The community scan and needs assessment provided valuable insight into understanding our complete community, not just what we deal with inside the school’s walls.  Developing a strategic plan was extremely valuable for me this semester.  I’ve been a part of the school library world for quite some time, but I’ve never witnessed the librarians I’ve worked with create an extended plan.  Navigating the overall planning process, has given me tools that will be of practical use in real life.   I also truly enjoyed developing an interactive workshop for a group within our community.  It stretched my thinking to be more inclusive and allowed me to consider participant engagement rather than simply presenting.  

I would tell students entering this course next semester that they should really pay attention to the weekly discussions.  Read them all!  Each and everyone of our classmates this semester contributed in such engaging ways.  It is through these discussions that we are able to see firsthand how other libraries function and what librarians are doing in real life practice.  I would also suggest curating from Dr. Valenza’s weekly playlists.  I’ve found so many wonderful resources in those playlists that I just know will be of value in the future.  

I am so extremely proud to officially be joining the field of librarianship with all of you!  Thank you for helping guide my learning this semester. 

It’s difficult to name the one most important thing I have learned this semester, as there were so many valuable lessons… But if I had to narrow it down to the most essential understanding I gained, it would be “the pyramids weren’t built overnight.” Sometimes it feels like I am in over my head, trying to complete my coursework, working as a full-time teacher, while running the library on my own time, and still having a personal life. My mentor told me, “you’re doing fine,” and it occurred to me how much I really needed to hear that. I am doing fine, and though I have had many obstacles in trying to build a library program in my school, the fact that I’m trying and doing my best has to be good enough. Finishing up my coursework and graduating opens up a lot of time that I can use to focus on other things, including this new advocacy work I’m involved in for NJASL, working more on the ideas I have to build up my program, and continuing to seek out PD experiences and networking opportunities.

2. 

I was surprised by how many librarians also feel like staff and admins have no clue what librarians do. I thought my situation, in which I am the only employee at my school that truly understands the role of a librarian, was unique, and I thought this was a result of them never having had a full-time, certified librarian on staff. Wow, how wrong I was. So many schools with certified librarians still have no idea, which is a bit alarming. 

I was also surprised that other faculty don’t understand that a master’s degree is required for SLMS certification. This is obviously a direct result of so many school libraries being run by volunteers and/or paraprofessionals, and from the profession itself being so “seemingly” isolated. It really doesn’t need to be that way, which brings me back to Advocacy. As fresh graduates from this program, it is our responsibility to advocate for our profession, one way is to join NJASL’s advocacy efforts (wink, wink). 

I used to think people might be “put off” if I asked for help but now I know that’s not true. In fact, it’s been the opposite. This has also given me a true understanding of the value of collaboration now that I’m doing it. 

I started a new job as a librarian at the public library at the end of September. While not a school library, this course definitely provided real-life preparation. I learned to get a sense of the culture and listen to people in the community, especially when starting out. My ideas, especially with regards to technology, have to connect with where my community is. I also learned to adjust how I deliver a message based on the recipient. A presentation to the principal or board may be highlight cost-benefit features whereas one to faculty might highlight pedagogical benefits.

I would recommend two things. Go to as many weekly sessions as you can! If not, definitely listen to the recordings. Also, get your classmates’ contact information and social media handles.