Comments on: What end of the spectrum are you on?

By: Lending Librarians..a look into library blogs « slm508red

Lending Librarians..a look into library blogs « slm508red — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 17:57:59 +0000

[...] blog post that I found most fascinating was posted on April, 03, 2012, titled “What End of the Spectrum Are You On?” In this entry, Cathy Nelson responds to an article published in School Library Journal [...]

By: Jennifer Tazerouti

Jennifer Tazerouti — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 02:15:17 +0000

We should all be supporting Buffy’s stance on this and writing and posting and tweeting about it. My issue and I think she has made it clear that it is her’s too, is with the journal. This conversation is incredibly timely and it is a conversation that desperately needs to happen, because whether you believe it or not, this is the reality of our profession. Cathy sums it up perfectly with the spectrum. I love being a librarian and I love working with literacy and reading AND technolgy. That is why I became a librarian in the first place. Thank you Cathy for putting things into perspective.

By: Cathy Jo Nelson

Cathy Jo Nelson — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:14:12 +0000

Begin Sara, by conversing with teachers. Find out what their units of studies are, and then try to cross match the books available to them in the library to offer as a resource. In your situation I expect that is about the most logical way to start being seen as MORE than the gate keeper. If you are interested in tech, offer them links to content as well as applications that might engage their students and make their lessons and activities more interesting and engaging. As you do this, you should also research their content standards. Find ways to plug in by offering to co-teach content, especially content from the library. That is a start on the road to being seen as a more than someone who holds study hall and checks out books. Having success in this area will make your teachers begin thinking of you as a major contributor, a partner. You make them look good to students and administration, and you will get the buy in on that end. Eventually they will wonder how they did things without you. It could grow into a situation where your teachers are demanding your presence and needs, making it very difficult for admin to keep you tied up and unavailable because of those study halls. Good luck. Keep me posted.

By: Sara

Sara — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:53:24 +0000

Thank you for sharing this information – I’m a faithful reader! I’m in the position of Middle & High School Librarian, but in a paraprofessional capacity. Our district does not have a certified library anymore. You speak of just being a gate-keeper of the books – that is exactly what I am. I do have a college degree although not in education so I have no teaching responsibilities. The only access to students I have is through book check-out & study-hall type setting. I’m trying to keep up on the wonderful technology out there. My question to anyone out there would be – what suggestions can you share to help me make this the best library I can based on the books?

By: Diane Cordell

Diane Cordell — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:09:58 +0000

You and Buffy both display the type of reflective thinking that is necessary to professional growth – which, in turn, ensures the best library experience for our students & staff. And that “library experience,” as Buffy noted, does NOT have to be in a designated library space. Let’s take it to the world!