Advocacy and Leadership
In reading the articles assigned for this week I learned that I am behind in more ways than one. I do not feel that I have been the leader that I need to be. In "Woolls" chapter 15 and in "Johnson's" article I found that I should belong to at least one national association. Just recently I joined our MSTA ( Missouri State Teachers Assoication) and our local CTA ( Community Teachers Association) and did not see a need to bother with anything else at this time. I did have plans to join MASL before the physical year was over, but I did not think it would be a big deal if I waited. After reading the article and the text; I see a need and wonder why I was never told before that it was important. I will take care of both MASL and AASL as quick as possible. I read that having these associations behind me is a good thing. They advocate for me in our legislation and our libraries need every spoken word available to remain a viable part of the school system. I also learned from "Johnson" that I can't complain about anything if I am not there as a member to help back the Association. "Woolls" mentioned the benifits and down sides if we don't have these associations available. She also explained that it can be expensive, but worth it in the end. Mr. Johnson complained about the cost but paid dues anyway. They both helped me understand the need.
I also learned that marketing my library is a must if I want to keep my library's head above water during budget cuts at the district level. I never thought that there could be a time that the library would be so expendable. "Dowd" explained marketing to me and the importance of not waiting to market myself and my library. She also explained Godin's theory in a manner that I could understand what he was trying to get across to the public. He isn't such a bad man afterall. "Woolls" explained just how to market the library and steps that I could use to complete the process. She said to market yourself and your library before a situation came up that could mean your not needed. She explained that by informing the school community and the outside community of your worth ahead of time will help to forgo a chance of being considered as a cut. I plan to put that information to good use. We have a senior citizen luncheon that goes on here in our town monthly and the people who attend would be one of my best assests. "Woolls" suggested a presentation with slides so that folks could see just what does go on in the library and to show how we are needed. I plan to do that. Another thing I plan to do is copy and post in my library the "50 ways to succeed @ your library," She said that most of these were at little or no cost but could help me "become the professional" that I should be. "Empowering Learning Through Leadership" gave me more guidelines to help me succeed. Actions the library specialist can do, how to build relationships with staff and administration, and how to grow in a global society by making the "move toward a more connected, collaborative form of leadership." The text give characteristics of a good leader and how that leader can plan for the future by "retooling, continuously reflecting on progress and building our learning environment that supports the skills students need." I was glad to read these chapters and articles!
"Hamilton's" article reinforced or backed up what "Dowd" had said in her article. We may be the ones missing the point and not Seth Godin. With both the articles explaining his meaning and reasoning for his opinions it just made it easier to understand that I have to be the one to focus on the "learning process" of our students and not just the keeper of the items. I think by starting with the presentation at the luncheon I can make myself and my library more visible. "Sara Johns" article gave me a visual through reading of a way to make the things that go on in the library visible. Her story of Rebecca and her one single goal for her evaluation was a joy to read. She used what could have been a difficult evaluation and turned it into a positive marketing situation and continued the process quarterly. Way to go Rebecca; you showed everyone why you were needed!
"Kimberly Shearers'" article was short but upbeat! She started with Facebook and flowed into technology and the Common Core Standards. I do not know much about these standards and how they will affect the library, but she explains how the librarian will help the students "connect" technology and creativity. She tells me that our students will have to be a master of technology, evaluate themselves and information, collaborate with others but most of all be readers. Sounds like our 21st Century Standards to me. Ms. Shearer explains that students will not have to worry that the professional will be by their side. The librarian.
" The Daring Librarian", what a wonderful change to just reading an article. Being transparent and visible at the same time and using the fashionista in all of us to present it was fun. "Jones" explains eight social medias that could make your library visible. She suggest that we start with a wiki. She said they were "free to the educator and easy to create." That is good news. Expect for this class I had never heard of a blog, now she adds twitter, flicker and G+. Facebook is something that I have never heard anything good about and have never joined it. Google+ I learned to use within my classes here at UCMO. Linkedin, she calls the "yellow book". Another one that is new to me. She informs me that it is a "funnel" and one that we can all use when we are searching for a specific topic. Youtube and Google Apps are last to be explained and she explains how we can use these in the library as well. Such an easy read, with so much information packed into it and thought provoking questions at the end. This article rocked!
Three Questions:
1) What can we add to the marketing strategies given that may help everyone promote their library?
2) Of the 8 social medias suggested by "Jones" which one would you suggest to NOT be used in the High School Library?
3) Will we have straight forward guidelines from the Common Core Standards for the Library?
