at faculty meetings, and more. I strive to increase this value and presence each year.
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Goals for Growth
Unexpected ConnectionsI have a few departments that consistently and extensively use the library space, collection, and staff to conduct research. My goal is to identify and connect with reluctant teachers from these departments as well as to draw additional departments into the library more often. I have had scattered success with science, world language, and music and would like to strengthen these relationships. I would also really love to work with math, special education, and wellness in a meaningful way.
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Social MediaTechnology moves faster than ever before and I want to keep pace! While I have created an online presence for the library (follow us on Twitter @TheNHSLibrary!) as well as my own professional account (@RowsingReads), I find this task often falls to the back burner. I want to make this a greater priority moving forward. Effective use of social media will allow students to better connect with the library. It will also enable me to better connect with other librarians, providing the inspiration and ideas I can use to improve my own library program.
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