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Thanks to Harry for his post. I particularly liked this part: Or, are you—as another poster said—more like Dora? (Just keep swimming/smiling!) Yes, here’s how we can… Yes, I think we can… Yes, we should… How can I help make this happen? It is so important to answer a question with a "yes" whenever possible. "The library is full during the period you are asking for - but we can fit you in on such-and-such a date. Meanwhile - can we get some books together for you?" or "That sounds like a great resource. We don't have the money right now - but let's see if we can borrow it for you via interlibrary loan." or "Taking half your class is not possible - but how about if you sent 5 at a time to use the computers?" It is a matter of maintaining a "can-do" kind of mind-set. No matter what the obstacle - try your best to brain storm around it, find an acceptable compromise etc. Challenging - but the rewards are well worth the effort. Jacquie "The Librarian, whose job is to heal ignorance, to keep life safe for poetry and to put knowledge smack dab in the middle of the American way." ~ The Philadelphia Inquirer, 9-20-03 “Education is not about filling a pail, it’s about lighting a fire." ~ William Butler Yeats ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jacquie Henry, MLS Ruben A. Cirillo High School (GHS) Gananda Central School District 3195 Wiedrick Road P.O. Box 609 Macedon, NY 14502 315-986-3521 x 3144 jhenry@gananda.org Library Page: http://www.gananda.org/webpages/hslibrary/ Blog - Library Links For Teachers: http://rachslibrary.edublogs.org/ Blog - Wanderings http://wanderings.edublogs.org/ >>> On 10/30/2008 at 8:56 AM, in message <490976B5.4A5C.00E8.0@egrps.org>, Harry Coffill <HCoffill@EGRPS.ORG> wrote: This morning’s e-mail about the perceptions of librarians got me thinking, and I thought I’d collect some thoughts and share. (As we were requested to present this idea in a more positive manner…) What we do… School librarians attempt to present voluminous, multi-faceted material to our students, staff and administrators. What’s Good… On a great day, we cause staff members to breathe sighs of relief. We hold students hands as they walk through the jungles of information (and misinformation) and help them “thin the trees.” We drop data in the hands of our administrators. We create quiet places to study and read. We host PTSA meetings, movies, author speeches, luncheons and gosh-knows-what else. We help with tech and repair books. We cover our colleagues classrooms (and, occasionally, their >ahem< rear-ends.) What’s bad… We can be overwhelming. We can give our colleagues TOO MUCH STUFF. Ever get a request for an atlas and show up with a cart of books? We can try TOO HARD. We’re asked to explain or confirm copyright policies. And we get WAY TOO involved in the answer. And then we worry. (Just keep saying “I’m not the copyright police, I’m not the copyright police.”) Administrators want the tools we provide—but don’t want to pay for them. Occasionally, we look like a big “dollar sign” to our districts. Often it’s just a misunderstanding about what we do: Here’s some things I’ve observed: We ask for money to buy new books. We weed books. Misconceptions? We ask for money to buy database subscriptions. …But Google’s free, isn’t it? Misconceptions? Schools are paid by “per pupil” attendance in classrooms… …but we don’t take attendance? Misconceptions? We fight book challenges… …do we want our students reading “dirty books?” Misconceptions? I thank the earlier poster who fights to get librarians involved in committees. But I wonder how my librarian colleagues are presenting themselves at these meetings sometimes. Have they explained to folks WHY they do the things that they do. Are you Dr. No? No, we can’t. No, we shouldn’t. No, it isn’t. No, you have to. Or, are you—as another poster said—more like Dora? (Just keep swimming/smiling!) Yes, here’s how we can… Yes, I think we can… Yes, we should… How can I help make this happen? Do you advocate for yourself? Simple things—like “Hey! I just raised the copyright dates for our collection!” “Mrs. Jones and I did a great Social Studies lesson—the kids loved it.” Do you provide pics of kids working in your library for the school newsletter? Have you showed your School Boards what you do? (Get on the agenda!) Have you hosted the PTSA in your library? Ever do anything fun like a “Guitar Hero” competition for your students? Is your library welcoming and happening? …or is it cold, with barriers? Are your favorite words “How can I help you today?” …or do people think they’re “How can I stop this from happening?” Just some thoughts. I’d like to read yours. Harry F. Coffill hcoffill@egrps.org Media Center Specialist East Grand Rapids Middle School Drama Department East Grand Rapids High School "An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest."Benjamin Franklin -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book. 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