Re: What do we do all day

[Connie Pappas <cgpappas@netscape.net>]

Here's a thought. Last year in my previous school district, Camas School
District in Washington State (and I'm on my way back there next year),
we media specialists did a video tape that was great. Since there are 6
of us we all shot some video of us during various times of the day. We
started in the early morning with a drive through the local Starbucks at
6:15 AM and the video went on to include everything from turning on the
computers to checking e-mail, consultations with teachers, book talks,
lessons in the lab, sorting the "snail" mail, data entry, working with
our student assistants, troubleshooting computer glitches, entering a
new student in the computer and shutting things down when we left the
school at 6PM. We shared it at a school board meeting and I think it
went over really well. But I also think we need to do things because it
helps promote the media center for the school. There are so many things
in education that get overlooked or taken for granted. I think that is a
universal truth! If you are not getting the feedback you want then ask
for it. Surveys are good, but sometimes just ask your fans (and your
foes) what they need from your program.

Personally, I have to do a newsletter and highlight what's happening in
the LMC, although this year I sent it out in an e-mail form and that
little change significantly enhanced my readership. I include circ data
in the newsletter every month. I'm also a strong believer in "Media
Moments" at the staff meetings to catch those auditory learners. Open a
line of communication with your administrator and ask what they would
like. I was writing a Report to the Principal every month and then the
principal said there was no need to do that in addition to my
newsletter. If there were certain needs or issues, then my administrator
wanted a meeting with me directly.

One of my teachers in library school said that the school library was
like a tide pool. It may not on the surface LOOK like there is much
happening, but the school library is very organic and entire worlds are
being created and ideas are being born and nurtured. You can't always
see that happening in 4 minutes passing time.

Take heart. Read Robert Fulghum's book on Rituals called _From Beginning
to End_ and do things because they satisfy you, not because you expect
something in return.

Just a thought...
Connie
--
Connie G. Pappas • Information Specialist
Seoul American ES • Department of Defense Dependents Schools
cgpappas@netscape.net • constance_pappas@pac.odedodea.edu

 "Don't judge a book by its movie."

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