A California-based live chat for California school librarians, with school librarians and school library supporters from anywhere welcome and encouraged to join us.
Welcome to our #calibchat live chat. Our topic tonite is “Start the school year off right - sharing the library love with students & staff.” This chat is for Calif school library friends & any friends across the country & globe are welcome! Please introduce yourself & join in!
Into: Kate Applebee, first year TL at a high school, former English T for 14 years (6 at my current site), 2nd TL for my site (we’re a “new” school) #calibchat
I’m a retired CA TL, Rutgers part-time instructor of preservice librarians, a #4CSLA Past Prez, 2017-18 #aaslbestwebsites committee chair, #calibchat Here’s my “digital business card”
A1 Thinking of offering x amount of special prizes to first teachers that book a project with me. Think @jzimnycricket does something similar. #calibchat
A1: @Kait_Price11 and I work hard to visit every T in their classrooms during their prep periods. We try not to wait for them to visit us- we go to them!#calibchat
A1: Personally introducing myself to new teachers/staff is crucial. And, a note to all the staff inviting them to the library & sharing services is another "must do." If you can squeeze it in, an open house is a nice idea. #calibchat
A1b We give staff presents made from weeded books. Want to do something earlier. Last year we waited till November. #calibchat Gave students a #hyperdoc for up-cycling books. Their ideas > mine.
A2 #CALIBCHAT I adopted the library services menu idea I saw on Twitter and handing them out on postcards to everyone. I also joined the new teacher luncheon to emphasize the fact I’m here for them.
A1: I’ve tried to keep the staff informed of what I’m doing as I learn the ropes. Most have been gracious, but I’m dealing with one T who thinks that I have changed the rules. I’m trying to be positive in my interactions. #calibchat
A2: I have asked Ss to tell me how the book they are checking out is when they return it. I greet Ss as they come in the door (as much as possible). I make sure to use polite words. It’s been awesome to see their smiles and responses. #calibchat
You will always have some teachers who think that it was better in the past. Just be gracious, enthusiastic, and they will come around eventually! #calibchat
A2 Smile and greet them when they come in the door! Made a student services menu too. #calibchat and since my district has no k-8 librarians or clerks at all schools I do freshman welcome orientations.
A2: Today a new girl came in and seemed nervous so I introduced her to one of our makerspace Ss. He showed her all about the 3D printer at lunch. I bet she will be back tmwr! #calibchat
Remembering names has always been a challenge for me, but I know it's so important. We all love hearing our own names & knowing someone cares enough to remember it! #calibchat
I suggested it to my Principal and he was adamant that lunch was not to be eaten in the Library - we’ve had past issues with creatures. I’m working on him, but it’s slow. #calibchat
A3: I want to help create a culture of reading in our high school by: 1. reading more myself and 2. Encouraging & supporting Ts to lead their own book clubs at school (in addition to our own library book clubs!) #calibchat
Once I let them eat, there was actually less mess. Prior, they would sneak and hide the trash. I lost a lot of advanced kiddos that wanted a place to work and eat. #calibchat
A3: #Flipgrid I already have a staff topic that I am launching tomorrow and that our Superintendent is participating in next week in order to promote the book for his Superintendent Book Club and I have another one planned for Open House. #calibchat
I asked my classroom students at the end of last year to identify a problem that affects the Library & propose a solution. One of the problems that was repeated was only having 30 minutes to eat & work on assignments & not being able to do both in the same space. #calibchat
In reply to
@jane_librarian, @KatieJMcNamara, @MsMacLibLady
A3 #calibchat. I want to make library importance more visible districtwide. I’m presenting CA k-12 databases to district principals and district office managers at their meeting on 9/5. The idea that libraries only mean books needs to be overcome.
Thanks so much for coming! Our next #calibchat will be on Sept 28 at 5pm PT. Please mark your calendar, & #helpafriendgrow -- spread the word. And, do please be sure to follow everyone in the chat if you aren’t already.
Darn me selling my house! I missed #calibchat again! I do a raffle for a bottle of wine at the beginning of the year. Super popular! :-) Love this idea @KatieJMcNamara
