Library Advocacy:
What does it mean? What does it look like?
Every school is unique in the way they function and the community they serve, but there are many Teacher Librarians who excel in promoting their program and the learning that is happening in their space. There are many different ways this can be done, but it is critical that I determine where I need to focus my attention to promote the wonderful things that are happening in my library.
I believe the following sites and articles will help me to define more clearly what it is I am looking for and what the needs of my school may be:
Although this site refers to public libraries, the focus on advocacy and developing a personal plan for advocacy look useful. I initially discovered this site on https://www.ala.org/pla/leadership/advocacy/turningthepage.
https://www.publiclibraryadvocacy.org/curriculum-sessions/
Giles, N. (2020). One small voice: My school library advocacy journey. Knowledge Quest, 48(4), 22. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1250005.pdf
Looking at how one school librarian created a plan for advocacy for her program.
Gruenthal, Heather ( 2012). A School library advocacy alphabet. Young Adult Library Services, 11(1), 13-18. https://web.s.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=1&sid=d04dccf2-4b38-46b4-9515-43be2b1540a7%40redis
Breaking down what advocacy can look like with many practical ideas as well as looking at the bigger picture of how to effectively advocate.
Stripling, Barbara K. (2014). Reimagining advocacy for school libraries. American Libraries Magazine, September/October, 8-13. https://digital.americanlibrariesmagazine.org/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=6c7cb940-d8fb-43d8-8ad8-864bf0e83f38
Looking at how to determine the message, build partnerships, and evaluate the impact of my advocacy.
Canadian School Libraries. Leading learning: Standards of practice for school library learning commons in Canada. http://llsop.canadianschoollibraries.ca/supporting-you-measurement-growth-tool/
Reading through the Leading Learning site and using some of the rubrics found there can also help me to frame my needs and determine where I need to go next.
Adopting the Language
A large part of advocacy is going to involve strengthening my understanding of the ISTE standards and Future Ready Librarians and School Framework and adopting this language.
Who can I look to as a mentor?
Shannon McClintock Miller is a great example of how to advocate for your program and promote student learning.
McClintock Miller, Shannon. https://vanmeterlibraryvoice.blogspot.com/
Hursch, Angela. https://superlibrarymarketing.com/category/library-marketing/
Website on library marketing and how to enhance your promotions.
Up-skilling
If I want to be successful in developing a tool/resource that I continuously use, I need to ensure I have the necessary skills. I have heard for several years that LibGuides in an excellent way to promote a LLC, and my colleague has recently begun to set something up for our school, but I have not created any content for the students/staff and parents I work with. It is going to be critical that I take some tutorials to be able to use Libguides in a way that makes sense and is accessible for my patrons. It will also mean ensuring I have the most up to date knowledge to use databases and resources we already subscribe to so I can ensure I am promoting their strengths to our staff
Follett webinar with Shannon McClintock Miller with different tools to help engage our learners https://www.follettcommunity.com/s/communityevent/a1l2J000003j8TmQAI/digital-tools-apps-essential-tools-for-curriculumfocused-teacher-librarians
You have linked and curated a strong list of resources to support you with your inquiry. You have a strong focus and have found some quality resources. You have done a good job synthesizing your learning from your research; however, more detailed annotations for these sources may be helpful for your reader.
ReplyDelete