beginning media specialist survival guide

[Miriam Boots <mboots@IAG.NET>]

Hi all,
        I was asked to share these ideas from experienced media
specialists.=20
Thank you all for your wisdom!

Survival Guide for the New Media Specialist
       =20
        A media specialist has to be many things to many people.  This
position
requires you to wear =93many hats=94.  In order to survive the first year=
 in
a new position, here are a list of suggestions to help you choose and
wear those hats with ease!  I consulted media specialists, print
sources, and LM_NET to compile this list.

1.  Before school opens, go through cabinets, drawers and take careful
stock of things.  Try to remember where everything is.  Don=92t throw out
things until the end of the year when you have a good idea of what you
want and need.

2.  Start organizing supplies--- all like things together.  Make sure
you have those things you will need at the beginning of the year.  Put
things most likely to be =93lifted=94 back out of temptation.  Label thin=
gs
that stay in the media center.

3.  Ask lots of questions!  Ask your principal what his vision/ goal/
mission of the media center is, then ask teachers.  Ask what =93rules=94 =
are
established.  Find policy and procedures manual or start collecting
materials to develop one.

4.  List all plans and responsibilities and prioritize.  Plan and
timeline.  Identify major needs.

5.  Get an answering machine for the media center so you are not
distracted from more immediate problems.

6.  Arrange for curriculum planning with teachers  to find curriculum
needs.   At planning meeting, ask teachers for specific titles or
subject areas.  Keep file folder with notes (your own and teachers) and
date your responses (will be needed at ordering time).

7.  Think through and write down a list of things to do daily when you
open and close the media center.

8.  Review your budget.

9.  Write out or at least think through all your procedures:
circulation, ordering, processing etc.

10.  Do lesson plans (tentative) for assigned classes for the first two
weeks to a month.  This will be your =93battle plan=94.

11.  Make lists, lists, and more lists.  If a teacher has a request,
have them write it down and submit it.  You can=92t remember things peopl=
e
say in passing and not everything can be attended to at once.

12.  Be a listener of faculty, students, administrators, and custodians
(sometimes they can give you the most helpful insights).

13.  Keep visible.  Serve on committees.  Work in the concession stand
at ballgames.  Eat in the teachers=92 lounge.  Don=92t complain about
students or your principal to anyone.

14.  Take time to become familiar with your collection.  Go through it
one shelf at a time.  Is the shelf list up to date?  Take note of
obvious old material that will need to be weeded.

15.  Implement changes slowly.  Build trust and support with other staff
first.  Give them the best service you can and then they will more
likely support the changes you want to make.

16.  Always have an emergency plan for what to do with a class when
everything goes wrong.  Have read alouds available for different age
groups.

17.  Make sure you subscribe to a good professional journal.  Check
periodicals to see.

18.  Connect with other media specialists --- online (LM_NET), e-mail
and in person.  Go to district meetings and be an active member.  Talk
often and get advice from your district media supervisor.

19.  Keep a sense of humor and enjoy the children and your job!

20.  Remember you can=92t get everything done in one day, week or even th=
e
first year!  Give yourself small, attainable goals and update them
regularly.

Miriam Boots
USF graduate LIS student and almost media specialist
mboots@iag.net