Tuesday, October 09, 2012

Dennis LeLoup - Wed. Oct. 10 to Fri. Oct. 12, 2012


Next guest up is Dennis LeLoup, the school librarian at both Avon Intermediate Schools (Grades 5-6).

Dennis is the current President of the Indiana Library Federation and was recently appointed to serve on the 2014 Caldecott Committee(ALSC). He is also serving another term on the ALA Council as a Councilor-at-large. Learn more about him at:
http://eduscapes...leloup.html

Interactions can begin as soon as Dennis posts his response to this year's lead-in query:
"What is the most important issue or activity facing you in your school library this fall?"

22 comments:

  1. abigail gardenour4:17 PM

    Hello Mr. LeLoup! Thanks for joining our blog. I guess I'll kick off the questions, so What is the most important issue or activity facing you in your school library this fall?

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  2. Anonymous5:59 PM

    Hi Mr. LeLoup,
    I went to your website or blog and read your quote there, "...we have a responsibility to connect them with their world, while securing and protecting their access to knowledge..." I haven't had the opportunity to practice my librarianship but I am currently a language teacher at the high school level. There are always days that I have to send my students to the lab to work on the research project. How do I secure and protect my students' access to knowledge since I do not have any control over the computers in the computer lab? How do I apply my knowledge to this scenario? Thank you very much. My name is Huei-Ru Shiu.

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  3. Jamia Alexander7:46 PM

    Mr. LeLoup,
    It seems as though you are very, very active in associations and advisory/advocacy committees and you also have a lot of experience at the school level. What are the biggest differences between working at the school level versus the state or national level committees?

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  4. Mr. LeLoup,
    Thank you for joining us. What advice would you give to someone who would someday like to work in a library in a school setting?
    Thanks,
    Jennifer Cornelius

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dennis LeLoup4:01 PM

    First, let me apologize for not responding last night. I've been told that I'm too involved before, but I have a hard problem saying no. Things have also been very busy at school. I have no excuses though, other than to say "I forgot." I became so busy with completing a purchase order, since they are due prior to the close of school tomorrow, and checking email, that I forgot. We also had an unexpected "emergency" situation occur and that had to be dealt with. Fortunately, it wasn't a real emergency, but it was something that had to be taken care of. I apologize to each of you profusely for not getting on last night. I feel as if I've let you down, but I am here now and tomorrow night. If I need to respond to any further inquiries on Saturday, I will do so. Thanks for your patience and understanding.

    In response to the beginning question, time is my biggest issue this fall. My time is equally split between two intermediate schools, the only two in Avon. One has a student population of just under 700 and the other has about 730. I have 2 1/2 days at each school. Wednesday is my travel day and fortunately the schools are close; they are also connected. I can walk from one into the other. One other school librarian serves each school for 1 and 1/2 days, and there is an assistant for the equivalent of two days at each school, so the library can be open full time during the school day. However, as the main person at each school, I must do all of the ordering and I supervise the assistants in each of the buildings. Things can get a little crazy sometimes. However, I love it! I work with some very understanding people and have two wonderful principals. This does make a difference.

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    Replies
    1. Welcome! I would love one day to be as active as you are in the library community at all levels of professional development. What advice do you have for me on how to establish myself in that environment.

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  6. Dennis LeLoup4:09 PM

    Abigail:

    The most important issue facing me this year is time. I've already alluded to the fact that I'm split equally between two large schools and do all of the ordering and most of the planning for lessons/activities at each school. There is good parent help available, and I'm going to have to take advantage of this. The assistant at each school basically works during a time when no professional is there, but her time overlaps with professional time, so there is some good communication. Parents are critical though, and I make heavy use of email and the internet. Technology plays a big role for me. I also want to have valuable student time. The kids are very important!

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  7. Mr. LeLoup,
    Has the new RISE evaluation system had any type of impact on you and the libraries that you work in?
    Thanks,
    Jennifer Cornelius

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dennis LeLoup4:27 PM

    Anonymous:

    You pose a very good question and I will answer as honestly as possible, but I have a feeling that situations could vary depending upon location. I assume you mean how do you ascertain that the students are using the computers properly and also be assured they are accurately and completely using all resources. First, there should be computer monitor, or assistant, in the computer lab. Not to have a professional or para-professional in the computer lab when students are working is, in my opinion, a recipe for disaster. Sitations can happen, and not just situations caused by students, but computer problems or malfunctions. A computer technician can guide each student to accurately find the correct resource, etc. I would imagine there are also safeguards in place at each school and in the computer labs. Although I don't believe that "controls" always work properly, I would imagine there are safeguards like this in place. You have control over their research assignments and will have an idea of what you expect from them with their answers. Tell them ahead of time what you expect. Give time limitations in the computer lab. Always remember that your fears don't lie in the computers, but your fears must lie with the users. Students will receive answers to questions based on what they ask and the words they use. Make certain they each have goals, be aware of the information they may encounter, and give them guidance in terms of how to search.

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  9. Dennis LeLoup4:38 PM

    Jamia:

    Thanks for your question. The biggest differences between working at the school level and serving on local, state, and national committees are flexibility of time and possibly ideas gained from colleagues. My school time is so structured, now more so than before. However, committee work is more open and flexible. My time is not as structured and there is more freedom to solicit ideas, help, etc. Also, although you can gain valuable ideas from the colleagues you work with on a daily basis, they may not be the same as the knowledge gained from interaction with library colleages. Other librarians may come from similar situations as you and they are librarians. Also they may face different situations since they come from different parts of the country. Their challenges may be different than yours; as a result it would be valuable to know their responses. Challenges facing individuals on school level committees may be different than those facing individuals on state and national committees. Resources are also different. Personally, I think the challenges faced on state and national committees could be greater than those faced on local committees. On local committees everything is local and can be contained.

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    Replies
    1. Jamia Alexander7:24 PM

      From you experience on state and nation committees, what do you see as the biggest challenge for libraries currently?

      Delete
  10. Dennis LeLoup4:49 PM

    Jennifer:

    As far as my best advice for a future school librarian, that is a tough question. One thing I believe is of paramount importance. Carefully consider the school districts you would like to be part of and their commitment to school librarians and school library resources. Times change and financial problems may force trusted individuals to make decisions we never thought we would see. However, consider their commitment to school libraries and school librarians. Also, be mobile. As much as I hate to say this, school districts in more financially secure areas may have more of a commitment to school libraries and librarians. Unfortunately, I also know of individuals that are considering a move out of state, because situations, and/or regulations in other states may be very different. When interviewing, there is nothing wrong with asking your future principal/administrator about their commitment to school libraries. Ask them their philosphy of good school library programs and what they expect. Their answers will give you much insight into them and their support.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mr. LeLoup,
      Thanks for the great advice. I was also wondering if your schools participate in the AR program. I have heard mixed reviews on the program. As a parent, both of my children in school love it. What do you think?
      Thanks,
      Jennifer Cornelius

      Delete
  11. Dennis LeLoup4:58 PM

    Jennifer:

    The new RISE evaluation system hasn't had the impact upon me and the librarians with whom I work as it has had in other school districts. This is partly due to administrator interpretation, in my opinion, of how to structure a working model for students/teachers in their respective districts. Did administrators solicit teacher input? In my school district teacher input was solicited and from all teachers. Librarians had input. School librarians in Avon have their own evaluation model which differs from classroom teachers. Unfortunately, I don't like the fact that all teachers have to "toot their own horn" to coin a phrase. It is important for us to detail our accomplishments as this impacts our evaluation, pay, and impact upon students. I almost feel like we are saying that we are better than someone else and I don't like this. However, outside of that, RISE hasn't impacted me much so far. Some school librarians aren't this fortunate.

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  12. abigail gardenour6:49 PM

    Hello Mr. LeLoup, thank you for your previous response. Since you are so busy and you mentioned that the parents are big help, are there any other time saving tactics that you use to get things done? And if so why are they useful?

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  13. Hello!
    I notice that you're extremely active with different organizations. What do you find to be the most enriching aspect of being part of them and being a leader in them?
    Thanks!
    Melissa

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  14. Dennis LeLoup5:37 PM

    Jennifer:

    Several years back, the Avon school district invested heavily in AR. At the time I was against it because students were only encouraged to read AR books at the expense of other good literature that didn't have an AR test. I still feel the same way, but am totally against AR. It does provide a pretty good measurement of reading level and book knowledge. Notice I said a "pretty good" level. There is an Avi chapter book, although the title deserts me, which AR rates a 2.9 RL and it is much more than that, more than likely a 4.9 to 5.2 or so. I think AR is good to use for an idea of reading level, but don't put supreme authority in it. My school now uses Reading Counts, and I feel even stronger about this now. I believe all of them can provide good direction to a book's reading level but may not be the complete authority.

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  15. Dennis LeLoup5:42 PM

    Abigail:

    That is a tough question. I look for many ways to cut corners and find them in various places. For instance, since I'm split evenly between two schools this year, and I do the planning for both schools, I synchronize my plans. I have a book vendor that has always visited me each year. This year I'm at two intermediate schools, and one for the first time. I duplicated my orders, with one going to one intermediate school and the other going to the second intermediate school. Parent volunteers can be a tremendous help, and I will engage the help of all the parent volunteers I can enlist. Time saving measures can appear in different quarters and you learn to become aware of your horizon and tap into those cost-cutting measures.

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  16. Dennis LeLoup5:52 PM

    Hi Melissa:

    For me the most enriching part of being involved with national professional organizations lies in the outside contacts and friendships I've made. I've also learned that my situation is not unique and many people are in similar or even worse situations. Cuts have hurt people in different states and these cuts have hurt librarians in varying measures. It makes you appreciate what you have when you begin to feel sorry for yourself. More than that, it makes you realize that the scope of your problem or problems is more than statewide. States are suffering national in similar situations. Also, I've made many wonderful friends through participation in state and national conferences, and these contacts have definitely added to my professional endeavors. I can put more into what I do on my job based on what I've heard or seen from others. I've learned from others situations and the ideas they have started in their schools. Some of my reading ideas have come through conversations with other professionals. Plus I value my own situation, and worth, even more. I believe that everyone needs encouragement sometimes. Being nominated for certain offices, and even winning elections for those offices, encourages me and tells me that others value what I'm doing. It encourages me to keep going on. Sometimes this is a great encouragement, particularly if you are getting tired and just need a boost. Conversation with other professionals motivates your professional enthusiasm!

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  17. Dennis LeLoup6:16 PM

    Lisa:

    I was looking back through the comments and believe I've missed yours inadvertantly. For that I apologize. As far as establishing yourself in the library community, just volunteer for different things and show that you are willing to serve. Let individuals currently serving know that you want to be involved and be active; show them you are willing and what you have to contribute. My first involvement was on an AIME (now AISLE) Committee, and I believe it was membership, or something like that. From that involvement, I was asked to be a committee chair or co-chair. I went from committee chair to vice-President. At one time, AIME had a vice-President for District Programs and a vice-President for membership, I believe. From that I was asked to allow my name to be placed on the ballot as President-Elect/President. I was greatly honored and said yes. I've appreciated all levels of service that I've done. My state involvement led to national involvement and other nominations, some of which I've lost and many which I've won. Lately, I was elected to the 2014 Caldecott Committee and this nomination, along with election, represents a dream come true. I've also had nominations and elections which I never dreamed would happen, such as my current term as ILF President. I'm grateful for each one, but they all began with local committee involvement letting people know I'm interested in serving. Good luck in your future endeavors!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for the information. I read your article, "The Many Fibers of Reading" and I was wondering if your students are still using the Books and Beyond reading program and if your recreational reading goal is still high.

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  18. Dennis LeLoup6:24 PM

    Jamia:

    I don't know if I've answered this or not, but I think the biggest challenge for libraries currently is showcasing ourselves. How do we show our worth and value without coming across as "look how great I am" or "look what I'm doing." Money and people are the biggest issues facing the profession, both locally and nationally. We need to showcase the worth of libraries, both locally and nationally, in such a way that local individuals and legislators see us in a different light and truly understand what we are contributing. Some understand what libraries are providing and others don't. The knowledge of the service all types of libraries are providing, particularly school and public I believe, will ultimately promote the profession and us as librarians. We must showcase our user connections, and the types of services we provide, for the public and legislators to get on our side and lobby with us. I think we must continually look at new and different ways of promoting what we do and how we serve our public!

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