New Library Position. HELP!

[flower2078]

Hi all,
I just found out today that I passed the Library Media Praxis and within hours I had a new job. This is a dream come true. I have always had a passion for books and now I get to work with them daily. Needless to say, I am so excited but I am also nervous. I have been teaching third grade for the past 5 years and I have no idea where to begin in this new position. I will be in a K-8 school. I would appreciate any suggestions or advice you can share. Thank you!!

 

[sweetp422]

Congratulations

I can't help you, but I can say I know how you feel. This is my 2nd day as a librarian, after being a 1st grade teacher for 6 years. Good luck, and keep us posted.

 

[LMS forever]

Read the Boards

I got a lot of great ideas from the PT boards. I am a newbie. LMS for K-2 after 14 years in 4th grade. Best of luck. We will all learn together.

 

[blcw]

Last year was my first

*First - get to know your collection, the students and staff.
*Keep notes! Note what works, what needs tweaking, and what dosn't work.
*keep a list of ideas.
*Keep book lists! You have a wide range of ages. Follett lets you create and save book lists.
*Get to know Junior Library Guild, subscribe to them.
*Keep the first few lessons very simple, set up routines with the younger kids, and older if necessary, and review.
*Read, read, read so you can push books!
*Get to know the staff.
*If you're a Common Core state, pull out the research strands, match up with books and other materials, set up a display promoting the library and all it's services.
*Don't make any major changes right away!

Most of all, have fun! It's the best job in the school

Blcw

 

[LMS forever]

Thanks for the help

I didn't ask but I will use the ideas if you don't mind. My sister is also a LMS. One tip she gave me was keep a list of books shared with each grade level. That way the students don't hear the same book every year. However, some books are worth sharing every year.
I agree with the read, read, read. The best way to recommend a book is to have read it yourself.

 

[flower2078]

Thank you for your suggestions. Blcw, you provided great resources. I'm looking into them right now.

 

[Bookworm369]

Sharing Your Nervousness!

I just interviewed for a school library position and found out I got the job today! I have an educational background in library studies and have worked in a university library and archives, but never with children in a public school system, no teaching experience! I am so happy I got the job, but so nervous at the same time, as this is very new to me! I will be between two schools, a Jr. High gr. 7-9 and an elementary school grades primary to 6. I was glad to come across the advice posted here! Thanks!

 

[sag]

Find out

* if your principal wants a fixed or flexible schedule. On a fixed schedule, you will need lesson plans, etc. while a flexible schedule will depend on what the teacher wants. Look at the teachers' courses of study to see what you can help them with through library lessons. Make sure your older classes have at least a scheduled time to check out and renew books if not lessons.
*if teachers want your help, and then collaborate with them. You may have to really encourage this, but they will get use to your help and advice and begin seeking it.
* if students may serve as assistants in the library and get their help. 7th and 8th graders can run your circulation and shelve your books. They can also vacuum, sweep, dust, change bulletin boards, etc. etc. etc.
* look at the previous librarian's schedule. Don't ask the teachers what they want--they mostly want a free period-- :-)--instead, work out what is best for you and the kids unless it has already been set for you. You don't have to do what the previous librarian did, but tread softly, I've seen people lose jobs because they didn't "carry on" like "Mrs. Bookkeeper" or made negative comments about a beloved school figure. It is your room; you make the decisions; base them on what's best for the kids.