Friday, September 26, 2014

Sherry Gick - Mon. Sept. 29 to Wed. Oct. 1, 2014

Sherry Gick is the school librarian at Rossville Consolidated Schools in Indiana.

Sherry works daily in the middle school/high school library and supervises an assistant who runs the elementary library. She also teaches sixth and eighth grade language arts enrichment and peer tutoring/cadet teaching. She would be pleased to share with you ideas and insights as well as other issues and activities related to her school library and the work of school librarians in general.


Sherry is married to a teacher and coach. They are parents of two children. She is an avid reader and a runner.
This year's startup question to all of our blog-guests is - "What is the most important part of your school library program at New Haven High this year?"

50 comments:

  1. Hi, Sherry! Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us future librarians. We really appreciate it. I read your bio, and wow--you do a lot! I'm wondering how you balance everything--all three libraries as well as your teaching responsibilities? I'm currently an English teacher, and your job does sound like the best of both worlds because you get to work as a media specialist and still remain a classroom teacher...but at the same time, it sounds like a lot to handle! How did you end up in this position and what are the rewards and challenges of it?

    Thanks!

    Lynn Werckenthien

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    1. I supervise 2 libraries -- that's all we have in our system. I'm lucky in that we're all under one roof so I can visit both without leaving the building. Over the past five years my teaching responsibilities have varied depending on what was needed in the schedule at the middle/high school level. Over the past five years, there was only one year (my first) that I had no other teaching responsibilities. Most years I've had an 8th grade rotation class and have supervised peer tutors/cadet teachers. 2 of the five years, I've taught 6th grade reading daily for the entire year. Last year was my toughest year with supervising both libraries and teaching 3 classes. Something always suffered -- either my libraries or my classes. The balance was impossible. As a school librarian, you are STILL A TEACHER! You just get to teach way more students. How did I end up in this position? My undergraduate degree is in special education. I taught special education at the elementary, middle, and high school levels for 15 years. I have a master's degree in elementary education which I pursued to make me a better co-teacher in regular education classes. I never wanted my own classroom! I love working with small groups and bringing awesome ideas/techniques to classes, but the day to day of grading isn't for me. I also have a master's degree in library science which is my first non-education degree. The challenges of my current position are meeting the needs of 58 certified staff members K-12 and all their classes/students while balancing and maintaining 2 libraries at the same time. I am lucky to have 2 very awesome assistants. Stepping back from my middle/high library has been tough because it's my pride and joy! The rewards of my job are numerous, but the best is still when a student celebrates when a book they wanted has arrived for them or when they come back to tell me how much they enjoyed a book I recommended. These personal relationships around books mean the world to me!

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    2. Yes, I can imagine that it would be impossible to juggle it all, so I'm sure you just do what you can! I'm with you that the day to day grading isn't fun--that's one reason I can't wait to be a librarian! It's encouraging to hear, though, that you still really do consider yourself a teacher; one thing that I am hesitant about leaving my English classroom is that I really do love teaching!

      I'm wondering what role you play, if any, with technology? I am not really familiar with your school. And with all of your other responsibilities, do you find time to collaborate with teachers in the classrooms?

      I also read some of your other posts about genrefication. My school just did this, and my students LOVE it. I would guess my librarian's circulation increased just as much. To select your books and materials, do you have a selection policy? What's your go-to way to decide which materials to purchase?

      Thanks again!

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    3. I can't stress enough to you that I don't "consider" myself a teacher...I AM A TEACHER. As a Teacher-Librarian, you should still be teaching daily. There's no sitting around just reading books and eating bon bons!
      What role do I play with technology? I'm the instructional technology specialist, working with ALL of the teachers K-12 to help them implement tech into their classes. I'm the go to person! This is where the collaboration happens as I help integrate the technology.

      I'm glad to hear your school has been successful with genrefication. I've never heard of it not being successful, except for the post from Emily below. I do have a selection policy, but I have to be honest. I order what teachers and students request. I also utilize Junior Library Guild and their services. I rely on Nerdy Bookclub to introduce titles to me; I follow authors, teachers, librarians, & readers on Twitter -- I love selecting books. My library is a recreational reading library so I try to have the new best books on hand for my students.

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    4. Thanks again for taking the time to chat with us. Have a great rest of your week!

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  2. Anonymous10:36 AM

    Sherry,

    Your job and life sound so interesting!! I noticed you utilize genrefication, and I was wondering what it looks like in your school as well as the benefits/ risks of moving towards this type of classification system. Have you genrefied nonfiction as well? Thank you so much for chatting with us. I look forward to gleaning from your experiences.

    Evie

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    1. I genrefied the fiction collection of my library at the end of my second year and haven't looked back since! Non-fiction is already genrefied -- that's what the Dewey decimal system does! I have moved some of the non-fiction around to attract new readers. For example, my sports biographies and sports non-fiction books are beside of my sports fiction area. The cross over in readers is great. The benefits of genrefiction? Increased circulation, more engaged students, students finding and caring for "their" sections, a student friendly library! The risks? I don't know of any risks. Some librarians are completely against genrefication, but for my libraries it was the best choice. Students still learn how to use the online library catalog and how books are shelved; they just now check the catalog for the genre location.

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    2. Anonymous9:12 PM

      Thank you for responding. I definitely see amazing benefits for students looking for read-a-likes or even wanting to test the waters by reading a new genre. Working at a public library we have patrons asking all the time for the mystery section, or Amish romance, and we have to ask for favorite authors or recommend authors because the fiction section is alphabetical.

      I noticed your school produces a news show "From the Hive" and posts to YouTube. The program looks like a blast and a great way to promote the library as well. What does your internet security policy look like? Are there restrictions as to viewing YouTube or social media at school? I noticed links to twitter, Facebook, etc. on the school's webpage. Do you see a lot of student participation with Web 2.0 features?

      Evie

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    3. Anonymous7:34 AM

      Sherry,

      This is weird, I replied last night, my response was up this morning, and now it is gone. Here goes the second round.

      Thank you so much for providing information about genrefication. I knew non-fiction was already in genres, but I had wondered if you were mixing nonfiction themes in with fiction, and you answered that below:) I currently work at a public library and we always get patrons asking for the mystery section or romance section, and we have to guide them to our spine labels and ask for favorite authors. We even have patrons put fictional series in series order then we have to go back and alphabetize by title. Do you order by series or title by author?? It seems so natural to put books in chronological order. I always have to look up the true order on my phone before grabbing a book.

      I noticed you have a school news show "Inside the Nest" and post to YouTube. Are students in your building allowed to access social media at school?? Other schools block these sites in school. What does your internet safety plan look like?? Do feel like it is too restrictive or lax?

      Thank you for reading!! I am so amazed at all that you juggle. I thought I was crazy for being a stay at home mom during the day, library clerk at night, technology committee member, and a student when I can fit it in. You are amazing to find time to run!!!

      Evie

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    4. Anonymous7:40 AM

      Sorry for the repost. One minute posts are there, next minute gone. My iPhone has been struggling with this blog. Sorry.

      Evie

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    5. Anonymous9:40 AM

      Hey Sherry,

      I have a couple questions about genrefication. The school library that I spend the most time with tried to do this last year and it did not work. Part of the reason is because the students do not know how or have any desire to learn how to use the cardcatalog.Looking back to what the library looked like genrefided, it was a disaster. Is there a way to set up the library so the books are easier to find? How are the books placed together? How do you classify the books that could go into different genres? Is everything depending upon the online catalog for this to work?

      Sorry for all of the questions, I am just curious how genrefying a library works , and how it can be successful.

      Emily P.

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    6. Evie, I responded to you this afternoon--looks like the blog is eating my posts too!

      I facilitate the video class that produces our daily news/announcements "Inside the Nest". YouTube is not blocked at our school, but unfortunately more useful social networks like Twitter are...but we're working on it! I am a huge believer in social media and using it with students. I don't understand filters that are too strong when the majority of our students have phones in their pockets that can access anything. I think it's important that we teach our students to be good citizens whether it's online or in person. There is no better way than to teach it by utilizing the very tools they access daily. Our school utilizes social media and I do as well with my library. I have a twitter, facebook, and instagram account where students, parents, and community members follow.

      Your points about patrons asking where to find certain "types" of books is exactly why I genrefied. When you're the only one in the library and you're teaching and juggling a million things, it's important for students to be able to independently find books. We shelve series in order by number...never by titles. Alphabetically just doesn't make good sense to me (sorry!). We add number stickers to the spine if it's not clearly visible.

      Emily, I'm not sure what online catalog your school used. I think it's imperative that students, no matter what age, learn the value of the online catalog for searching and finding specific titles and/or topics. It's difficult to know why the situation was disastrous. Genrefying, to me, does make books easier to find. There has to be an order and the online catalog is the reference point. As far as crossover books, I've addressed that in another post. It happens and you have to make the best decision you can as to which readers will best embrace it.

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    7. Anonymous7:51 PM

      Sherry

      Thank you for responding. Sorry our posts are disappearing. For every post I have lost two.

      I'm glad your district isn't as restrictive about social media. It is funny how we try to protect the youth when many have unlimited access from their phones.

      Have you ever had any books or websites challenged at your school? If so what steps did you take?

      Thank you again.

      Evie

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  3. Sherry,

    Wow! It's amazing how much you do on a daily basis! I thought I had a full plate with an internship and a full time teaching position this semester. Has your media specialist position in your school district also included a classroom position? It sounds like you are working with a lot of different people on a daily basis. Has it been difficult adapting to different work styles/work ethics of your colleagues? I'm curious because I have the potential to take over the media specialist position at my school. Our current media specialist is great, but has been working many years and plans to retire. If I took the position, I'd definitely like to make some changes to how things are run. There is a media assistant who I would be working with that is definitely set in her ways. Any suggestions for making changes in a media center when working with someone who "likes things the way they are"? Thanks so much!

    Tricia

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    1. Full time job and internship? I remember how much "fun" that was during my first year as school librarian! Ugh! My position as school librarian (sorry, I really don't enjoy the title "media specialist" -- such a vague title! Librarian is the best title ever!) has never included a classroom position, but over the past 5 years I have had 1-3 classes per day I've been responsible for teaching in addition to all the library classes. This year, working with ALL of the teachers K-12, is challenging. Different styles in learning and in adopting new technologies make each day an adventure, but sometimes it can be frustrating. I focus on the positive and do my best to make sure I'm working with at least one teacher/class a day I love. When I began my position 5 years ago, I took over a dead library and turned it upside down. The teachers couldn't believe I wanted to help teach classes, collaborate, and be actively involved with the students. If you take over a program, improve it. Make changes. Keeping things status quo is standing still. Your students and staff deserve the best. It may sound harsh, but if the media assistant doesn't want things to change she/he should look for a different position. Change is necessary for growth. Your administrator should support this decision if he values the school library and understands the wide reach of a well run program.

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    2. I am lucky in respect to the internship. I'm having a great time with it. I had the opportunity to conduct my internship at the central branch of the Indianapolis Public Library downtown and it has been a fantastic learning experience.

      I can imagine just keeping up with the various curriculum structures with the multiple grade levels is a big undertaking. Even just the various facets of one grade level is a lot take on! Can you share some of the changes you made to bring a "dead" library back to life?

      I'm nervous that the school library is not viewed the way it should be in my school. The way it functions now, it's the place to check out books and nothing else which is eternally depressing to me. If I were to get the librarian position, I'm hoping to create a campaign that highlights what the library could be used for. Is that something you had to do when you took on the position you are in now?

      I appreciate all the insight!

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    3. changing the persona of the library has been done day by day...comfortable seating, new arrangements, welcoming students, great books they want to read, being helpful to teachers, volunteering to assist with lessons.... the change doesn't happen overnight. The staff is often the most difficult to convert to using the library, but it's worth it. The library should be the hub of the school -- the busiest place all day long. It's up to you to market it and make it successful!

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    4. Anonymous6:52 AM

      You mentioned that you turned your library around, I was wondering if you had the administrative support. The school that I work in currently is having a little trouble understanding what a teaching library is, and how it can be helpful to the students and other teachers. Do you have any helpful tips or ways to get the admin to understand?

      Emily Peregrine

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    5. One idea I had behind changing the culture of the library is opening it up after school hours. Currently, as soon as that dismissal bell rings, the library is locked down! I've seen a few school libraries that have created a "coffeehouse" atmosphere for students during non-school hours. Do you have students in the library before or after school? If you do, is it difficult to monitor?

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    6. Before school is a madhouse! Students come in to print papers, check out books, hang out, etc. I love the hustle & bustle. We don't see the same after school but we're open at least a half hour after school releases every day.

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    7. Emily, I did (do) have admin support. They didn't always understand what I was trying to do but trusted me to do what was best for our school and students. I continually shared my goals and vision for the Library and made sure they were aligned with our school's mission.

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  4. Anonymous5:25 PM

    Sherry,

    I see that you supervise the assistant who runs the elementary library. Do you make all of the lesson plans? Are you in charge of teaching technology to children as well? Is your elementary on a fixed schedule? I am an elementary teacher who has been put into the media specialist position this year. Unfortunately, I am on a fixed schedule. It is very difficult to see each class for only 45 minutes every 4 days when 15 minutes of that time is needed for checking out books. If this is similar to the set up at your elementary school, how do you balance literature, research skills, and technology? If your elementary has a flexible schedule, what are the most important things that you do that you feel would still work with a fixed schedule?
    Thanks!
    Tonja Clary

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    1. Hi Tonja. I'm very lucky because I don't write scripted lesson plans for my elementary assistant. We talk through the big "themes" for the month and the focus. She is very creative and takes ideas and runs with them. When I hired her, I told her my main focus for her was to ensure that every student (yes EVERY STUDENT) was read to when they came to the library, exposed to great books, and had time to check out/read/share books with classmates. She utilizes book trailers, author websites, our state reading list nominees (Young Hoosiers) as cornerstones for her program. Her schedule is indeed fixed, but it works well. 20-25 minutes is dedicated to teaching/sharing with the students K-5; the second half is devoted to checking out books, reading books, & sharing books. I've asked her not to make library time arts & craft time, so there's no busy work like coloring sheets. The library catalog is taught and some basic research skills, but the students have technology as a rotation class. The classroom teachers also teach research. Again, our focus in the elementary is raising readers!

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    2. Anonymous8:41 PM

      Sherry,

      I love and agree with everything that you said above... especially the part about raising readers! I feel like so many elementary schools now have technology as a rotation. How long has your elementary school had this? Do you or your assistant have anything to do with teaching the technology or is that a different teacher? Many schools seem to have computer as a separate rotation, but the librarian is still the teacher for that class as well. I am curious about this because I feel like it is something that really needs to change at our school. Right now, I feel responsible for introducing basic technology skills and programs and feel it is hard to balance that with the literature side of the program. Not having a separate rotation for technology and having very tight computer lab time schedules are problems for our teachers when trying to do research, projects, and presentations. If you were in my situation, what specific technology programs do you feel would be important enough to introduce that you would take time away from the literature side of the program to teach?

      Also, on a completely different note... what data (if any) do you collect to show support of your program? Are you required to prepare an annual report? Do you involve others in choosing materials for your collection, or do you feel that with data collected throughout the year, you have a feel for what to order?
      Thanks.
      Tonja Clary

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    3. Reading to the students (I am an assistant in a large elementary school library) is definitely a perk of this job. I have as much fun with the books as they do. On the other hand, we spend a lot of time teaching research to our 4th and 5th graders. You mentioned that the teachers take on this responsibility in your building. Do you find that the teachers have a consistent research model that they all work from or do they make their own plans for each class? Do the students come from various classes with the same research skill level, more or less? I ask because I honestly don't know that all my classroom teachers have a solid approach to teaching research and without any quality guarantees, I prefer that the information come from my boss and I. On the other hand, if the teachers all used a standard model, maybe leaving it to them would work?

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    4. Anonymous4:21 AM

      Kristen,
      Since this is my first year at this position, I am slowly trying to figure out what students at each grade level already know. The research skills are not consistent which is something that needs to change. Above, it may have sounded like the teachers take on the teaching of research skills, but I was just referring to when there are specific projects that they do during the school year, they have students do research. I have asked teachers what projects they do with research and/or technology. Some projects are for the grade level and others are individual classes. Teachers told me that, for instance, when 3rd grade does biography Powerpoints, it is the 1st experience with PP for students. This slows down the project with having to teach PP for the first time. Even Microsoft Word is not familiar to students until a teacher does a specific writing project with his/her class and teaches about that program. It would be nice for these programs to have already been taught so that when teachers are ready to use them for a project, the students' time is spent on the project and not learning the program itself. I believe the past media specialist used the Big 6 for research, but not all teachers teach this same model. If we had a technology rotation, all of these things could be taught during that time. For now, I am hoping to at least introduce these programs while students are with me to help teachers. I am in the middle of collaborating with 4th grade teachers about a unit of research/study about sudden land changes. Hopefully, I can use units like this to not only teach research skills, but also introduce important aspects of technology. In the future, I hope to inquire about a technology rotation and flexible library schedule, and to unify teachers on teaching the same method of research skills across grade levels.
      Tonja

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    5. Kristen & Tonja, my elementary assistant to teach research. She's not a certified teacher. In the past, it was on her plate (with a scripted curriculum: TECHNOKIDS) but after we had to reduce to part time hours (29) she only works 4 days a week (M-Th). Our teachers are fairly good about consistency with projects and what is taught with research. Being such a small school helps as does team/grade level planning time. Our 4th and 5th grade teachers share teaching responsibilities and switch classes for some subjects. Our technology rotation is unfortunately only one day a week and students only go to this class for 9 weeks. This is not enough. Technology should be a weekly rotation for elementary students -- it's just as important as art, pe, music, and library but we have not been able to implement this change...yet. It's definitely in the plan!

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    6. Tonja,
      what data (if any) do you collect to show support of your program?
      I have circulation data, class usage data, student visit data, etc.

      Are you required to prepare an annual report? I've never been required to prepare an annual report, but I always have. I also present the report to the board and find they are astounded by all we do in the library. It's important to make others aware how useful you and your library are! In Indiana especially -- you don't want to be the one on the chopping block for budgets or positions. My annual reports are all available at http://library.rcsd.k12.in.us/modules/groups/group_pages.phtml?gid=1491200&nid=309458&sessionid=e593163c881d9d4c193d37b7d763abcb (Yes, I know that's a horrible link but my tech department BLOCKs tiny url and bitly)


      Do you involve others in choosing materials for your collection, or do you feel that with data collected throughout the year, you have a feel for what to order?

      I let students submit requests for books and teachers as well. Our libraries are not research libraries so the focus is on current and new fiction/non-fiction that students want to read.

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    7. Our students only get tech once every 6 days and that's only for k-2. After that, they don't get a tech rotation any more. It was added as an afterthought to cover prep when our lower grades grew to 6 classrooms each. It's frustrating because the older ones need it most, and that's aside from the actual research process. In my not-so-humble opinion, we should stop teaching cursive in third grade and teach them keyboarding and basic word processing.

      In the Media Center where I work, we teach internet and social media safety, the research process, a review of credible online sources and what to avoid, and how to avoid plagiarism. This is done over multiple lessons and we teach it twice (to fourth and again to fifth grade) because they need the review before they do their IB Exhibition projects.

      I think it's brave and ambitious for the third grade teachers to try to teach Power Point and researching biographies at the same time.

      I agree that all elementary students need a weekly tech class. Although, I wouldn't choose to eliminate language, music, gym, library or art to teach it. I think those things, tech included help our students develop into well-rounded people.

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    8. Agreed! I think all of those rotations are important! I'm curious what a language rotation is. I think it's a lot to put on the classroom teacher to teach technology, but in practicality -- it should be increasingly a part of their lessons all day long as more and more schools move to 1:1 programs with personal devices.

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    9. Our language rotation is a Spanish class. As an International Baccalaureate School, we must teach a second language. At the elementary school level, the goal is exposure with some acquisition.

      I know that teachers are overloaded at our schools, but it would be awesome if they could integrate technology teaching into content area lessons.

      We are far from a 1:1 school, but we have a lot more laptops and tablets now, in class sets to loan to classes. Grades 3-5 use them the most.

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  5. Anonymous6:24 PM

    I have never seen a library that is using genrefication, so this is an interesting idea to me. Did you yourself make the change or did you inherit the arrangement? If you did it, how much time was involved? Were there hard genre decisions to make? I'm guessing some overlap might be encountered. How many categories do you have? Has it made a positive difference in circulation numbers?

    Thanks so much for talking with us.
    Kelly Hand

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    1. Really? Genrefication or book-store model has really exploded in the school library scene over the last 3 years. I researched it during my graduate school time and decided it was best for my library. I genrefied my collection at the end of my second year with the help of my high school library assistants. It took us the entire month of May to work through all of the fiction collection. Were there hard genre decisions? Only if we made them that way. My thought on genre is where does it best fit. If it fits in more than one area, where will it be most accepted and embraced by readers? Sometimes I've even placed multiple copies in separate genre areas. I always invite students to talk to me if they don't agree with the genre where the book is placed AFTER they've read the book. Currently, I have these main sections: sports, adventure, historical, graphics, romance, science fiction, supernatural, fantasy, mystery, realistic, poetry, verse novels, sports non-fiction, and non-fiction. Read more about my genrefication and my presentations on the topic at:
      http://www.thelibraryfanatic.com/2013_11_01_archive.html My circuation almost TRIPLED after my first year -- and that was after a huge gain in circulation in my first two years of rebuilding a library program. I can't recommend genrefication enough. It is a student centered approach that is completely worth it.

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    2. Anonymous7:30 AM

      Congratulations on the success of this. Getting so many more books into the hands of readers is something to be very proud of. And, you've convinced me of the value of this arrangement. I work in an academic library where quite a few years ago the children's books were taken out of LC and put in author order. This included the non-fiction ones. It's always driven me crazy.
      Kelly Hand

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    3. not being familiar with genrefication makes much more sense knowing you're in an academic library! It doesn't fit very well there!

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  6. Hi guys! First of all, make sure you access the link to my bio -- it's up to date. The information on this page reflects my situation last year! I've been the School Librarian for 5 years. This year is my sixth year and my job responsibilities have changed. I supervise both libraries and am now working with teachers/students in the classroom on technology integration into their classroom.
    The most important part of my school library program at ROSSVILLE SCHOOLS (not New Haven! -- that was Jenn!) is the people. Both of my libraries are focused around meeting the needs of our students and staff. Without this focus, there's nothing. Every book that is selected, every lesson that is taught, every website/tool that is shared -- it's all with the focus on helping students and staff grow and learn. Student voice is my passion and I try to include students in decisions about the library whether it be new furnishings, arrangement, books ordered, and or policies. The library is theirs and because I want them to enjoy being there and take pride in the space, I need to value their opinions. I think being a Teacher-Librarian is the best job in the world. Talking and teaching books and technology with whomever will listen is an amazing way to spend each day.

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    1. Anonymous7:22 AM

      I couldn't agree with you more. I have been a librarian for 20 years and I can't imagine a better job in the world. There is so much satisfaction in helping someone find just what they are looking for. And how fun is it to buy all that cool stuff for the collection! I often say to people that I don't know why everyone doesn't want to be a librarian.
      Kelly Hand

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    2. exactly! spending someone else's money on books is definitely a lot of fun! :)

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  7. Anonymous4:25 AM

    Sherry,

    Is your elementary library set up by genre also... or are you referring to the MS/HS? Do you think it is a positive move for young children as well, or more so for older students? In your opinion/experience, does it make as much of a difference at the younger ages?

    Thanks.
    Tonja Clary

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    1. Both of our libraries are genrefied. I think it is a positive move for all readers, young or old. Everyone has different interests and being able to visit a section in the library that appeals to those interests is very important. Our beginning readers aren't genrefied, but are kept separate. Again, the key is keeping books together so students can easily find and choose their own books.

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    2. Anonymous3:07 PM

      I saw that you listed your genre categories above for us What else do I need to know in order to attempt changing my fiction section to be sorted by genre? What would I need to do in regards to the online catalog, etc.? Are there other things that you can think of that I need to know before attempting this? For books that you had not personally read, did you look the title up to see more about it to know what genre it would be considered? I have not been in a school library structured like this, but it sounds like a possibility for the future.
      Thanks.
      Tonja

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    3. Our presentation we gave at AASL may be seen here: http://www.slideshare.net/librariantiff/ditching-deweyaasl If you're an ALA/AASL member, you can listen to it on eCollab as well. We've all written plenty of blogposts about it as well. You're welcome to come visit and we can talk more about it face to face!

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  8. My library annual reports may be found if you visit my library webpage
    http://library.rcsd.k12.in.us

    On the right hand side, look under Library Web Pages heading
    Click on Resources
    Annual Reports is a page in the resources folder

    Hope that helps!

    (As an aside, I learned the importance of an annual report because of classes with Dr. Lamb and Dr. Johnson. Although I've never been required to submit one, I think it is a great reflective process as well as wonderful advertisement for the library!)

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  9. Anonymous4:29 AM

    Sherry,
    This question was sandwiched above and wondered if you had advice on it... With no technology rotation at our school, I feel responsible for introducing basic technology skills and programs (other than research skills) during my scheduled (fixed) class times. I feel it is hard to balance that with the literature side of the program. What specific technology programs do you feel are important enough to introduce that you would take time away from the literature side of the program to teach?
    Thanks.
    Tonja

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    1. I think you're in an elementary setting, but I'm not sure. As far as programs, I suppose a basic overview of Microsoft products like power point, word, and excel would be good. I like to focus on sharing/teaching websites for creating like Animoto, StoryBird, Google Sketch, etc. A good place for websites like this is the AASL Best Websites list http://www.ala.org/aasl/standards-guidelines/best-websites/2014 I would incorporate the literature and technology together so students are using the technology to share/create about books they've read.

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    2. Anonymous5:08 PM

      Thanks for our opinion. Yes, I am in an elementary setting. I am happy to see that you mentioned the Microsoft products, since that is what I was planning to do. Off hand, do you know if Animoto, StoryBird, or Google Sketch have a cost or membership to use? I have heard of those, but have not used them. I will also look at the website that you mentioned for "Best Websites"! Thanks, again!
      Tonja

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  10. Hi Sherry, thank you terribly for taking the time to answer our questions!

    I'm not sure exactly how well my question fits in as being something hands-on or technical about the library, but I suppose your experience as a Teacher Librarian. Where did you start out, as a classroom teacher or a teacher librarian? I'm seeing my graduation timeline firm up and it's giving me horrible anxiety that I may not be up to the task of such an important role as a teacher librarian. I suppose I'm asking if you had any anxieties or misgivings when you first started, and how you overcame them?

    Best,
    Kixie

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    1. Hi Kixie, I'm in my 6th year as a librarian. My previous experience was as a special education teacher for 15 years. As with anything, when I started five years ago I didn't have all the answers, but I knew as the only TL in my building/corporation I needed to reach out. The connections I've made through Twitter have been priceless. My network of TLs stretches around the world. I can always ask questions, find ideas, and talk to others about libraries. I've never once regretted becoming a teacher-librarian. I think it's the best job in the world. As long as you're willing to continually learn right along with your students and give them a voice in the learning, you'll be a great success.

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    2. Thank you, Sherry. So you would advise a strong network to help bolster the confidence of a new librarian? Do you have a personal opinion of joining particular professional associations? I've heard a number mentioned but nobody ever seems very sure which ones are the best fit for future Teacher Librarians.

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  11. I recommend joining your state association and then AASL (part of ALA) if you can afford it. I'm also a member of ISTE. Professional associations can be pricy. Twitter is free! #TLChat is active 24/7 & the community is amazingly helpful. Find me @LibraryFanatic

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