A short review of: Innovative Strategies for Increasing the Impact of Your School Library Program

Innovative Strategies for Increasing the Impact of Your School Library Program: Reflection 

As I was sitting on my couch fiddling through the pages on the screen of my iPad, I couldn’t help but reflect on some of the topics that were presented in the Innovative Strategies for Increasing the Impact of Your School Library Program. Several chapters required me to ponder on how I can implement a few of these critical pieces of advice that could increase engagement in the function of my library. My thoughts are my understanding and ways can use the following topics. 

Marketing Matters

AI-Generated: Boy posting on Corkboard

This chapter centers the interest of the patron by analyzing the results of the surveys and research. There is a digest of what the patrons would like and then using that information to produce similar products. For example, Kun experienced that students loved superhero graphic novels, however, she wanted the students to increase their rigor by ordering biographical graphic novels to try having them learn about historical events and historical people. To her success, more students checked out these books. By using the proximity of similar books that students like to check out and utilizing surveys, The library can be a product of the patrons. 

“A great product will sell even if the promotion is poor, but a great promotion cannot sell a bad product.” This is one of the quotes that resounded significantly in my library. With new hats being placed on librarians in the Houston Independent School District, there are not many chances to promote the library the way I or the head librarian would like to. However, by providing great service, we serve with the brightest greetings whenever we have a chance, “How may I help you?” This attempt to be friendly allowed the students to know that even though myriad activities are occurring in the library, there is still a pleasant librarian behind the chaos.  

Technology is Never Going to Stop

AI-Generated: Modern robot shelving books

The totality of this chapter gives examples of the ever-growing technological trends that librarians should have in their arsenal of expertise. There are particular programs and new technologies that are arriving at schools that students should be aware of. Such as: Virtual Reality, Anti-bullying technology, Robots, Makerspaces, mobile learning & BYOD. Each program was intriguing in its own right. The programs that my students would benefit from learning are anti-bullying awareness, STEM-powered art, Makerspaces, Virtual Reality, and Coding. Implementing these programs in my library can be beneficial and keep the library new and living. 

My thoughts continue to focus on my library, I would like to set up equipment for virtual reality and gamification. I am excited about virtual reality because I think it is a neat way for students to create a third space for themselves to create. The enigma of going to a place to create a space is wonderfully fantastic and I think most patrons would agree that this implementation in the library would be a shift for the student's perception of learning.

Lights, Camera, ACTION

AI-Generated: Black librarian helping a student with legos.

An interesting title for a chapter, It brought me back to my film industry days. Working on set, I would always have to be on my toes. Similar to the work I do now as a librarian. I especially found this chapter’s introduction with a list of health, mental wellness, and different physical activities to increase brain cell growth and examples of many physical activities to achieve this. The last piece of advice surely was tantalising. The beneficial advice correlates to the epitome of the makerspace and the crossing intersection of formal and informal learning. Combing the interest of the students and expanding their curiosity to practical activities. Using the problem-solving activity loop to guide instruction can guide expectations within each step. 

Creating spaces like this can truly be daunting. With the type of middle-year students I have there will have to be clear expectations with every available project we could have funded. However, getting started with the robotics club and using simple crafting supplies in the art department there can be endless activities that I can incorporate within my library. Students in my library often do not know what to make with their maker space. I think that by having a 3-D printer we can find accessors that perhaps teachers need. Pencil holders, paperweights, etc. These things can enhance the space’s usability.

Loaded, Level up Lessons

AI-Generated: Black is planning with a pencil in his office.

Entering into this new venture of being a librarian was nerve-wracking for me because for a while I did not have the skill of properly planning a lesson in the Library program. I had never seen it before, or if I did I was particularly too young to remember.  What a relief to have read this specific chapter. This helpful chapter guides the reader on how to properly construct a library lesson plan. The Loaded, level-up lessons chapter is about ways to increase the efficiency of creating lesson plans. A successful lesson plan is planned well in advance and integrates one technology element and one maker space element. Creating a lesson topic for the whole year, laying out the list of books, maker space activities, and library lessons can make things organized for the librarian. 

This shifted my perception by implementing visual aids in my planning strategy. Matching different activities in the library that we have available can correlate with a book. Then listing out the different books I want students to read throughout the year makes it easier to match with a technology aspect. I think it is a proactive way to plan for the whole year. The maker space element forces me to think outside the box when promoting the spaces available and demonstrating how they could be used in the library.  This chapter was one of the most useful of them all. 

Mining for Data and Striking Gold Everytime

                                 AI-Generated: Gnome data mining in front of a computer.

Finally, the last of the chapters I read, before I drifted off to the vastness of potential library activities. I was lulled to the benefit of measuring, collecting, analyzing, and reporting data about learners to optimize learning. In hindsight, my past teaching experiences made it easier to familiarize myself with responding to students' data. I found it intriguing how and what the data could be used for.  Who knew that the amount of library exposure can increase a student's performance in school?  The direct correlation between the library and score reports is exclusive to the success of the learner. Targeting homerooms with special programming can uplift trouble-scoring students. Collaborations with teachers can be helpful to use the library as a small group room where they can continue learning or relearning a specific subject in class. 

I know that my Library is used for small group testing such as TELPAS and Gifted and Talented placement testing. However, the role of sitting in department meetings is something of a new concept, especially for the district I serve. Introducing this concept of sitting in on department meetings and retrieving real data about student performance could be seen as advantageous because of the results of creating a particular literacy library that all subjects can use. 

 I finally closed my iPad and clicked the pen to set aside, insightful thoughts filled my mind with the chapter on “Innovative Strategies for Increasing the Impact of Your School Librarian Program”, I am inspired to embark on a journey of transformation within my own library. The importance of effective marketing to harnessing the power of technology, and from fostering creativity through maker spaces to optimizing lesson planning and data mining for student success, these strategies offer a roadmap for elevating the role of the school library. By implementing these innovative approaches. 

I am confident that my library will not only become a hub of knowledge but also a vibrant center for learning, collaboration, and growth. As I embrace these strategies with enthusiasm and determination, I look forward to witnessing the positive impact they have on my students and the broader school community. All in all inspiration and empowerment through these transformative strategies will strengthen my school’s library program.