Watch the Animoto below for a glimpse of all the fun!

In this month’s issue of Teacher Librarian though, David Loertscher puts it all in perspective with this list:

Ten Things Worse Than a Library Without Books:

1. A library without a credentialed teacher-librarian.

2. A library without information in the format users prefer.

3. A library that restricts access to information in any format.

4. A library that most teachers ignore.

5. A library that most students Google around.

6. A teacher-librarian who is afraid of, or ignores the impact of technology.

7. A library that only deals in print materials.

8. A library of antiquated computers and computer networks.

9. A library where tech directors have a big sign behind their desks reading: Just say NO!

10. An empty library.

He makes a great point – what’s the point of having a library (with or without books) at all, if students and teachers aren’t using it?

In a time when information is plentiful and easy to get, users have to believe that coming to the library adds value to their information experience or they will get what they need elsewhere. What are you doing to add value to your students’ and teachers’ experiences in the library?

Glenda Welch uses a program called Books of Hope. Books of Hope is a service-learning program where U.S. schools select a sister school abroad and create books to help meet the students’ educational needs. Each year her students write, write, illustrate and bind books about various topics, including science, math, geography, reading, grammar, etc. These books are kept in the library during the school year, then packed up in May and sent overseas to their sister school that has been assigned to them through Books of Hope.  Glenda says students really enjoy making these books for students overseas. It fosters empathy and social responsibility in them and enhances literacy for the students in their sister school.

A program for students in need closer to home is provided by Jayme Karen. Jayme’s school population does not have a lot of books at home, so she started the Book Bazaar. The Book Bazaar is a community book drive  to provide free books for students to read during the summer months when they are not in school. Jayme’s goal is for each child to receive at least one book from the Book Bazaar. She solicits donations from the families and the community at large. She has also obtained books from the Half Price Books Donations Storefront, where free books are available to educators and other non-profit groups on Saturdays from 9am-2pm.

The third program described in this session was Catch the Reading Wave. This was a summer library program created by Kelly Hamilton. Kelly’s school is in an area that isn’t serviced by a public library, so she volunteers her time and has her school library open one morning a week during the months of June and July. Students come to check out books and participate in activities led by other volunteers, such as teachers, other librarians, district office staff, firemen, police officers and other community volunteers. The volunteers read aloud to the children and lead activities that go along with the book selections.

Other ideas that were provided during the discussion portion of the session were to host a day at your public library and to check out firstbook.org, which gives grants to Title I schools to provide books for students.

What are some ways that you have reached out and provided services to your community through your school library program?

Image citations: Books Bazaar by Kenzoka and Summer Reading 4 by KOMUnews

Having just the vision’s no solution,
everything depends on execution,
Putting it together.
–Stephen Sondheim

Last week I wrote about the new vision for 21st century libraries that we have adopted in our district. In the process of creating this vision, we also revised our mission statement.

Our guide in this process was the book, Failure Is NOT and Option: Six Principles That Guide Student Achievement in High Performing Schools by Alan Blankenstein, which lists having a common mission and vision as the #1 principle for success.

Creating a mission statement according to the guidelines in this book was a little bit different than other processes I have used in the past. We all know that a mission statement gives the people involved with an organization a clear understanding of its purpose for existence. Blankenstein, however, finds fault with the typical mission statement. He says:

A quick survey of mission statements reveals a common pattern. They use superlatives and absolutes. Such an approach leaves people feeling as though they had cotton candy for lunch: happy but still hungry for the real meal! Phrases like “world’s best,” “premier,” “largest,” and “first choice of customers everywhere” abound. How “premier” status will be attained and how “best” will be measured are rarely clarified or discussed. Schools and school districts also have mission statements – and they should. Unfortunately, education is not exempt from the tendency toward generic, vague and meaningless mission statements.

In order to create a more effective mission statement, our group discussed and debated the following questions:

1. Why do school library programs exist?

2. How will we know if a library program is successful?

3. What can we do to ensure that our library programs are successful?

The result is a mission statement that describes why school library programs exist in our district and how we will know if they are fulfilling their purpose.

The mission of the MISD library program is to:

• teach literacy skills (reading, research, technology, etc.) and

• promote open access to quality resources for the school community.

The success of the library program is determined by campus student achievement in conjunction with state and national library standards.

MISD librarians ensure success by proactive commitment to continuous improvement of the library program.

Does your library program have a written mission statement?

We started several years ago, just by dipping our toes into RSS and blogging.

Then we talked about collection development and how it looks different now that so much information can be found through subscription databases and on the free web.

We all went through the “23 Things” and learned about web 2.0 technologies.

Then last year we started trying to put all of that learning together by writing a new vision statement for the library program.

A fabulous group of librarians met several times last year for this project. They took their task very seriously and had many brain-busting sessions in order to get it just right. They put together a profile of our current library program that included the history of Library Services in the district, previous vision statements, an assessment of the current services offered, and demographic information. They compiled information from current research about the characteristics and best practices of effective library programs. They also surveyed teachers and administrators in the district to get their perspective on what the library currently offered and what they wanted from the library program.

All of this information was synthesized and distilled into the following vision statement that was presented to the whole group at our first meeting of the year:

MISD librarians envision a 21st century library program that increases students’ achievement and potential for future success.

• The 21^st century library has two distinct manifestations. The physical library features an inviting, friendly atmosphere staffed by a certified professional who works to help teachers and students navigate an increasingly complex information environment; the virtual library provides access to library resources and tools 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Both physical and virtual libraries promote intellectual freedom and provide equitable access to the resources and tools required for learning.

• In the 21^st century library, reading is a foundational skill for learning, personal growth and enjoyment. It is encouraged at all grade levels through various promotional and instructional activities designed to develop successful readers.
• In the 21^st century library, inquiry provides a framework for learning. Students are taught to locate, select, evaluate and use information appropriately and effectively.
• In the 21^st century library, collaboration is fundamental. Teachers and librarians work together to deliver instruction that focuses on critical thinking skills, literacy skills and curriculum connections.
• In the 21^st century library, learning is social, customized and personalized. Students are connected with information and each other, while creating new understandings and celebrating accomplishments.
• In the 21^st century library, technology is ubiquitous. Library users employ technology to locate materials and information, circulate items, collaborate with each other and create products. Librarians provide leadership and training for teachers and students in the use of current and emerging technologies.
• In the 21^st century library, the collection is varied, balanced and current. It features information in multiple formats for all needs and interests, supports the curriculum and is appealing to library users.
• In the 21^st century library, systems and routines are established that break down barriers and allow students and teachers to use the library independently and at point of need.

What is does your vision for the 21st century school library look like?

Image citation: Forward by Bruce Berrien.

TLA recently conducted a public opinion poll of Texas voters to find out how much support there is out there for all types of libraries.

Other sources of data about school libraries:

AASL – Research and Statistics

David Loertscher’s web site

Michael Eisenberg’s presentations

IASL Online

Library Media Program: Data Sources, the School Library Media Specialist

Library Research Service

Resources for School Librarians

The TLA survey was a statewide telephone survey conducted in October – November 2008.

The survey found that nearly all Texans (99%) are an essential part of the educational experience and more than 9 in 10 agree that school librarians are critical to student achievement. The vast majority would support legislation that would require public schools to provide students with a school library and librarian that meets statewide standards. More than 8 in 10 voters across every demographic segment and geographic region support the legislation, including 88% of Republicans, 95% of Democrats and 96% of Independents.

Strong majorities support increasing public funding for school libraries!

Data from the survey shows that the general public feels that school libraries and professional give every child the opportunity to read and learn.

How can we use this data to promote school libraries?

Use it as a message to administrators, school boards, PTA groups, teachers, students, relevant associations and legislators.

Expand the Strong Libraries Strong Scores mini-conference model to other areas of the state, to other associations and organizations and with other related events.

TLA recommends focusing on the unique contribution of school libraries to round out and encourage student development and achievement. Instead of trying to be another classroom, focus on what makes us unique.

The 81st Legislative Session ended June 1 with “partisan meltdown” and many bills died.

Two key issues for schools were the K-12 databases and a full-time librarian on every campus. The databases funding made it through, but was not increased as requested. The state library will be doing some “creative” budgeting in order to keep the resources at the existing level. While we didn’t get quite what we wanted, we didn’t lose any ground.

The full-time librarian issue is a difficult one. There has been discussion of this for a long time, but many have been reluctant to press it with the legislators. The hope is that we could possibly replicate the standard for counselors, which are mandated at schools of 500 students or more. The timing must be right to move forward on the issue.

HB 915 specifies that TEA must consider of a school district provides a certified school librarian on a campus as part of the accountability rating for a district. The bill was referred to the Public Education committee, but never got a hearing. Inquiries into the feasibility of a similar bill in the Senate were met with heavy resistance – no unfunded mandates.

HB 3/ SB 3 was the “accountability” bill. Rep. Dennis Bonnen worked to amend the bill to include certified librarians as part of the accountability ratings. The amended language was stripped by the Conference Committee, as were most floor amendments added in the House. Bonnen did not give up, though, and worked with Rep. Rose to add library services to her amendment 72. Unfortunately, all amendments that passed the House were removed by the Senate.

School library advocacy efforts are important and all are encouraged to attend TLA Legislative Day. Legislators really do not realize that every school does not have a certified librarian on every campus and need to be made aware of the situation.

The school library study mandated by the last legislative session was presented in December 2008. It was very positive towards school libraries. Other initiatives include the Shirley Igo Award for PTA members who are supportive of their school libraries. TLA had a booth at state PTA conference and PTA had a booth at the TLA conference. The Spokane Moms are confirmed to present at TLA 2010.

Take home ideas:

Vote! for school board, legislators, congress
Create an administrator of the year award for an administrator who advocates for libraries
Create a librarian of the year awar
Create a Friends of School Libraries grou
Reach out to your PTA group and other civic groups
Attend Town Hall events
Invite legislators to school literacy events
Send thank you letters
Reach out to smaller districts around you
Attend Advocacy Pre-Conference at TLA 2010
Plan to attend Legislative Day in 2011 and TLA in Austin in 2011

Volunteer to help advocate for school libraries at these upcoming events:

PTA Summer Leadership Conference
Austin, July 24-25

TASA/TASB Conference
Houston, October 1-4