Sunday, November 12, 2017

November Blogging!


 


Gaston County Schools’ Libraries:  “Our Future’s So Bright, We Gotta Wear Shades!”

    Pardon the reference to a 1980’s song by Timbuk3, but I just couldn’t resist.  This year’s NCLSMA annual conference has come and gone too quickly and, while reflecting on the sessions and what to write for this newsletter, I kept thinking about how each of us has the opportunity and responsibility to move our libraries forward to impact student learning and to build the foundation for lifelong readers and learners.  

    Here are a couple of hot library topics to help us fully realize what our library programming is and can be for our patrons.  

#1 - Are our libraries FUTURE READY?  Take a moment to review the Future Ready wheel and REFLECT on your school library and library programming.  Use the link below to review the Future Ready website resources that are so helpful.  How are you moving toward realizing the reality of a future ready library?  


#2 -SET GOLAS for your library programming that reflect the future of your library.  Shannon Miller, Future Ready Librarian spokesperson, took time out of her schedule to join a session at NCSLMA that I helped facilitate.  I had the pleasure of sharing with ten “Emerging Leaders” from across the state about the future of our libraries.  Shannon shared a goal setting form that I think is awesome!  Use this link to take a look!  You should be prompted to make a copy so you can create your own goals for your library.


#3 - GET CONNECTED I cannot stress enough how important it is to get involved, get plugged-in and participate in our district PLC, NCSLMA and online for your own professional learning networks.  Of course going away to NCSLMA is a retreat and often one of the “mountain top” experiences, but it is so important to build those professional relationships and friendships!  Our PLC meetings are wonderful opportunities for sharing, support and professional development.  May I encourage each of us to be active participants and contribute as much as possible.  We certainly can learn from each other!  As your NCSLMA regional director, I also want to encourage you to get involved in our state organization!  Y’all, there are amazing, dynamic school librarians in our district and across the state who are impacting student learning and making a difference every day!  If you are not a member, may I encourage you to see Robin Jordan (North Gaston High School) or catch up with me about how you can join and get involved in NCSLMA!  You won’t regret it! Oh, and mark your calendars for Friday, March 9, 2018.  It is an optional teacher workday and we will host a NCLSMA regional professional development day here in Gaston County!  I will certainly have more information in the weeks to come about this wonderful way YOU can get connected!

   So, as we move into the season of Thanksgiving, I am thoroughly aware of how fortunate we are as a district to have strong PLC groups and each other to learn from and grow with!  Take a moment or two to reflect on your library programming, work toward Future Ready goal-setting, and get connected!  Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!  I am on Twitter @laurablong or reach me via email at lalong@gaston.k12.nc.us.  I always love to collaborate and share!

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