Seen as though I started this blog as a way to record my reflections as I wend my way along that tricky path known as 'career' it seemed like a good time to write some stuff down. You know, so I don't forget where I'm at with what I like to call 'the game of trying to gain library experience in any way, shape or form'. So, what have I been up to lately?
Well, actually, work has been pretty darn interesting over the past couple of weeks and a lot of things seem to be gradually happening to do with the school library. In order of most exciting thing these are:
1. Getting to talk and present a Prezi to the sixth formers about referencing and research skills (since introducing ourselves to them we've been inundated with requests for help which is a massively GOOD THING). I'm also designing a handbook for use with coursework and extended projects.
2. Being allowed to build and edit pages for the new school website about the library. This is brilliant because hither to mine and my manager's time at the school there was NO online presence for the library at all. Not to say that the library must be ALL about technology, but it's important to keep up to date and relevant as otherwise we'd probably fade to nothingness within the school community. I'm enjoying this as I'm learning some new skills that I didn't have before.
3. Becoming more involved with Library Lessons in the foreseeable future working in partnership with the English Department. This is great as it validates the library's role. I am beginning to realise how difficult the job of a school librarian is. In fact, it infuriates me when people automatically respond to you telling them you're a librarian with the typical "oh, don't you just stamp books?" answer. No! As a school librarian you must constantly liaise with faculties and departments in order to promote the library's services, organise library events including author visits, reading groups and library lessons, provide exciting, appetising reading material for a broad spectrum of children aged between 11 and 18 and make sure the library is constantly updated with shiny displays, newspapers, journals, DVDs, and a myriad of other things! This is not to say that it is a terrible job. It's FANTASTIC! And challenging. But mostly great fun.
4. Hoping to get involved with the school's new VLE, Frog. This looks a lot of fun and could be used so advantageously by the library. I am looking forward to its unveiling with bated breath.
5. Oh and last but by no means least - this is the best one I think - volunteering at the local library doing IT support and teaching a 70 year old man to email his grandson for the first time! He was genuinely excited by how fast he picked up typing and couldn't believe how useful the internet can be. That made my day.
So it's going great at the moment. A full time position would be absolutely fantastic, as would an actual library of my own to manage, but in the meantime I'm determined to make the most of whatever opportunities come my way. So, whenever I feel stuck in a rut I can always look back and see that I have done things and more importantly can do things. Wahey!
Well, actually, work has been pretty darn interesting over the past couple of weeks and a lot of things seem to be gradually happening to do with the school library. In order of most exciting thing these are:
1. Getting to talk and present a Prezi to the sixth formers about referencing and research skills (since introducing ourselves to them we've been inundated with requests for help which is a massively GOOD THING). I'm also designing a handbook for use with coursework and extended projects.
2. Being allowed to build and edit pages for the new school website about the library. This is brilliant because hither to mine and my manager's time at the school there was NO online presence for the library at all. Not to say that the library must be ALL about technology, but it's important to keep up to date and relevant as otherwise we'd probably fade to nothingness within the school community. I'm enjoying this as I'm learning some new skills that I didn't have before.
3. Becoming more involved with Library Lessons in the foreseeable future working in partnership with the English Department. This is great as it validates the library's role. I am beginning to realise how difficult the job of a school librarian is. In fact, it infuriates me when people automatically respond to you telling them you're a librarian with the typical "oh, don't you just stamp books?" answer. No! As a school librarian you must constantly liaise with faculties and departments in order to promote the library's services, organise library events including author visits, reading groups and library lessons, provide exciting, appetising reading material for a broad spectrum of children aged between 11 and 18 and make sure the library is constantly updated with shiny displays, newspapers, journals, DVDs, and a myriad of other things! This is not to say that it is a terrible job. It's FANTASTIC! And challenging. But mostly great fun.
4. Hoping to get involved with the school's new VLE, Frog. This looks a lot of fun and could be used so advantageously by the library. I am looking forward to its unveiling with bated breath.
5. Oh and last but by no means least - this is the best one I think - volunteering at the local library doing IT support and teaching a 70 year old man to email his grandson for the first time! He was genuinely excited by how fast he picked up typing and couldn't believe how useful the internet can be. That made my day.
So it's going great at the moment. A full time position would be absolutely fantastic, as would an actual library of my own to manage, but in the meantime I'm determined to make the most of whatever opportunities come my way. So, whenever I feel stuck in a rut I can always look back and see that I have done things and more importantly can do things. Wahey!
