The library environment that I imagine for myself is one that takes place in a rural, elementary school setting, consisting of grades K-5. This is my current setting as a classroom teacher, and I would like to explore this same setting as the building librarian. I want my library to be welcoming and encourage students and staff to be engaged, learn, read, and enjoy their time in the library.
The collection that I will be building will consist of a variety of physical books, ebooks, audiobooks, stimulation bins, STEAM and STEM resources, and technological resources such as Chromebooks and Ipads.The materials that I select for my library will need to meet the needs of both my students and staff. Before creating or adding to a collection there are many components that need to be assessed. First, I will want to get familiar and take inventory of the resources that may already be available. In addition, some of the previous materials may need to be weeded out. As Kerby (2019) explains, to prepare materials successfully, you must (1) know your standards, (2) know your learners, (3) know the curriculum, and (4) identify your selection criteria.
First, I will become familiar with the standards, and follow the AASL’s National School Library Standards as well as the district library policy that is already set in place. I will also collaborate with other librarians in the district to meet national, state, and district standards.
Second, I will gather information about the learners in my building. I think using an elementary school learner analysis is a great way to get up to date information regarding the students within a building. Using this information, I will be able to better assess the diversity and learning needs of my students. For example, I know my building has numerous ELL, autistic, and hearing impaired students. I want the library to be a place for all students to be able to learn and access desired materials. Knowing who my learners are will better prepare me in selecting appropriate materials for the collection.
Third, it is important to know the curriculum; I will be responsible for knowing the curriculum of grades K-5. I will familiarize myself with the curriculum by looking at state and district standards; in addition to discussing with each grade level how to incorporate their curriculum into my lessons. I look forward to collaborating with grade level teachers and believe that this is an important aspect of a librarian’s role. As a classroom teacher, I enjoy working with our building librarian on our fifth grade research project. Together the librarian and I teach students about nonfiction reading, researching, and using this information to create an informational piece of writing. I want to make sure that my library lessons support those within the classroom and further student’s growth of learning. It is important that the curriculum in the library meets student needs and supports guided inquiry learning (National Library of New Zealand, 2023).
Fourth, I will identify my selection criteria to help me know exactly what I will need to purchase for the collection. (Kerby, 2019) I will make sure all materials are approved by the district policy, promote literacy and learning, align to the curriculum, are user friendly, and meet the needs and diversity of all students and staff. I will also make sure that all new materials have been reviewed or highly rated from reliable sources. In addition, I will meet with a small group consisting of parents, staff, students, and administrators to discuss the needs of our school community and their expectations of the library to better help me in selecting materials for the library. Once materials are purchased, I will regularly review sources to make sure they keep up-to-date with current technology, curriculum, and the needs of the school community. I understand that a library is continuously making modifications to its collections and adding new materials and resources. I feel as a librarian it will be my responsibility to be educated on what changes will be needed for the library to maintain its mission and achieve its goals.
REFERENCES:
Kerby, M. (2019). What should I learn next? An introduction to collection development for school librarians. (2nd ed. pp.9-27). American Library Association.
National Library of New Zealand. (n.d.). School community profile. National Library of New Zealand. Retrieved June 7, 2023, from https://natlib.govt.nz/schools/school-libraries/leading-and-managing/leading-your-school-library/school-community-profile