Limitless possibilities & missed opportunities

Spotted this sky a few weeks ago between sites; decided it was a symbolic reminder to see the BLUE sky among the DARKER clouds :)   

I've always viewed the school library as a place of "limitless possibilities".... the resources, the connections, the space, the programs, the staff, the books, the technology, the leadership--together a strong school library can work magic.

When we started planning for our temporary "digs" for the 2 year renovation of our building, I thought the only thing that might change would be the lack of physical space....I didn't expect to feel like we were starting from scratch...and that's where I'm at right now....and the feeling is disheartening.

In a positive way, I've been empowered to figure out the best way to deliver the program for our students located in 6 locations.  Collaboration, cooperative plans, shared expertise, and maximizing each other's talents have been key components of our embedded library program (in and OUT of the library)....and still are...but now we also have to figure in limited face time to plan, travel time between locations, sparse physical space in one school for planning or working, and 6 different time schedules that might it hard to designate times at different buildings.

Now, instead of seeing limitless possibilities, I'm seeing missed opportunities and am struggling with how to move forward to have the highest impact.

Though I continue to explore partnerships and instructional opportunities, I'm finding my time is sporadic rather than consistent, disjointed rather than focused, and I'm involved with surface coverage rather than immersed instruction.

Yes, I've connected students to literature, teachers to resources (libguides),  worked on grants, explored new strategies and tools, aligned with District initiatives, participated in committees, and have remained in engaged in professional learning.

But, wherever I "land" for the day, morning, or afternoon is a missed opportunity at another location (especially in the one building where there is no librarian/library).

I'm not clueless, I know these "part time" structures go on (unfortunately) all over the country and we know it's less than ideal.   But I am in a District that has been SUPPORTIVE of libraries and I feel like I'm not meeting expectations in our current structure.

As I move forward, I have to make some choices about priorities, best use of my leadership and expertise, and ways to have impact through the library despite the limitations with space, time, and routine.

Conceptually, I know we can get where we need to go.  Realistically, however, I have to hit some issues head on to and find the best way to balance the time, miles, resources, and overall role of the program.

I'm still all about "lemons to lemonade" just right now I'm finding lots of seeds in my batch and it's leaving a bad taste in my mouth.

So, onward and upward.....advice welcome!     Some happy moments on our road to figuring it out!

Lessons from a Libraryette-does size matter?

Here's what I thought  would happen when our library moved from a large bustling hub of activity to a dorm-room size office area...(and a bookmobile and 5 libraries to share)

• fewer late days picking up, setting up, and feng shui-ing
• so much alone time it might be eerie
• an embedded instructional kumbayah--as we had that in place
• some minor scheduling issues across 6 buildings
• zero need to stock up on K cups---traffic wouldn't warrant it
• a huge void students wanting to be involved; all out recruitment would be key

Here's what REALITY  has taught me in these few short weeks.

Feng-shuing a small space that is multipurpose and functional should be a SEPARATE INTERIOR DESIGN DEGREE...Though a stand up desk and a small pumpkin seem to be a great fit, the rest of my set up is in a constant state of "how about we try this".     

ALONE TIME...hmm....between kids for books, tech dept support, random bldngs and grounds visits updates to windows, wiring, tech; teachers for coffee, teachers and test mods, normal library-ish inquiries, and my classes at other schools--alone time NEVER....today I had to take a phone call in the custodian's closet down the hall.

Embedded instruction...hardest transition yet--who'd a thunk it? we had made SO much progress when were as "one" school....now I'm balancing assertive vs more of a wimpy "if it won't be a bother" (what has happened to me :) in being an instructional partner/leader;  preparing libguides as I perceive needs,  and sharing resources, ideas, plans, & conversations. Negotiating meaningful collaboration across 6 sites, however, is definitely a work in progress as I address logistical and philosophical issues I really didn't forecast.    K-cup brainstorming time is in full swing....never know what ideas surface during a brew cycle!

Students (ones from last year AND new entries) are clamoring for being involved.  Lack of interest is NOT a concern and iStaff  has begun; they want to HELP, CHANGE, BUILD, CREATE, and MAKE THINGS HAPPEN....routinely and sporadically...

As I navigate the waters of cross campus instruction and a library that seats 4 comfortably (but stands 8), I will take my lead from the students....they aren't seeing obstacles, they see opportunities; they aren't concerned about we did before, they want to thrive at NOW...

There is no doubt I didn't forecast much of anything accurately...or so it seems...

There is also no doubt I will use my students as inspiration to moving us forward, rising above, and facing the hiccups head on...it's what we ALL deserve....

 

Your place or mine? Dilemmas in collaboration...

September in CNY has brought amazing blue skies, seasonably warm temperatures, and  sunsets that are unreal.....it does seem, however that my overly ambitious goals (I know that now) for that same month have fell way short despite great intentions, a positive outlook, and a retro RV that accompanies me as "MsLindy the Bookmobile" on many visits.

Visit to Grade 6-Woodland Elem!

The Pine Grove Library is still on the move--literally and figuratively due to our students being relocated to 6 locations for the next 2 years due to a major building renovation.  By now I had hoped for the library program to be richly embedded (or on its way) in multiple curricular areas,  rich with student leadership, energized with technology, and moving in new and unchartered directions.  Yup, that's was the plan.   We WERE there last year.

The reality--have had a few genuine partnerships,  still trying to figure out how to make our iStaff program fit the new model, technology for students is currently sparse, and oh yes, we are moving in new directions, for sure, but so much more ground to cover!

I know (thanks to reminders from master, Dave Lankes :) that a library is MORE than a physical space that houses STUFF....but balancing the needs of a place to plan, meet with students, create, make, teach, collaborate, explore in multiple locations (5 existing and staffed libraries that I "share" and one space that is "all mine" with seating for 3 and space for about 6) is much harder to coordinate than I anticipated....

When in doubt, don a Parrot Suit and
make people smile at Open House. I did.

• What teams meet when?  Which of the 6 buildings should I go to?   How do I make my days high impact AND efficient?   What do I let go?
• I know I can lead virtually, but what must happen face to face to be effective across a campus?
• Should a "no response" for collaboration be considered "not interested, thanks" or "so busy I would love your input, but don't have time to make it happen"
• Should I go deeper with fewer or provide more surface support with more partners/classes?
• Does open access to the library space at one spot trump instruction at another location?
• I can't host, organize, initiate, take the lead from "my own space" so what do I need to consider to do it another space?   

Lots of new territory for sure...lots of miles added and lots of decisions to be considered as I (we) make the powerful connections that students deserve.....

To remind myself it hasn't been an epic fail of a month, some new and unexpected directions:

• Food truck unit in collaboration with a FACS teacher colleague has taken off like crazy!
• STEAM field trip in conjunction with long term study on Onondaga Lake offered some amazing hands on learning; more to follow
• A discussion on wellness/fitness prompted 3 of us to submit a grant for snowshoes!
• Traffic in the "library-ette" made me realize space for working was as important as space for books;  now balancing both with offsite storage
• Student feedback about roles for what they can do is shedding light on some iStaff program options
• Proximity between schools & great weather allowed me to walk to guest speaker (Owl Lady in conjunction with HOOT for Grade 6!)
• Partnered with parent volunteers to add support to our Pre-K building library

Oh yeah and the sunsets are still absolutely unreal.....till next time..... still have the lemon; lemonade not quite perfected....

Pivotfest...library on the move

Ms Lindy ready for action! 

Another week down, another week of exploring new territories as a Librarian on the MOVE!   With a "basecamp" at PGWEST--(former Catholic school renovated for our grade 7) and a parking spot for Ms Lindy the bookmobile, I'm carving a path for the program that I want to  efficient, positive AND high impact for ALL.

Book selection at the HS

Books at Minoa Elem-grade 6

Current Event Friday with gr 8

A few WOOHOOOs into the initial voyage--the weather has been AWESOME....something about bopping between schools while the sky is blue, the sun is warm, and the roads are clear is INSPIRATIONAL....the thought of doing the same in the middle of January in Syracuse is more of a mojo-buster...but for now...making connections across our "school campus" is starting to work.  I've met so many new colleagues (didn't realize how many people in our district I just had never met after 10 years in!);  I'm engaging with kids who are sitting criss-cross applesauce to students preparing portfolios for college; beautiful picture books to historical memoirs; touch pad games to 3D design programming; lined up with a line leader hands to the side to young adults sporting earbuds and slouch bags.

setting up Google Drive with 8th 

Science research/EasyBib

My professional priorities have ranged from those highly intelligent skills we learn in library school coursework to other "go-tos" in my toolbox that I'm pretty sure were mastered when I first started playing with a dollhouse.  I've been immersed in developing research portals and pathfinders for various projects; exposing students to peer reviewed journals, current events, and rigorous reads; teaching kids the best way to cite quality sources and curate credible research....

Need these?

Kids STILL want to browse;
this set up isn't working (3 had to leave
the other day so I could get to the phone :)

On the other side of the coin, I'm trying to find a way to set up our little "library-ette" to make it look homey yet professional, functional yet well stocked, cozy yet impressive.....but my first 22 decorating set ups have NOT achieved any of the above!   So...the mission continues this week....I swear this SMALL room is more work than a LARGE space..is that POSSIBLE?  :0

We must create more practical space that balances space for books and space for humans (and mobile tech)...we'll bring some solace to our grade 7 area....we'll store MORE at the HS Library and rotate the collection to keep things fresh;  Ms Lindy's collection will rotate as well and we'll improve our balance of FICTION and NONFICTION (kids ask for BOTH, yet I leaned too heavy on the fiction though I knew that)...more title promotions, booktalks, visible displays...use of hallway tvs for ads, teasers, etc (temp tech issue on this concept--soon to be resolved I hope)

Have enjoyed MANY inspirational conversations about "what if....how about....you know what we COULD do...." and intentionally seek out that kind of thinking....others are "stuck" in the "glass half empty" mode and where possible, I'm intentionally investing less time in this thinking (influential as it can be)....


Coming up this week--2 road trips with MsLindy for book selection and outdoor read time; 6th grade collaboration for class novel; several necessary tech transitions/upgrades, Symbaloo/Pearltrees training, iStaff  prep, QR codes promos, and development of our outdoor work area !   Also in the works--library card sign up promos with RePete, +Twitter training for teachers, Food Truck unit with FACS, pumpkin delivery from a community friend, STEAMship LitMobile prep, iStaff rollout, and a trip to the MudBoils....yes I do have the greatest job ever!

I'm in full PIVOT mode....how about you?

A Parrott, an RV, & a Collapsible wagon

Happy Saturday!

In my Central NY world, this has been the first week of school for all of us....varying start times but the first week is definitely in the books.   Some of you in other parts of the country are planning prom and graduation ceremonies I think...or maybe not yet.

Thinking out of the box has never been in an issue for me....what's new for me is not having my own sandbox in which to play!   Our transition from a large, open library space in one school with rich integration across the curriculum to a shared spaces in 5 schools and a small room in the 6th is off to a powerful start.  (temporary renovation plan--new building coming in 2 years!)

My first goal was to create a small, homey library-ette that would be the go-to place in the 7th grade school which has no official library.  I believed establishing a strong library presence there was a high priority.

First, I opted for a podium style desk area for me--I prefer to stand and it takes less room. I set up a computer (currently a desktop--laptop soon to replace I am hearing)....even added scanner for check out....motivational screen saver...calendar on the wall..pencil cup....and feeling of so official.  Look at me go....

Secondly I added some shelves (the kind you can build IN the room a must due to small doorway at weird angle); through in a small folding table and couple of fold up chairs and voila...adorable, right?    Table even had a checker board on it--gaming potential!  

Not at all...the shelves started tipping a little at a time and had more of a "Pisa" style than an "academic though petite" style (dangerous and unsettling to watch)....when I added the carts (which I need for delivering books to various locations)...the table and chairs had to be folded up....giving it more of a back room of a layaway department look....so...down came the shelves...I put the table and chairs in my car (for now) and all the books are on standard library carts which are in dire need of a "pimp my ride" plan...  they are organized by.....ok they are not...

I inherited 2-tall/thin (in that lovely industrial beige color) metal storage cabinets....which gives me closed storage for a minor collection of "non book stuff" and a magnetic wall of sorts....a functional/ugly solution...maybe someday I will paint them? or not....

I brought in enough mini-baskets to start my own company and started genrefying...first 3 customers said they hate looking in the baskets...niiice :)   "even when they are in school colors, I said?"   Baskets are stacked in the corner..just in case...books back to carts

As part of plan to increase virtual connections/access...finally moved to google calendar published on-line, a book request form, and a collaboration request form....will continue to promote and celebrate when that has become a routine/viable solution... Starting with this...will always be building on this LibGuide and promoting it as an option.  Off to a slow start but am hopeful...still getting many emails/notes about requests...so however it happens, it's all good!

For 2 days, teachers sent kids my way--like old times...picture me, 6 carts of books, 2 cabinets, and 5-6 teenagers in a "browsing" setting...I was at first annoyed, embarrassed, sad--not sure--as it was not really the "experience" I strive to create...

BUT....not one complaint (other than the baskets and mine as I have about .3 cm for my mouse IF I also want to use keyboard :)....kids talked about books, told me about what they were reading, did read, wanted to read.....kids reassured me that "we would be fine and not to worry"...Trevor even asked if he could stay and read for a while like he did last year...I almost teared up....gave him my stool to "curl up on" and he immersed himself for about 20 minutes in his book...out of that office on days 2 and 3 of the school year, I connected with about 50 students....

One round came during a time when I was at another school (new world for me)...and my new neighbor--the speech pathologist....assisted each student, wrote down check out info, and said they left happy....

I knew Friday would be a big "let the kids all get a book day" and I always love that beginning of the year frenzy....you can't have a frenzy in a closet...SOOOO... time for Ms Lindy--the RV my husband and I purchased with  "I Love My librarian" Award I won a few years ago (and our own funds--no district $$ used) ...with District OK...I could use it as a supplement to our program with details to be ironed out....we named her MsLindy (follow on twitter @MsLindymobile)

Friday was READFEST--a few quick flyers, emails, FB/Twitter updates (and an amazing weather forecast) we took the library to the South Lawn of the 7th grade school and enjoyed book browsing, outdoor reading (lawnchairs and blankets), school supply giveaway (a friend donated), doorprizes for 2 lucky winners (donated)--checked out over 150 books and made a lot of people smile!  Repete the Parrot--our new library mascot--even made an appearance (despite the 90 degree weather!)

We took book requests, kids shared ideas about "what next", got several bookings set up for other literacy promos at our other schools...

We are #onaroll (pun intended)....I loved seeing former students while I worked at the HS library...met new 6th graders at one elem school, and even established a plan to collaborate with the Pre-K building library....

To quote my friends the Carpenters, we've only just begun...got a new collapsible red wagon in my trunk, a bookmobile in the parking lot, students who are up for the journey ahead, and a community of partners who will make great things happen!   

Lemons to Lemonade

I've certainly got the back to school pit in my stomach...but this year is different. I will be pushing in, embedding, going virtual, traveling to 6 schools (as all of our students have been relocated to 6 different schools in the District for the renovation time). I've always worked hard to be "everywhere" and this year, that concept takes on a whole new meaning.

So, I will be sharing library space at 5 of our existing schools and there is no formula for how this collaboration/co-existence will work or look. I will have a "base camp" at the 7th grade school--not really a library--more like a "library-ette" that is about the same size space that college freshmen are using to sharing with their first roommate.

Unchartered waters? Oh my, yes. Unanswered questions? By the hundreds. Uncertainty about what will work and how? But, of course.

Unlimited opportunities for turning lemons to lemonade? Sure are, and I plan to do everything in my power to lead the way and "Move with Impact"!

Oh yeah, and I bought a bookmobile. She makes her grand opening appearance Thursday....more to follow on that!

Twas the night before school starts...

Yes, ALL summer I said I would reconnect with my blog....all summer and I DID put it on my to do lists, I DID ponder it, I DID agonize over it...I did NOT however, do anything about it...so here we go...