Listen. Connect. Empower.

As I was planning for our new student group, Reader Leaders,  the library was gifted $500 by our PTO.  I took this opportunity to give the group their first real-world task of spending it.  We talked about how best to do that.  The group decided to ask their fellow students what they want in our library. They created a google form for them to fill out.  Their survey asked what genres students liked to read and asked if they had any recommendations. Reader Leaders learn to use Google Forms to create their survey. They also created a video to accompany the survey, explaining their request, writing the script themselves, and filming it using green screen. Reader Leaders film their video, explaining their project. The group wrote the script and put some humorous touches on the end. Once the data was collected, we met again to take a look at it and get a sense of what our students want to read. Reader Leaders examine the st...

The Idea I have had a "library jobs" program for several years and students enjoy helping out in our library, but I wanted to raise the bar and offer the students a more active part in our library program and see them leading projects in and around our school. We have a Student Council (I am an advisor) but my issue with Student Council has been that it is a position that is elected (translation - popular vote). I wanted to offer a leadership opportunity for those who might not necessarily be elected and for those who feel a particular affinity towards books, reading, and the library.  Inspired by examples of student groups led by Andy Plemmons , Melanie Roy , and Jason Lewis , I dug until I created the bones of a model that felt just right for my school.  Reader Leaders was born. Recruiting I created a video to get students' attention. The goal of the video was to introduce the program and build interest. The Application Next, students were invited to pic...

I have wanted to do a scavenger hunt (think interactive orientation) through the library for years. I briefly investigated Goose Chase and digital breakouts this summer but was limited by policy & finances. Ultimately I decided to "go with what I know" and make google forms work for me. Using the response validation feature to "lock" sections of the form, I was able to bring a "game" feeling to the activity by requiring specific answers to continue.  I created a series of activities that would guide students through our library and have them try a variety of tasks from checking books out to themselves to exploring different genres.  This also let me assess the interests of my students and guide my programming. (A list of the questions is here ).   The goal of this week was to have students Actively moving through the library  Checking books out to themselves Noting new items    Looking at genres/books they don't usually try Providi...