Lee Ann,
When you said that you didn't want to work in a place that valued the work you do,
I could so easily put myself in your place! While I did sign a full-time contract
for next year, I've also been told that, regardless of that contract, the library
position will be at 60% next year. So even if I could find something else in this
district, it probably wouldn't be a 40% position...not a lot of those out there.
My principal said I should look at this year's schedule and figure out when the
library is most used...then come in for 4 1/2 hours each day, either in the morning
or in the afternoon, depending on use this year. Ummmm. No. 4 1/2 hours would
easily stretch into 5 or 5 1/2 and if they don't want to pay for my time then they
aren't going to get my time. I will need to find another part time job, because
I've got two sons in college and a mortgage and my bills are not going down by 40%.
So the library will be unstaffed (no aid time at all) for two full days each week.
Talk about a safety/security issue! Students will learn quickly that it's a place
they can hide out, the materials will be up for grabs and the computers will be
misused to say the least. For supervision reasons alone, it's a bad decision.
For me, the most ironic thing is that my principal gave me an article from a
principal's magazine she read over our winter break, that has the title "Ways Your
Librarian Can Help Promote Literacy." Since our reading program was cut back a
couple of years ago our reading scores have gone down. And now they're cutting the
one position in the school that is all about literacy and information. By the way,
the article gave such helpful advice as (1) offer books that teenagers want to read
(2) promote reading for pleasure...shocking stuff!!
Good luck to all of us in these tight economic times!
Pam
Pamela Hoadley
Library Media Specialist
Akira Toki Middle School
5606 Russett Road (608) 204-4758
Madison, WI 53711
plhoadley@madison.k12.wi.us
http://thetokilibrary.blogspot.com/ ( http://thetokilibrary.blogspot.com/ )
"Surrounded by stories surreal and sublime, I fell in Love in the Library once upon
a time"--Jimmy Buffett
>>> Lee Ann Kee <leebook58@YAHOO.COM> 3/25/2009 11:42 AM >>>
I recently found out that next year my position will be cut to a 3/4 time position.
This is very frustrating partially due to the pay cut (I can't afford it) and the
fact that the library will be un-staffed 1+ days/week. When I pointed out that
there was more that I do more than just teach classes, such as pullingbook
collections for teachers to use, I was told the teachers would just have to do more
of the work themselves. I think that the Head of school just looked at my teaching
schedule (which could easily be done in 3 days) and did not take all of the other
work that I do into account. I am not the only position being cut. We've all been
told the cuts are not negotiable and will be permanent. I am in the process of
writing a letter that expresses my concerns about not having a fully staffed
library. I plan to include research that shows the value of a full-time school
librarian as well explain all of the work that I currently do. I do not expect
that it will change anything, but at least it's something. In the meantime, I am
looking for a new job. This is also frustrating, since there are currently no jobs
in this area. I have my MLS, but am not a certified teacher, which puts me out of
the market for most schools (other than private ones like where I currently work).
I would consider switching to the public library, but none of the libraries in this
area are hiring. Any advice would be welcome. At this point, I feel that I have to
sign my contract for next year, as it's better than nothing, but I really don't
want to work somewhere that I don't feel valued.
Lee Ann Kee
Librarian
St. Richard's School
Indianapolis, IN
leebook58@yahoo.com
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