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Some people see can relate their lives in chapters in a grand book of life. I see life in volumes of books. This semester certainly was an entire book. Though I had known this was one I would have to work my way through, I did not expect to jump right in and write / read and reflect on it. What a semester it has been!
The biggest takeaway is the support. From call in videos from across the country, to past alumni, to our own classmates - the support and patience is always moving in a forward direction. No one is left behind. With this in mind, I reminded that this profession is one of caring about others and how they have access to information. 'Knowledge is power' as recognized by the early philosophers. As librarians we continue to be the beacon of learning.
Being the best one can be requires a vision, a mission, an assessment, action and a plan. All these we explored and developed. I have new lenses of how to view and apply my skills and what motivates me.
I have also learned to recognize the weak areas and not try to do too much - focus on getting through and mastering one task at a time. This particularly applies to the AASL standards. Looking at the wheels and the many indicators can seem confusing but breaking down one at time and working within what students need in my school with my resources - a formula to succeed is more apt to become a reality.
I have learned that our field is one that is most likely to receive the least funded budget and at times, the least respect. None of this is personal but we personally do have a hand in making a difference. What we see is not what others take away. We must remain vigilant in not fading into the stacks... we don't want to be weeded one day. Embracing the now is being engaged in social media networking. Humble brags are okay as long we are supporting others too.
I am going to miss this group and I commend all of you on your milestone to graduation.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

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I am excited and distressed as I begin my final reflection.  I feel ready to implement the lessons learned, improve my practices based on the knowledge gained, and become an active member of the school librarian community.  However, I do not want to give up the familiarity and comfort of being a student in the Rutgers MI program.  This course in particular and the whole MI experience in general have been a source of direction and encouragement.  I feel prepared to create a positive library program that will support my learners and their teachers while feeling worried that I will be without my anchor at Rutgers.  That being said…

Personal Learning Network!  My first takeaway that has really carried throughout the whole program, but was cemented in 575 is that the school library community supports all of its members.  While I will no longer have the comfort blanket of being an MI student, I will have the PLN that I started and will continue to grow.  This will be a source for continued growth, experienced support, and incredible inspiration.  The librarians we met at the hangouts and through the playlists attest to that.  I have no doubt that I will be seeing many of my 575 classmates out there providing that same leadership to which I refer.  I have always been shy about putting myself out there, but I hope that you too will see me participating as a contributing member of the vast support system.

Plan!  The school library media specialist has numerous responsibilities that defy outside assumptions and narrow views of the profession.  Therefore, strategic planning not only keeps you on target, but it also provides insight to those who should know the value of the library program you are building and supporting.  I will remember not to plan alone.  It is important to gather data, get feedback, and build a team that will move the library program forward.  And I will refer to the AASL Standards for guidance.  They are the product of years of experience and evolution.

Mission and Vision!  This was the first time I really understood the practice of developing mission and vision statements.  The process of creating these guiding statements for assignment 2 put me in the state of mind to thoughtfully and sincerely consider my goals for the school library program.  Established mission and vision statements can provide a north star when needed.  They can focus our efforts as we plan and execute all aspects of the library program.  They set the overall goal.  Also, S.M.A.R.T Goals… this was a new concept to me and I appreciated the introduction.

Thanks so much Dr. Valenza.  Thanks so much everyone. This has been a whirlwind of learning! I appreciate all of you!

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One thing I would tell the next semester of students is to get a jump start if possible, there is a lot of reading to be completed and a lot of work to be done, so get a head start when ever possible, really use Spring break to your advantage!

The most valuable lesson I learned is in making an action plan and the tools to present that plan effectively to those who make the decisions. Also, the changes that might nee dto happen in your library may come at no cost so don't let lack of money get in your way.

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Through this course and its related activities, I have gained a new appreciation for the AASL National Standards and how they support collaboration, I have explored the essential connections between libraries and communities, and I have embraced the idea that libraries need bold leadership to continuously reflect on their mission and respond to the changing needs of our communities.

At the beginning of the semester I found myself constantly referring back to the AASL Standards book, but now I finally feel like I have internalized the basic principles more, and I'm ready to move forward with using the Standards to help teachers understand how we can work together.

I have definitely seen the importance of being responsive to my community, observing its needs, and experimenting with different solutions. I have managed to streamline a lot of procedures related to the management of the district's technology resources to make more room for those activities I consider true library activities. I have made it a point to reach out to colleagues and say yes to any ideas they approach me with, and that has gone a long way toward developing relationships.

The biggest idea has been not to be afraid to be bold. I feel like I dreamed big in the projects that I did for this class, and then I took those big ideas and presented them to various administrators like a take-out menu. Various administrators chose what they liked from my ideas and gave me practical advice on how to move forward in my specific environment. This helped my to build credibility as a leader. Without this class, I might still have had some of the same creative ideas, but I would not have had them packaged and ready to share in ways that helped others to see the role of a librarian as a leadership role. Now that I'm starting to get recognized as leader, I feel like many more doors will be open to me when I want to innovate in the future.

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One of my biggest takeaways from this semester is linked to the AASL standards and how I am going to implement them when I have my own library. Unlike content area standards, our standards are not tied to a specific content area and allow for us to collaborate and create while teaching 21st century college and career readiness skills. I hope I can continue to collaborate with my peers and help them build inquiry units where their skills and standards are being met while mine are too.

The lesson that will continue to resonate for me is not necessarily one that I learned this semester, but it is one that over the duration of this program has grown in importance for me: balance. With all things, seek balance. Whether it’s building a collection and development policy or designing a new website for the library or collaborating on a professional development workshop, seek balance. I hope when I lead a library that I will find a balance between noise and silence, a balance between generifying and DDS, a balance between building my collection and spending wisely.

Finally, the last takeaway I’d like to share is about all of you. We are in this together. We are the future of our profession, and our profession is only as strong as we make it. I’m thankful that I had the opportunity to work with such dedicated and passionate professionals and I look forward to working alongside of you as we continue on this library journey!

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One of the most valuable things that I learned was creating an action plan. There are a lot of steps that go into creating a plan. Also it is very time consuming so in the future, I would make sure to set up enough time to work on a plan before the planned board meeting. I do have to improve on creating board presentations.

Another useful tool that I learned was what to bring and do during an interview. I have been on interviews before but none for a school. Interviews could be intimidating but with the useful tips, I will feel better when entering my first interview.

This course has prepared me in multiple ways for the real world. It helped me realize what it takes to manage a school library. I learned new tools that would be helpful. I also found new people to follow on social media through our lectures each week.

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I think the most valuable thing I have learned in this course is that there is no one set way to run a school library. Libraries are like snowflakes, each and everyone different. There are so many factors that can change how a library looks and is run. While librarians are in charge of the library, administration is in charge of everything, and therefore can affect what is possible or impossible for a library. Physical space can only be controlled to a point. Materials and collection is based on budget, space and need.

Most importantly a library needs to be a space that best serves each different community and their needs.

While I have been running my school library for three years now, I still found I learned a lot in this course that I will try to integrate into my work. I gained so many wonderful resources  and solutions and suggestions to some of what I live through daily.

For next semester's students I would suggest taking a moment every now and then to focus, plan and then hit the ground running.

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Most valuable thing in this course:

The most valuable thing I learned in this course is that my network does not have to be in my physical space. I am so happy that I began my first job while taking this course. If not, I might have ran back to my old job and given up on my dream! I have learned that the world of teacher librarians is powerful and helpful. I will continue to monitor social media and blogs regularly. I will continue to seek help from other media specialists. This is by far the most wonderful thing from this semester.

Prepared for the real world:

While I am currently in the “real world”, this course has given me the tools I need to survive it! I understand now that I cannot do it all at once. I think the presentation tools and an understanding of how to build relationships has been really helpful. The take it slow advice that has been fed to me all semester is so important.

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One valuable thing I did was the 3 year strategic plan.  It really helped to look at the library program and see what the weaknesses are.  Then to think "what can I do to improve it?" It is important to realize that it cannot all be done overnight and takes time.  I am glad I learned about the library's budget and all that goes into ordering books and supplies.

Another valuable thing was discovering new digital tools.  I learned about some from my classmates and tried some on my own.  It is always great to try new things and step out of your comfort zone.

Finally, I loved the class discussions. It was great hearing about everyone's field experiences. I learned so much from everyone and appreciate everyone's ideas and feedback. We truly had a great group of people in this class who supported and helped one another. Good luck to everyone in their careers!

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AHA #1 - Managing a library is a huge job.  I knew this, but now I REALLY know it.  We have learned about the many aspects of librarianship through our coursework,  At times, managing the people, teaching the students, collaborating with staff, working with administration, taking care of the collection and the physical space as well as advocating for your library can be overwhelming.  On the other hand, every day is a new adventure.  You can’t predict what will happen!  I like that aspect of the job in addition to the challenge of being responsible for an entire library. I have already seen how important it is to ask for help, whether it be from other librarians in the district or my PLN.

AHA #2 - We need to educate our administrators and teachers about the National School Library Standards.  The more I talk to other librarians, the more I hear complaints about outdated curriculum.  In my own district, we are currently referred to as “book goddesses.”  We

are told to use the NJ Student Learning Standards for ELA and Technology in our plans.  Next year, I will be inviting my administrators to attend NJASL so they can learn firsthand about the standards.

AHA #3 - Through our collection development, readers advisory and lessons in the library, we can have an impact on our communities by promoting tolerance, kindness and respect for all.  The mission and vision statements give us the opportunity to verbalize these thoughts.  My library does not currently have a mission statement or a vision statement, but it is something I will be pursuing with my library colleagues in the district.

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One of the most valuable things I have learned this semester is it doesn't all have to happen at once. First year librarians can often be overwhelmed. Remember, if your students are walking away with books in hand you are doing good. Implementing the standards and changing how people view you and your library may take time and that is ok. I am some what of a perfectionist and I want everything to be cookie cutter nice. But to know that I have a support team (My PLN) I know I will be ok.
Something surprising to me was seeing the disparity in the schools I worked in. I had no idea how different they would be. It opened my eyes to privilaged and underprivilaged students and ways I can help or reach those students (the means will be different with every school and sometimes child)  I am so thankful for my FE experience. I hope to continue helping Craig throughout the school year. He has such a passion that makes it hard to walk away.
Behavior management in the classroom and seeing it in my FE is probably something that has helped me prepare for my real world challenges. How to handle situations and how sometimes the calm is better than making a storm. Realizing that these kids have things going on at home that most of us wouldn't even think about. This is really a big thing when working with students and it opened my eyes.
Advice to students entering this course. Listen to Dr. V, her words are golden. Listen to each other, and talk about the different challenges, and experiences you are having. You are not alone and really everyone is in the same race. Help each other, share ideas, become a great team. I see some of my classmates becoming really big power advocates in the library world. I can't wait to follow them and see where they go. I want to say that will be me someday too but I am still raising my kids. In the mean time support each other and be willing to try new things!

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While I've only been at one place for my field experience, I feel as though I've been to many, thanks to all your wonderfully diverse insights and situational applications at your own field experiences. Thank you, all, for your wisdom, suggestions, and ideas!

As for one of the most valuable things learned during this course, I will definitely have to mention the creation of a strategic plan. As I have mentioned before, math and finances are my weakness and I was nervous to design a plan in which I'd have to manage money effectively and creatively for a school library program over the course of 3 years. But in my own work with my FEL mentor and in all of yours, I could see that it was all about being reasonable and seeking out the most important solutions or changes that are realistic.

Throughout our studies, we've been exposed to some of the most innovative school library programs where inspiring makerspaces are appreciated, sufficient staffing is provided, and collaboration on curricular goals and inquiry units are regular and expected. But I think many of those places also tend to be financially secure and well-supported. I consider it a blessing to have had my field experience at a Title 1 school, where the community is diverse and many of the students come from low-income families. Through this class, I was able to apply knowledge gained to a situation that isn't the fanciest or maybe the most innovative, but is still successful in its own way and valued by the learning community for what it can offer.

To any future students of this class: Wherever you end up, there will be beauty in what is already there. Maybe there are lots of improvements to be made, but always start with "what works" before progressing with the "what needs to change." The most successful libraries aren't always the most financially rich, but they'll be rich in other aspects. And if you're not sure where to look for that beauty, look at the students and the learning community--they're your beacon for change anyway because if the library is going to evolve (which it will probably need to), it needs to evolve around them.

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1. What was the most valuable thing that you learned in this course?

-Creating a three year strategic plan for the library. It’s not something I necessarily would have thought about it’s so important. School libraries are so foreign to me but we focused on so many different aspects of the position and environment that I feel more confident than when I did in the beginning of the semester. I think a contributing factor is taking this course while doing the field experience. The course and the information is so much more relevant and accessible when I can see it being used and talk about it with someone who is doing it.

-Focusing on the school standards, what they are, mean, and how to use them was really important for me. I’m not super confident when it comes to building curriculum around so many different standards but spending so much time on the AASL standards I now feel like I at least have a firm understanding of the library standards.

-Thinking about the different ways to engage students in the library. I love the idea of students doing research and picking books, opening new book boxes, leaving post messages about ideas for the library. I’ll take these ideas where every I end, public or school library.

2. What was surprising to you?

-I was surprised at how much I really enjoyed the School Environment Scan and Needs Assessment and Action Plan. I was able to learn so much about the district, the schools, the community, and staff through these assignments. I’ll use the subtopics from the School Environment Scan to get an idea of a school and the district when looking for a future school library positions. They’re really great areas to look into about a school.