Institute of Museum and Library Services’ Post

If there’s one thing librarians can agree on it’s that library education could use some shaking up. Enter the Radical Librarianship Institute, which strives to “redefine the role of librarians, centering principles of inclusion and social justice.” #librarians #MLIS #libraryeducation

This blog post has a good summary of evidence for why #studentsneedschoollibraries with qualified teacher librarians.

If your school district's test scores are declining, it may be time to consider whether your school libraries are fully staffed and receiving adequate funding. #literacy #reading #testscores #schoollibraries #schoolibrarians #SchoolLibraryMonth #AASLSLM

"Numerous studies find that students achieve improved outcomes at schools with a full time librarian. And school librarians offer the best return-on-investment available in public education. Therefore, a thorough and efficient #education should include a school librarian. Data-driven decisions about schools should include or add, not remove, school librarians." #libraries #literacy

*The Power of Knowledge: Why I Chose to Become a Librarian* Growing up, I was always enchanted by the magic of books and the endless possibilities they held. Libraries were my sanctuary, a place where I could escape into different worlds, learn about various subjects, and satisfy my insatiable curiosity. This passion for knowledge and community eventually led me to pursue a career as a librarian. #CareerJourney #PassionForBooks #Community *Who Are Librarians?* Librarians are much more than custodians of books. We are information professionals, educators, and advocates for literacy and lifelong learning. Our role encompasses guiding individuals in their quest for information, teaching digital literacy skills, and fostering a love for reading and knowledge. We are the gatekeepers of information, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources they need to learn, grow, and succeed. #LibrarianLife #InformationProfessionals #Education *Why Librarians Are Important* In today's fast-paced, information-rich world, the role of librarians is more critical than ever. We help people navigate the overwhelming amount of information available, teaching them how to find reliable sources and think critically about the data they encounter. We support students, researchers, and professionals in their academic and professional endeavors, contributing to their success and the advancement of knowledge. #CriticalThinking #DigitalLiteracy #AcademicSuccess Libraries serve as community hubs, offering a safe space for people of all ages and backgrounds to gather, learn, and share ideas. We provide access to technology and resources that might otherwise be out of reach for many, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for all. In a world where the digital divide is still a significant issue, libraries play a crucial role in bridging this gap. #CommunityHubs #Inclusivity #BridgingTheDivide *My Journey* My journey to becoming a librarian was fueled by my desire to make a difference in people's lives through the power of information and education. Every day, I am inspired by the impact we can have on our communities, whether it's helping a student find the perfect resource for their research paper, teaching a senior how to use a computer, or organizing programs that bring people together. #ImpactfulCareers #HelpingOthers #CommunityPrograms The world of libraries is constantly evolving, and I am excited to be a part of this dynamic field. By embracing new technologies and innovative approaches, we continue to meet the changing needs of our patrons and ensure that libraries remain vibrant, relevant, and essential institutions in our society. #EvolvingLibraries #Innovation #FutureOfLibraries Check out my video book on why I became a librarian, and please like, share, comment, and give your valuable feedback. My video link is as follows: https://lnkd.in/gfNBGmJm #YouTubeJourney #LibrarianStories #KnowledgeSharing #IndianSchoolLibraries

Launched in 2011 by the Weinberg Foundation; Baltimore City Public Schools; and federal, state, and local partners, the Baltimore Library Project transforms city school libraries in neighborhoods where many students face academic and economic challenges. Serving over 7,700 students and their families in 17 schools, the Library Project has demonstrated impact as determined by a new third-party evaluation.    Just a few fun facts:   * The average number of book checkouts per student in Library Project schools was nearly five times higher than the average in reference schools. * Schools use renovated libraries to attract prospective families, and parents mention having a Library Project space as one of the factors in choosing to send their child to a given school. * Library Project schools had significantly higher average school performance levels in English language arts and a significantly higher percentage of students proficient in the subject, based on 2018–2019 state assessment data. * On average, libraries in Library Project schools had almost five times the number of internet-accessible devices compared to other school libraries (50 versus 11).   https://lnkd.in/e7hkQx9J

We must recognize the crucial role of libraries in student success and their literacy outcomes by investing in both school libraries and librarians: "Time after time, the evidence has indicated that access to print reading material helps drive improved literacy outcomes. School libraries can increase access to reading materials, though their impact reaches beyond the books that line their shelves." 📚📝👩🏫 #NAEP #CAP #CAP20 #AmericanProgress #libraries #librarians #literacy

I agree with this: Family engagement programming in libraries helps shape a community culture of reading, which gives children a strong foundation in literacy and fits within the science of reading research. Yet, more research needs to be done to measure the effectiveness of library programs that support reading. https://lnkd.in/gmt5RU62

The world of public libraries is changing — and that’s a good thing. It also means the scope of what a library director needs to be well versed in is changing and expanding. When I started as a library assistant 20+ years ago, e-books were in their youth, the internet had barely turned 18, and blogging was just beginning as an information sharing tool. But these aren’t the sorts of changes I want to talk about. I want to look deeper, specifically at the experience of library staff, the scale of services they are offering, and the evolving mission of many libraries. All of the above are quite different than they were at the start of my career. Increasingly librarians are focused on expanding the role of their organization in their community, as well as the breadth and depth of the services they offer. They’re prioritizing the provision of more social services, and/or partnering in doing so. They’re tackling issues of equity, diversity and inclusion, and implementing restorative practices within their organization and the communities they serve. They’re increasingly focusing on issues related to staff morale, self-care, resilience and well-being. As a result, today’s library directors must have a finger on the pulse of these trends and be actively developing skills and knowledge about these subjects. And more than just knowledge about the issues, they must be increasingly comfortable dealing with ambiguity and complexity and adept at relating to and communicating with a wide array of stakeholders. Toss in “traditional” library administrative responsibilities, and IT IS A HEAVY LIFT! And not one to be taken on alone! And yet for many library directors, THAT’S EXACTLY HOW THEY FEEL. That’s why I’m starting a group coaching program for library directors who want a confidential, safe space.… * to explore the complexity of their job in conversation with like minded colleagues * to discover new ways of addressing leadership and librarianship challenges * and to support each other in developing greater self-awareness, self-confidence, and clarity of purpose. Membership in the group will require a passionate commitment not only to one’s own professional growth and personal well-being, but also to supporting the journeys of fellow group members.   To express your interest in the group and receive an invitation to attend an upcoming Zoom-based information session about this opportunity, please DM me or leave a comment. I plan to keep the group limited in size, and to begin the program soon, so don’t delay. #libraries #librarians #leadership #isolation #groupcoaching #change #betterwithothers #librarydirectors