This week I am starting my second year as a librarian, this time as head librarian. Truthfully there is not a lot of difference in the title and I am excited for my new co-librarian to start (while grateful for my co-librarian from last year. Thank you Cindy!!!!). But I do feel responsibility for setting goals for the school year and implementing a lot of the plans we put in place last year. I thought I would share my goals and give some updates throughout the year.

 Increase classes in the library

Collaboration between the library and classes is not something that is built into our school quite yet. We were able to make some headway last year but I really want to work with teachers and teams this year to show how we can support their curriculum. Everyone is open to it, it's just a matter of becoming consistent partners in learning.

Create a more student centered library orientation

The English classes come through at the beginning of the year so I want to make sure we go all out and have a stellar lesson that will excited them about the library. Definitely want them moving around more and interacting with the library, so thinking a scavenger hunt for 7th graders and an escape room for 8th graders. 

Implement the Makerspace!

Our county is funding a Makerspace for every middle school, which is awesome. Ours will be in the library, which is even more awesome. I am so excited about this and the fact that the school has let us kind of take it over. Still unsure what all we are getting and when, so will be making more specific goals for it once I know the logistics. 

Restart the Battle of the Books

Our school does Battle of the Books but last year we struggled with getting members and ultimately didn't have a team. I was on the sidelines as I had zero idea of what was involved in the group but have started some research for ideas on how to get students excited to join. (Any advice, please send my way!).

Collection goals:

1. Collect data on our newly genrefied fiction section.
2. Weed & update the biography section.
3. Weed & update non-fiction.
4. As always, increase diverse books in graphic novels & fiction.

And a personal goal: network! 

I started my MLIS program in February 2020; all of the in person events that were part of the program were therefore moved to virtual. While it was an online program there were elements to get us meeting our classmates and networking but all of that was obviously unable to happen. Last year our county was mainly doing virtual professional development, so while I did "meet" other librarians it was mainly through Zoom. I am excited to put myself out there in person a bit more and start to build a network! 

I'm planning on attending the Virginia Association of School Librarians conference in the fall and hopefully will meet with other librarians in my county, even if it's just reaching out to visit their school!