Journal+Entries

9/16/09

This entry regards the experiences related to SLMC since the start of this class last week. At the start of the course I was a bit discouraged upon losing my job just days prior. It even made me question whether I was making the right career choice, one that would pretty much guarantee employment upon graduating. I soon "sucked it up" and decided that this is a field that I enjoy very much and would have faith that my luck would soon change. I must admit that the 1st chapter of the text by Morris began with dry material. I had prior knowledge some the history of how/when public libraries and school libraries got started so that wasn't the most interesting material to read. The other chapters were a bit better. Overall, both of the textbooks seem to contain valuable and required information for upcoming SLMS.

Week 3 9/24/09 Chapter 2 Morris Morris begins chapter two reminding us of how the role of the LMS has changed. The librarian’s job has shifted drastically from being a “keeper of books” to teacher, information specialist, instructional partner, and program administrator. We as LMS need to continue with this philosophy to have a successful SMC. One reason is that the library could lose funding and major cuts could be made to both the library and library staff. The chapter continues by demonstrating the importance of using leadership abilities and having a good relationship with the principal. The principal has control over the library program in the school and his support could make a big difference as to how successful a SLMC can be. Chapter 2 Kearney Like chapter 2 in Morris, this chapter discusses the relationship between the LMS and the principal. Kearney points out that school principals have not been rightfully informed of the importance of the SLMS and what is best for a SMC. One study showed “more than 75 percent of the 250 graduate principal-preparatory programs, nationwide, reported that they did not address school libraries in their programs” (Kearney 2000). Also, that “the principal determines, or impacts the decision on whether the building “needs” a library media specialist or what percentage of time is needed” (Kearney 2000). This, to me sounds like an issue for all librarians to be aware of. The threat of job loss is ever more at a forefront and if SLMS are not advancing forward for the 21st Century Learner then the security of that librarian’s job and/or the library’s resources may be at risk. Chapter 6 Morris Chapter 6 is about the staff’s support and the impacts it makes on having a good SMC. Included is information on the 5 Managerial Principles necessary when working with staff. 1. Planning: Enables the staff to set goals and meet these goals by working together on a set of expectations. 2. Leading: Acting as a leader keeps the staff motivated and encourages them to work toward achieving their goals. 3. Directing: Allows for continuous collaboration and expectations. 4. Controlling: An evaluative tool in which staff understands that it is actually an evaluation. 5. Revising: Involves taking a look at the library staff for effective ways for them to make improvements.

Chapter 8 Kearney This chapter discusses advocacy and its place with the LMS. The importance of being an advocate for your LMC is essential for students to become information literate individuals. There is an importance on knowing and using grant-writing strategies for resources for your LMC. Reaching out to parents and informing them on the importance the SMC and LMS. With the parents support, the threat of budget cuts won’t be taken too easily. Extending assistance and information beyond the library allows for support from the community. Week 4 10/4 Morris pages 118-131 Publicizing the School Library Media Center Publicizing the School Library Media Center is based on informing students, parents, the faculty, and the community on what the SMC has to offer and the importance of doing so. It distributes all that the library has to offer including being visual in both print and non-print. Morris describes the 3 ways of being visual in print as including the use of student handbooks, managing a school media center website, and contributing regularly to the school newspaper. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> The importance of having an orientation is discussed. New students and faculty are informed on the library’s collection and resources. Those who have attended the orientation tend to return to the library more often than those did not. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Paying attention to public relations through the LMS in the environment is also important. The atmosphere must be inviting. It should ooze an essence of comfort and friendliness. There should be displays which are appealing to the eye, as well as informative. There purposes should be included as well. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> In addition, other ways of good public relations include: providing effective and efficient service, promoting the library through classroom visits with informative talks, participation in book fairs, having writing contests, and providing computer and internet services. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">