Re: GEN: Future facilites

["Stone Mtn. JHS" <gdd029@SOL1.SOLINET.NET>]

I have been following the thread of "we don't get no respect" (for want
of a more descriptive phrase) as it has resurfaced again.  If you search
LM_NET archives under the word "plight," you will find similar postings
from a couple of years back.  I call it our plight, and one I have fought
for almost 25 years. During the past seven years I have had four new
principals with varying knowledge and interest in what I do. If their
opinion of a library media specialist did not change, it was my fault not
theirs.  I feel that we must now speak in a louder, stronger voice, and
"on their turf."

I totally agree with Julie Walker's reply to this original posting which
said, "we need to get involved the these discussions [school
administrators] on their own turf." "YES!"

How?  I have said this before, but we need to write of our successes in
integrating information access skills, technology, etc. into the
curriculum in THEIR publications. (Of course, we have to assume that they
read them.) We have to get on the programs of THEIR conferences. My
friend Jackie Carrigan in Indiana wrote a book on cooperative planning
with an English teacher in her school.  Together they have been invited to
speak several places.  You don't have to write a book, just submit a
proposal to a specific education conference and see what happens.

Thanks to Ken Haycock and others, ASCD now has an approved and funded
Teacher-Librarian Network.  The first newsletter was mailed last month.
The directory only includes about 100 members, but this is a start. The
purpose, as I understand it, of this network, which will have its own
listserv, is to get the word out concerning the importance of the
teacher-librarian and the library media center program in the curriculum.

OK, I will come off my soapbox now, and ask for your help.  I am
considering a presentation at our state conference on writing for THEIR
publications.  I have done some of this and have had at least one
interesting conversation with an editor regarding what THEY want.  If you
have any wisdom to share with with me on this topic, please send it to
either the address below or to pickardp@rehoboth.co.dekalb.k12.ga.us.

TIA,
Pat Pickard


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Pat Pickard and Betsy Razza, Library Media Specialists
Stone Mountain Junior High
5265 Mimosa Drive
Stone Mountain, Georgia  30083

E-Mail:  Stone_Mountain_jhs@solinet.net

Phone: (770) 879-8765