1. What is the most important skill to have as a librarian?
I feel like the most important skill for a librarian to have is flexibility. Since I've been a librarian this year, I've found that the administration and teachers in my school expect me to be able to handle whatever is thrown my way: late classes, organizing picture day, putting together the school year book in a limited time, etc... It is definitely not an easy job or for the faint of heart. Since I teach all grades from K-8, you never know what to expect.
2. How do you see librarians evolving in the next 5 years?
I've been asked this many times when I tell people that I'm the librarian this year, and with budget cuts each year, it is a valid question. Some people believe that they will do away with librarians in the long run, and others believe that with new technology, books will be phased out. I do not agree with either opinions. I feel like librarians will always be around only their roles will become even more increasingly important. Librarians will need to become tech experts and leaders in tech integration. I also think that librarians won't necessarily be only in the library. Classrooms will become a place for team teaching with classroom teachers and librarians. And as long as there are readers, then there will always be books even though many books are available online.
3. What have I learned from this whole experience?
I've learned from this experience that librarians are very important and have already changed so much from the time that I was in school. They don't just check out books (contrary to popular belief). I learned that I want to change the way that teachers see librarians at my school. It is not an easy job, and it is quite possibly the most difficult job that I've ever had.
I've enjoyed my field experience, and I've met some wonderful librarians through my observations. I have really loved being in the library this year, but I will be returning to the classroom next year since I will be moving to another district. I actually have a job interview on Friday, and I'm very excited about it. Hopefully, another librarian position will open up in the future, but until then I will mold minds in a classroom. Thank you for the experience!
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Monday, February 29, 2016
Leap Day
1. Does a librarian get support from administration?
I asked Ms. Becky this question before I finished up my hours at the high school. She told me that her principal is very supportive of the library and her position. He is very understanding and evaluates her fairly. However, she did tell me that she has had administration in the past that was not supportive. She was pulled from the library to fill in as an aide and at times had to cancel her library duties to fill in for other places. As a librarian, I can tell you that I can see how Ms. Becky could have been pulled from her position to fill in elsewhere. There have been times when I have had to do the same. I guess library is seen as a "special class," and since it is not tested then administration often sees it as an extra position to interchange with others.
2. Is the budget adequate to sustain and keep up a high quality collection?
Ms. Becky said that her budget is more than enough to maintain and keep up a high quality collection. She also told me that she likes to apply for grants, and she tends to receive two or three grants a year that range anywhere from $200-$500. She uses this money to buy bigger items that might be needed in the library. Since I have been the librarian at Dyer for only this year, I know that the budget has been enough to support any purchases that I wanted to make.
3. Do people think your job is easy?
I have heard this many times from fellow teachers. "Don't you love being out of the classroom?" For some reason, teachers seem to think that being a librarian is easy because there is no test pressure from the state (yet). I know that this is not the case. I feel like being a librarian is one of the hardest positions I've ever had. I have to prepare for all grades not just one. I have to create my own curriculum because there is not one that can be purchased. I have to transition from teaching kindergarten one class to teaching 8th graders the next. Being a librarian is not easy!
I felt like since today was LEAP day that I should make an entry because it is a special day. Only one more blog entry left. I'm slowly whittling away on my assignments and work that is due which is a good thing since I am now in the process of trying to sell my house, plan a wedding, and go on job interviews for my big move. This has been one busy year so far! Happy Leap Day!
I asked Ms. Becky this question before I finished up my hours at the high school. She told me that her principal is very supportive of the library and her position. He is very understanding and evaluates her fairly. However, she did tell me that she has had administration in the past that was not supportive. She was pulled from the library to fill in as an aide and at times had to cancel her library duties to fill in for other places. As a librarian, I can tell you that I can see how Ms. Becky could have been pulled from her position to fill in elsewhere. There have been times when I have had to do the same. I guess library is seen as a "special class," and since it is not tested then administration often sees it as an extra position to interchange with others.
2. Is the budget adequate to sustain and keep up a high quality collection?
Ms. Becky said that her budget is more than enough to maintain and keep up a high quality collection. She also told me that she likes to apply for grants, and she tends to receive two or three grants a year that range anywhere from $200-$500. She uses this money to buy bigger items that might be needed in the library. Since I have been the librarian at Dyer for only this year, I know that the budget has been enough to support any purchases that I wanted to make.
3. Do people think your job is easy?
I have heard this many times from fellow teachers. "Don't you love being out of the classroom?" For some reason, teachers seem to think that being a librarian is easy because there is no test pressure from the state (yet). I know that this is not the case. I feel like being a librarian is one of the hardest positions I've ever had. I have to prepare for all grades not just one. I have to create my own curriculum because there is not one that can be purchased. I have to transition from teaching kindergarten one class to teaching 8th graders the next. Being a librarian is not easy!
I felt like since today was LEAP day that I should make an entry because it is a special day. Only one more blog entry left. I'm slowly whittling away on my assignments and work that is due which is a good thing since I am now in the process of trying to sell my house, plan a wedding, and go on job interviews for my big move. This has been one busy year so far! Happy Leap Day!
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Done!
1. What would you change about your role as librarian?
I asked Ms. Becky this question because this is something that I ask myself about my own library. She said that she would change the fact that she doesn't get to work with all students. She only sees them if the teacher collaborates with her, and a class reserves the library or if students need books for libraries. She would like to be able to get more students in the library. By the time they reach high school, library is no longer an "activity" period. So, students are not required to come to the library. I can see where this would be frustrating! From my standpoint, I have "activity" periods every day. Students are required to come to my library. However, I also see students who have a love for reading and the students who don't. That is the frustrating part for me.
2. Would you go back to the elementary and junior high library?
Ms. Becky took absolutely no time to tell me, "No!" She said that she loves the age level of these students and their independence levels. Plus, she has taken on different roles such as senior sponsor and tech coordinator for the building. I still think I love elementary best of all. They love the books I read to them, the songs I sing, and any cute activities that I plan for them.
3. Do you feel like you have enough help in the library or do you need a library assistant?
I asked Ms. Becky if she thought that the library were adequately staffed. She said that due to the budget of the district that they would not hire a library assistant. So, they place students in there for different blocks. She said that for the most part that they are very helpful. Every once in a while she will get a student who does not want to work and sees this time as their free time, but for the most part the students placed in the library love to read and to help in any way that they can. At my school, I do not have a library assistant either for the same budget reasons. I also do not have any student helpers since our principal does not want students to miss any educational time. I feel like working in the library is a good job for students. I worked in a library in junior high, high school, and college. I feel like it better prepared me to "use" a library when I needed to.
I know I am late on posting this because I had planned on posting on Friday since that was the day that I completed my 60 hours at the high school. However, I could not find the time to sit down this weekend. I had a great time working side by side with Ms. Becky. I feel like I learned a lot from this experience. I still do not know if I would take a job as a high school librarian, but if the opportunity presented itself, I would seriously consider it!
I asked Ms. Becky this question because this is something that I ask myself about my own library. She said that she would change the fact that she doesn't get to work with all students. She only sees them if the teacher collaborates with her, and a class reserves the library or if students need books for libraries. She would like to be able to get more students in the library. By the time they reach high school, library is no longer an "activity" period. So, students are not required to come to the library. I can see where this would be frustrating! From my standpoint, I have "activity" periods every day. Students are required to come to my library. However, I also see students who have a love for reading and the students who don't. That is the frustrating part for me.
2. Would you go back to the elementary and junior high library?
Ms. Becky took absolutely no time to tell me, "No!" She said that she loves the age level of these students and their independence levels. Plus, she has taken on different roles such as senior sponsor and tech coordinator for the building. I still think I love elementary best of all. They love the books I read to them, the songs I sing, and any cute activities that I plan for them.
3. Do you feel like you have enough help in the library or do you need a library assistant?
I asked Ms. Becky if she thought that the library were adequately staffed. She said that due to the budget of the district that they would not hire a library assistant. So, they place students in there for different blocks. She said that for the most part that they are very helpful. Every once in a while she will get a student who does not want to work and sees this time as their free time, but for the most part the students placed in the library love to read and to help in any way that they can. At my school, I do not have a library assistant either for the same budget reasons. I also do not have any student helpers since our principal does not want students to miss any educational time. I feel like working in the library is a good job for students. I worked in a library in junior high, high school, and college. I feel like it better prepared me to "use" a library when I needed to.
I know I am late on posting this because I had planned on posting on Friday since that was the day that I completed my 60 hours at the high school. However, I could not find the time to sit down this weekend. I had a great time working side by side with Ms. Becky. I feel like I learned a lot from this experience. I still do not know if I would take a job as a high school librarian, but if the opportunity presented itself, I would seriously consider it!
Thursday, February 11, 2016
35 Hours DONE!
1. Am I able to effectively teach a high school library lesson?
After really questioning myself (and being very nervous about this), I found out that I can teach high school library lessons. I did it this week! I actually taught a high school English lesson on research. This was a huge step for me because I am an elementary teacher. I just had to have a game plan. I developed my lesson plan with the guidance of Ms. Becky, and I developed my lesson which turned out to be very effective. Students were attentive and completed the work successfully. So, I feel that I met my objectives!
2. What do I like best about high school?
I never thought I would EVER say this, but I really do like high school. I think it is their maturity levels. I never realized how much students change over the summer of their 8th grade year. I remember some of these same kids in middle school. They are SO different than they used to be. They are much easier to talk to, and they understand well-placed sarcasm if ever needed. I asked Ms. Becky what she likes best about high school, and she said the flexible schedule. I can totally see this too! Ms. Becky is not bound by as tough a schedule as I am in the elementary library. I am a teacher's planning period whereas Ms. Becky is a collaborative partner.
3. Has the position of librarian become more of a technology position?
I already knew the answer to this question before I asked it. I definitely think that the position of librarian has become more of a technology position. I have personally witnessed this during my hours in the library with Ms. Becky. We have been all over the high school handling various technology issues. Ms. Becky fully agrees with my opinion. She loves it though because she loves technology!
Today was a great day! I realized that I'm not as scared of teaching high school as I once thought I was. Would I accept a high school librarian position? Probably not. I still really love teaching the younger kids!
After really questioning myself (and being very nervous about this), I found out that I can teach high school library lessons. I did it this week! I actually taught a high school English lesson on research. This was a huge step for me because I am an elementary teacher. I just had to have a game plan. I developed my lesson plan with the guidance of Ms. Becky, and I developed my lesson which turned out to be very effective. Students were attentive and completed the work successfully. So, I feel that I met my objectives!
2. What do I like best about high school?
I never thought I would EVER say this, but I really do like high school. I think it is their maturity levels. I never realized how much students change over the summer of their 8th grade year. I remember some of these same kids in middle school. They are SO different than they used to be. They are much easier to talk to, and they understand well-placed sarcasm if ever needed. I asked Ms. Becky what she likes best about high school, and she said the flexible schedule. I can totally see this too! Ms. Becky is not bound by as tough a schedule as I am in the elementary library. I am a teacher's planning period whereas Ms. Becky is a collaborative partner.
3. Has the position of librarian become more of a technology position?
I already knew the answer to this question before I asked it. I definitely think that the position of librarian has become more of a technology position. I have personally witnessed this during my hours in the library with Ms. Becky. We have been all over the high school handling various technology issues. Ms. Becky fully agrees with my opinion. She loves it though because she loves technology!
Today was a great day! I realized that I'm not as scared of teaching high school as I once thought I was. Would I accept a high school librarian position? Probably not. I still really love teaching the younger kids!
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
A Whole New World!
1. How can a High School library be so different from a Middle School library?
Man, oh man, it is SO different! I began going to the High School library on January 26. I was nervous at first because for all purposes I am more inclined to Elementary schools. However, I can honestly say that I have really enjoyed my time here so far! After talking to Ms. Becky, who has previously been a Middle School librarian, she explained how different it really is. Ms. Becky defined her responsibilities in both schools.
Middle School:
* Special Activity period
* Reinforcing classroom standards
* Add on responsibilities such as RTI Groups, yearbook, and ISS.
High School:
* Classes accompanied by teachers unless otherwise specified.
* Lessons collaborated with teachers
* Tech responsibilities
* Senior sponsor
* Graduation coordinator
After reviewing all of these responsibilities, I asked Ms. Becky which job she liked better, and she replied that she loved High School!
2. Would I consider being a High School librarian?
I never thought I would say this, but I would actually consider taking a High School library position. After reviewing all of the responsibilities that Ms. Becky listed from question 1 and actually getting to experience High School, I can say that I like the atmosphere, the responsibilities, and the staff at this High School.
3. Has the role of librarian become more about technology than books?
The answer to this question is yes! Ms. Becky said that she has been a librarian for 8 years now, and even in that time period she has seen a shift in focus in her job. Her schedule is left flexible so that she can assist with technology as well as incorporate technology in her lessons. She is responsible for the 34 computers in her library as well as 25 laptops that can be checked out by teachers for student use. She also gets many emails and phone calls from teachers within in the building when they are having technology issues.
This field experience has definitely been eye opening. As of right now, I am a K-8 librarian. I have found that 7th and 8th grade do not see library as a learning experience, at least not the ones at my school. They see library as an activity period where they "have to work." This usually means more behavior issues since they know that other students are at computer or PE during their activity period. Ms. Becky on the other hand does not have this issue. Library is not considered an "activity period." It is used in collaboration with teachers as part of instruction.
Man, oh man, it is SO different! I began going to the High School library on January 26. I was nervous at first because for all purposes I am more inclined to Elementary schools. However, I can honestly say that I have really enjoyed my time here so far! After talking to Ms. Becky, who has previously been a Middle School librarian, she explained how different it really is. Ms. Becky defined her responsibilities in both schools.
Middle School:
* Special Activity period
* Reinforcing classroom standards
* Add on responsibilities such as RTI Groups, yearbook, and ISS.
High School:
* Classes accompanied by teachers unless otherwise specified.
* Lessons collaborated with teachers
* Tech responsibilities
* Senior sponsor
* Graduation coordinator
After reviewing all of these responsibilities, I asked Ms. Becky which job she liked better, and she replied that she loved High School!
2. Would I consider being a High School librarian?
I never thought I would say this, but I would actually consider taking a High School library position. After reviewing all of the responsibilities that Ms. Becky listed from question 1 and actually getting to experience High School, I can say that I like the atmosphere, the responsibilities, and the staff at this High School.
3. Has the role of librarian become more about technology than books?
The answer to this question is yes! Ms. Becky said that she has been a librarian for 8 years now, and even in that time period she has seen a shift in focus in her job. Her schedule is left flexible so that she can assist with technology as well as incorporate technology in her lessons. She is responsible for the 34 computers in her library as well as 25 laptops that can be checked out by teachers for student use. She also gets many emails and phone calls from teachers within in the building when they are having technology issues.
This field experience has definitely been eye opening. As of right now, I am a K-8 librarian. I have found that 7th and 8th grade do not see library as a learning experience, at least not the ones at my school. They see library as an activity period where they "have to work." This usually means more behavior issues since they know that other students are at computer or PE during their activity period. Ms. Becky on the other hand does not have this issue. Library is not considered an "activity period." It is used in collaboration with teachers as part of instruction.
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