School Library Cohort Brainstorming by Deborah Rinio

Instructions

d88s183_ — 2025-06-06 18:22:19 UTC

Within each section, add your ideas. Vote on each other's ideas by using the thumbs up/down. Use comments to build on each other's ideas and ask clarifying questions.

In the logistics column, vote on logistical aspects of the cohort such as frequency of meetings and platform.

Meeting Frequency

d88s183_ — 2025-06-06 18:23:03 UTC

Cohort Platform

d88s183_ — 2025-06-06 18:26:34 UTC

Advocacy

f321955 — 2025-06-07 00:34:53 UTC

Libraries have been under attack for a long time, but the situation is becoming dire. I feel like we should be informing each other of what's happening around the state and be united and targeted in our support for each other. We are a powerful group. I certainly learned that yesterday.

Zoom sessions

jarwilliams5 — 2025-06-07 00:35:32 UTC

scheduled and defined length of zoom meeting

AGENDA

debdcox — 2025-06-07 00:35:38 UTC

Mandatory to have an agenda, and try to stick to it. Should be sent out ahead of time as well as members can suggest topics

Support

juliedoepken — 2025-06-07 00:36:10 UTC

Members feel supported and energized after meeting. Members come away with concrete ideas.

Names and People to Call and Collaborate

rw08111 — 2025-06-07 00:36:33 UTC

It's important that we are able to contact each other and many (or most) school district do not publish the names of the library staff. This would be so helpful. We could also count and have a clear picture of the state of school libraries in AK

Asynchronous One

f360277 — 2025-06-07 00:37:07 UTC

Can we do an asynchronous one? When I was doing FB (I do not anymore) I really participated in a FB School Librarians group.

Norms

juliedoepken — 2025-06-07 00:37:12 UTC

Equity of voice -- encourage all to contribute

Honoring our time -- try to avoid getting off topic

Flexibility -- willingness to pivot if needed to support a cohort member

Sharing Resources and What Works

binek_erin — 2025-06-07 00:37:16 UTC

I would love to hear about all the wonderful things that librarians are doing. Maybe there can be a time to share successful lessons and resources.

Networks

f321955 — 2025-06-07 00:37:18 UTC

Librarians in very different situations across our vast distances are connected with and supported by other librarians in the state.

Possible discussion ideas

juliedoepken — 2025-06-07 00:38:33 UTC

Collection Development (esp diversity/culturally responsive titles)

Programming -- family engagement and reading events/activities

Discussion of current issues or problems that have come up for individuals in their spaces

Critical Media Literacy

f321955 — 2025-06-07 00:38:34 UTC

Librarians will have a vital role to play in bringing our state up to speed in critical media literacy and the instruction that builds that in our population. We need to share resources, best practices, ideas for overcoming obstacles, and successes.

Conference topics

jbamford1825 — 2025-06-07 00:38:52 UTC

Checking with each other on our progress with the topics we've covered at this conference. How's it going with building a reading community, striving to be culturally responsive, implementing news literacy in our schools, etc?

book recommendations

jarwilliams5 — 2025-06-07 00:38:58 UTC

librarians recommending books to each other, recommending books to patrons (students and adults)

finding a project together

hollis_robin — 2025-06-07 00:39:21 UTC

Create a project together and then apply it in your own library and then get back together to discuss and compare.

Successes

bdenboer98 — 2025-06-07 00:40:21 UTC

What's currently working - shout outs

Collaboration ideas

A way to share books - short reviews

Goals Being Implemented

wells_stevie — 2025-06-07 00:40:28 UTC

Based on the cohort goals, we would be successful if librarians were executing shared ideas.

positive rapport

hollis_robin — 2025-06-07 00:41:22 UTC

creating good relationships between students and coworkers. Working towards success of others to build confidance.

Successful Collaborations

forsyth_becky — 2025-06-07 00:42:10 UTC

It would be great to share ideas and resources with each other.

Respect

wells_stevie — 2025-06-07 00:42:24 UTC

Hearing each other out, creating a safe space without judgement.

AkLA Programs

erin_hollingsworth — 2025-06-07 00:42:33 UTC

Collaboratively work to propose programs for AkLA.

Sharing the good work of school libraries with the larger profession will help empower them to better advocate for school libraries.

Resource share out

AlisaWilliamsAK — 2025-06-07 00:42:53 UTC

Those that attend a national conference could share one or two resources they found.

having a begining of year schedule

hollis_robin — 2025-06-07 00:43:09 UTC

creating a pre-planned schedule to make sure groups meet up monthly/weekly,bi-weekly...to keep in contact and follow up on measurement goals

Support and ideas

jarwilliams5 — 2025-06-07 00:43:23 UTC

Reinforce support for ideas, small communities struggle with utilization of library and support can go a long way into continuing developing programs for students and community members

trends and advocacy

f360277 — 2025-06-07 00:44:00 UTC

Are some book-banning moms heading north? Who has already fought the "Heartstopper" fight and has a defense ready so you don't have to reinvent the wheel overnight for tomorrow's school board meeting?

We need a universal bat signal for emergency advocacy/help when time is of the essence.

Lesson Approaches

wells_stevie — 2025-06-07 00:44:10 UTC

Some days I have found myself struggling with implementing successful lessons or classroom management; it would be nice to hear methods from other librarians in my same position.

Being postive

hollis_robin — 2025-06-07 00:44:20 UTC

Supporting one another as well as staff and students to get through the school year and it's challenges in a positive way.

Grade level topics

AlisaWilliamsAK — 2025-06-07 00:44:55 UTC

We could work on a scope & sequence for grade level bands

Confidence

jarwilliams5 — 2025-06-07 00:48:35 UTC

Confidence in the plan going forward.

No Black Holes

sr020344 — 2025-06-07 00:49:47 UTC

Black holes are easier to create than to escape from. This isn't a venting session. We want to remain focused on a plan for positive movement and work.

no one in a fight feels alone

f360277 — 2025-06-07 00:50:00 UTC

If your job is on the chopping block, if your collection is being challenged, someone will listen, someone will help.