From the Mountain to the Valley November 5, 2006
Posted by sbrisco in : Community , 4 commentsThis weekend, I’ve been to the “mountain top” with some of the greatest thinkers in our school library profession– at the School Library Journal Summit in Chicago. As I review my notes and consider where to begin, now that I’m back “in the valley,” I realize that the best way to make sense of all this is to spread the news. How do we see ourselves in this 21st Century world—but most of all, how do others see us?
When you walk among people like Ross Todd, Joan Frye Williams, Gail Dickinson, Joyce Valenza, Alice Yucht, David Loertscher, and others, you start to see a pattern of enthusiasm, of energy, and of optimism within our profession. One such pattern of optimism came from Joan Frye Williams’ keynote address to us on Saturday morning when she spoke of how to “Make Sense of the Future.” Here are just a few of her comments:
* Look at the future with optimism
There’s so much ahead of us, so many possibilities. We MUST “snag” the opportunities of new ideas, new technologies, new challenges and make them OURS…if we don’t, someone else will. Let’s be optimistic that we can take those things and make them a part of the library programs!
* Is this my kind of place?
We need to be looking for ways to make our libraries work 24/7 for students and other stakeholders — it’s all about reading and books, but it’s MORE than just reading and books. It’s about technology, and service, and understanding what it takes to make our library spaces THEIR library spaces. Libraries need to be user friendly and without walls. As Ross Todd added … “sometimes in order to ‘think outside the box, we have to get OUT of the box!’” Have you seen your box lately? Is it a place where all users want to be?
* Get involved in technology
This year’s Christmas present will need to fit into next year’s curriculum plan! What will it be? Do you have any idea how technology fits into your library program? Get involved in technology as a “consumer!” Check out what’s available, what are the latest trends in software, in open source software, think about how these can be used….”snag” the opportunity to be the first to implement these in your library programs–maybe even in your schools. Learn how to podcast, create a blog, add a wiki for your library, moodle your instructional courses! No one instinctively knows how technology works, being great with technology comes from USING it. “Practice, dude!”
* Your library should be “An Idea Factory!”
Make your library the place where students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders can try new things. Could it be a book art studio, a media production facility, a new technology showcase center, a place to crunch scientific data…. a place where people can participate in activities?
* Make your library a place for different learning styles.
Look at the physical lay-out of your library. Is it inviting? Are students allowed to work in groups or are you sending them back to the 19th century dungeon where all work was done in isolation? Today’s students work together in groups, so make your library more inviting, more open, and welcoming. Make it a fun place to be.
*Cut out the jargon!
Civilians (those outside of the library world) have no idea what we’re saying. Instead of “Reference Desk” put up a sign that reads, “Homework Insurance: I Can Make Sure You Ace Your Class!” Instead of “Lesson Plans” call them “Cheat Codes.” Think creatively and simplify the wayfinding. Reduce the clutter, speak natural language, create webpages that offer direct information with pre-packaged tips, shortcuts, and FAQS.
* Merchandise the Collection
Have you spent time in a book store lately? Do you want to go back? Wouldn’t you want your students to feel the same way about your library? What elements of the book store will make the library more engaging? Turning the book fronts out to face the public, changing signs to locate and display materials or information, grouping collections into broad topics, being creative…they’re not just visiting for the coffee…it’s the atmosphere!
More reflections from the Summit coming soon….