February 17

21st Century Shift – Definitely a Work in Progress!

20160217-092945-1utuylv.jpgOver our winter break I was bemoaning my library statistics.  I’ve had fewer than 50 classes visit the library, my circulation statistics are 1/2 what they were this time last year, my book displays are lame, and I’m floundering.  What, exactly, is my role?  I attended the AASL Conference in Columbus, I’ve researched, I’ve read books, I have done lots of talking about how libraries still matter, but what it actually “looks like” still confounds me!    I’ve felt busy;  even overwhelmed at times, but none of what I have been doing this year has felt quite right.  Am I now just a manager of space?  Do I simply supervise small groups of kids who don’t work well in a classroom?  I don’t want to  be a password resetter!

I recently did 2 presentations that have really helped me clarify what I want for my students and my library.  One presentation was for my staff during a flexible PD day about my 21st Century vision for the library. It was somewhat well attended and several collaborations have come from it. (blog posts to follow)  The other was for the Alpha Iota chapter of ADK, a teaching sorority in my county,  about Makerspaces.  Something about standing up in front of others and advocating for my students, my library and myself has made me feel much more confident and a little inspired about what @Rocket Library  has to offer our students and staff.

I have a colleague who is a wonderful librarian herself.  Our pact has been to support each other through what we knew would be a really different year.  Both of our schools have gone 1:1.  This rollout has teachers thinking differently about how they teach, how students learn, where they learn, and how they’re assessed. This change is BIG!  Teachers aren’t thinking about library stuff.  They’re in survival mode.  How can I get them to think about me and what I have to offer when they are bogged down with WiFi issues, Google Hangouts drama and Piktochart!      One  tactic has been to provide things in the library they CAN’T get with a Chromebook or in a classroom.  I have comfy chairs, a flat screen television, dual monitors on my desktops, a 3D printer, a color printer.  I have a MAKERSPACE!  “What’s that?” they ask.  🙂

Communication ZoneCollaboration Zone

So I’ve started to try to redefine (for me) what a successful library looks like.  I’m currently using an iPad and the app  INSIDE for individual students to sign in and out.    While it’s not completely accurate, (Adolph Hitler signed in every day for a week), I had around 7,000 students in and out of the library between August and December.  Some come here instead of going to lunch, Some come because they forget their computer and need to use a desktop.  Some come because they are driving their teacher crazy and they “work better” in the library than in the classroom.  Others come because they are doing something that requires unique space only found here.  They are recording a podcast and need a digital voice recorder, a quiet room and audacity.  Some come because they want to use the flat screen television to project a Google Slideshow.  Some come because the dual monitors allow them to keep a Word document and a website open at the same time.  The key is they are still coming.  I need to continue thinking of ways to measure success that go beyond circulation statistics.  I need to continue reaching out to teachers in new ways.  I need to publicize any little successes I have because I’ve found that triggers more awareness and thinking about connecting with the library.  Most importantly, I need to keep thinking about my students and how I can create meaningful learning opportunities for them that reach far beyond the classroom.  To quote David Lankes, “it’s about people”.

 

August 26

Launch of the Library Academy

It’s tough to personalize learning when students have almost ZERO time during the day to explore personal interests.  Makerspaces are awesome, but when do students to have time to visit them?  I have a pretty loyal library crowd who either skips lunch (I do not approve of this by the way) to come to the library, or they eat quickly and come down for 10-15 minutes.  I am going to try to capitalize on the 10-15 minutes to host the Library Academy.  My first venture is 3D printing for Beginners.  I have printed 10 tickets to give to the cafeteria monitor.  On two consecutive days I’ll do the same lesson.  Interested students can see the monitor, pick up a ticket and come to the library during the last 15 minutes of their lunch time to get an introduction to 3D Printing.  I’ll follow up with intermediate and advanced classes.  Some other Library Academy ideas I have are coding, book making, duct tape crafts and Origami.  I have NO idea if this will work.

We have started something called Rocket Time which eventually will turn into a chance for students to remediate in classes where they are behind, or find enrichment opportunities.  I’m hoping Library Academy can move from 15 minutes at lunch to 30 minutes during Rocket Time.

Here is a picture of my flier and tickets.  First flier and tix

March 24

Makerspace Progress

So I’ve been fortunate to have support from our Central Office with the 21st Century Shift.  I’m getting new furniture in my Collaboration Zone to make it look more sleek and less mismatched.  While it’s definately functional as is (see pics from earlier posts) it could definatley look more professional.  Because adults and students use the space, it will be nice to make it more professional looking.

With regards to the Makerspace progress, it’s been slow at best.  I made some table top signs to put in the library advertising the space as room to play.  The success came when two 8th grade boys discovered the “deconstruction zone” where they could dismantle old CPU’s, headphones, and monitors.  They were stunned that they could take it apart and leave it!   This, to date, has been my most successful Makerspace venture.  A 3D printer is on order, so that should draw some attention!

De construction Zone

De construction Zone

deconstruction

September 10

Makerspace Challenges

So I’ve had my Makerspace set up for several weeks now and it has received very little use.  (The Collaboration Zone itself has been used a TON)

Makerspace Supplies

Makerspace Supplies

I have duct tape supplies, books, and materials to make everything from a bow tie to sandals.  I also have 3 wind tunnells donated by an 8th grade science teacher.  He gave me supplies to see how many pennies we could get the tunnel to lift (using cups, coffee filters, pipe cleaners, napkins etc….)  It’s very cool and fun, but kids aren’t coming in to play.  I have between 40-60 students in the library before school.  I’ve suggested to different tables that they can go in and play if they want.  All respond politely and then go back to chatting, tweeting etc….  There doesn’t seem to be much time for students to explore these types of activities in our current school schedule.  I’m not discouraged, just wondering when the breakthrough will happen that kids find the time and inclination to give it a try.

September 2

New Addition to the Makerspace!

Wind tunnels! Thanks to an 8th grade science teacher, we now have two wind tunnels in our Collaboration Zone! Lots of experimentation going on with weight!  I don’t know why the video is sideways, but I’m leaving it because it shows these guys testing their theories.  🙂

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August 9

Maker space

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Book Display in the Collaboration Zone

I put a book display in the Collaboration Zone to encourage creating and doing. I’ve ordered a duct tape set (25 colored rolls) , a cutting mat, a cutting wheel, and some books with duct tape projects. I have a rolling set of drawers for storage.  Students can work in here or possibly “check out” the rolling drawers full of supplies and work somewhere else.  I haven’t worked that out yet.

Hopefully all this stuff will get here Monday.  I’ll post pics if they do.