Enhancing the Library Experience in the Middle School Setting

From the onset, my main goal (and my main directive from both my campus principal and my district library director) was to get more people into the library. Previously Wiley Middle School had not offered many special programming opportunities. By far, my most popular program to date has been the Harry Potter Readathon fundraiser! My vision for my library is to create a Learning Commons for the library; a multipurpose/multi use space that can be enjoyed by all! There is sill a lot of work to be done in the library (continuing to weed collections and rearranging furniture), but I believe I am headed in the correct direction! Throughout the practicum I have gained invaluable knowledge and experience. As a literacy programmer I have offered monthly programs and activities to welcome students into the Library. As a library program administrator and and collection developer, I have maintained a budget, purchased new materials and cataloged them. I have collaborated with educators on my campus to teach students about digital literacy and created lesson plans to assist with their unit plans as both an information specialist and instructional partner. As a school librarian, I try everyday to ensure that students and staff alike on my campus have access to award winning materials, meaningful and relevant programming, as well as a friendly face to welcome them into the library.