Strong Library Programs take a TEAM effort

My mentor, Jennifer Langford

My blog post for February is really a multi-part post, and I only have myself to blame as I haven't kept up with blogging as much as I want to. In my head I craft these great posts-at least twice a month, but they never manage to make it to the computer! However, February 2015 has been a month unlike one I've ever experienced in my professional career, and I feel I must stop and get these thoughts out of my head! It started back in October, when I was approached by a dear friend, colleague, and mentor, Jennifer Langford, who explained to me I was being nominated for the Texas Computer Educators Association (TCEA) Library Media Specialist of the Year.  Now, knowing the extremely talented and hardworking librarians that are in my district, I was incredibly honored that I had been selected to represent my district for a chance at this award. The nomination process forced me to reflect on some programs I had implemented the past year and, to an extent, my entire career as a librarian. 

During that reflection a few things became very clear to me: First, I have been tremendously lucky that my persistence (that's the professional term, others may call it stubbornness or something far worse!) with some ideas hasn't caused my emails to be directed to spam folders or my phone number to be added to the do not call list of district administrators! Thank you for continuing to listen.  Your willingness to go beyond the, "we've always done it THIS way" thought process has been very liberating. Thank you Doug Shudde for not running fast and far away from me when I first met you two years ago!

Eric Tobias,  Hector Garcia Middle School principal

Secondly, I can't emphasize enough the importance of a principal who is willing to listen to ideas and allow professionals the room to explore those ideas. What I proposed to my principal two-three years ago had to do with our technology deployment and didn't just involve his approval, but the approval of cabinet level administrators in our district. He believed in the vision enough that he stuck his neck out to propose the plan multiple times, even after we had struck a wall. To have that kind of support is invaluable. So many people talk about taking risks and giving your staff the freedom to take risks, but I have proof now that it's not just talk for my principal. I can't say enough of what it means when I put my professional name on the line to have my principal put his name right alongside mine. The idea I proposed is still in the implementation stage, and it still requires some prodding, but having his name backing me up gives me strength/courage to continue when obstacles appear. He truly has made me a far better professional, forcing me to clarify ideas and consider all points of view while still focusing on my original thought. I am immensely fortunate that our paths have crossed.

Some of the hardworking teachers of HGMS

Thirdly, an idea that involves people other than yourself to see it through requires just the right kind of people. The teachers on my campus have been (for the most part) incredibly receptive to experimenting with new tools. I know it makes some of them uncomfortable, and with their time already stretched thin, their willingness to learn new tools, strategies, and sometimes methods of teaching, makes me so very thankful. I value their time and understand the pressures they are under in terms of curriculum timelines and am so appreciative of their willingness to let me experiment with their classes. An idea remains just an idea until an enthusiastic teacher implements it and it becomes reality. The enthusiasm of just a few on campus, ignites an energetic spark that can only come from a teacher "in the trenches" and THAT is how change is made on campus: proven success in a classroom. 

Finally, looking back at the time I spent teaching in classrooms, planning with teachers, meeting with administrators, fleshing out and tweaking my own ideas all required time outside of the library. I have been fortunate enough to have parents who are able to serve as volunteers in the library so that it remains open serving students who need to checkout books, use the computers, need a quiet place to work or just simply a place they can relax and take a break for a moment. I think of the time I spent outside the library-it certainly wasn't time wasted, but had I been forced to close the library during those times or forced to spend my time shelving books,  I know my idea wouldn't have been implemented the way it has been now. I simply wouldn't have felt comfortable taking the library space and resources away from those students who needed them when I was working outside the library.  Without a library assistant, my volunteers have been a HUGE piece of the success of the library program. As I mentioned earlier, there are so many talented and hardworking librarians in my district and with the extra support an assistant could provide, I have no doubt in my mind they all could bring about amazing changes on their campuses. I hope our district leaders realize that just one person CAN maintain a strong library program, but a library TEAM can bring about changes that go beyond the library walls. We can no longer be satisfied with just maintaining library programs. There is work to be done and it's not just behind a circulation desk.

On February 3, 2015 I humbly accepted the TCEA Library Media Specialist of the Year award. I was, and still am, so honored to have been chosen. I know this truly is a reflection of everyone who has helped me build this strong library program. Without the four groups I mentioned above the program would be still GREAT, but because the four groups have come together, stretched their thinking, and took a few, not-so-small, risks the program is infinitely STRONGER and our students are the great beneficiaries. Thank you - my gratitude is immeasurable!

The beneficiaries of a team that works together to ensure a great library program