2020-09-04 SPLAT Curiosity Report: Volume 6, Issue 5

Featured Story

School Librarianship in the Time of COVID-19

As a school librarian I often get asked, “So, what does a school librarian do?” Sometimes the person goes a step further and answers their own question by saying, “Oh, you must really enjoy sitting around reading books all day. I would love that.” At this point, I usually politely inform them that reading books is only one of the many things that school librarians do on a daily basis. Indeed, there are many things that a school librarian does during their day. Ultimately, most school librarians usually have two main goals that direct how they spend their time: 1. to make sure their staff and students have access to digital and print materials that help them meet school-wide learning goals and 2. to encourage reading and learning as personal, lifelong pursuits.

In the time of Covid-19, however, the question, “What does a school librarian do?” has taken on a new meaning, particularly as schools are required to move to online learning rather than in person learning. Now when people ask me “what does a school librarian do,” I know they are asking, “What will you do if there aren’t any students there to check out to?” Even without students in the building, school librarians have a very important role to play in student learning whether it is online, in person, or some combination of the two. In fact, I see school librarians serving staff and students during these times in three key ways.

First of all, school librarians are using this time to continue to make sure students have access to information, both digitally and in print forms. In the school district I work in, school librarians have created web sites and Google Classrooms that allow students to find free ebooks, audio books, and trusted websites that will enrich their learning. They have helped check out Chromebooks and will help to troubleshoot problems as they arise. They are even working out ways to check out books from their libraries to students through a curb-side check out system so that students can continue to check out books even if the school is closed. School librarians are using these methods and more to make sure students have library access.

Secondly, school librarians are helping staff find digital resources to use in online lessons. They are spending time searching for databases that are safe and easy for students to use. School librarians know web tools and share “How tos” with colleagues in order to help them create content that is engaging to students. While educators are sharing content with their students, school librarians work behind the scenes to make sure educators are aware of and know how to use the tools at their disposal.

Finally, school librarians are serving staff and students by continuing to be learners themselves. There is a wealth of information to be had, and school librarians can be seen drinking from the proverbial fire hose. School librarians are spending their time learning how to use new tools as well as practicing with the tools they already know. And, yes, they are reading. They are reading books on all kinds of educational topics from how to help students become better readers to how to help students deal with the trauma and isolation of being in quarantine. They are reading articles online to inform them on best practices in teaching in an online environment. They are reading books from the school library so they can suggest them to students who they desperately miss seeing in their library everyday.

Education in 2020-2021 is unprecedented. We are writing the rule book as we are playing the game, and that has proven very challenging. If you find yourself wondering what a school librarian is doing right now, know that they are working hard to make sure their students and staff can get the information they need.

– Gretchen Perkins, Caldwell School District

Fail Forward

We’ve all been there. You pour your heart into a program, and no one shows up. You try something new, and you fall on your face. Sound familiar? Fail Forward is the place to share your failures, and give you the opportunity to share what you learned from them. Did you promote your program in a different way after no one showed up? Maybe you took a new approach to the new thing you were excited about? Awesome! Share your story via our online form so others can learn, and realize that failure is often part of the process.

Waiting for the Right Volunteer

As volunteer coordinator, I recruit folks as well as screen and place walk-ins. Sometimes, the perfect volunteer for the position enters the library at the precise moment they’re needed. Other times, however, it’s like howling into the void. You’d think finding someone to conceptualize and craft a few dozen bookmarks for our homebound patrons would be simple enough. Nope. Reaching out to current volunteers, pitching the idea to potential volunteers, and promoting the position have all resulted in no bites. It seemed like a lovely idea to create attractive bookmarks for patrons yet I realize there comes a point at which I must admit defeat, for the time being, and back-burner the idea. I do have faith that eventually we’ll be gifted with a crafter eager to make a senior’s library day special. As all things volunteer-related, it’s been a lesson in patience, humility, and perseverance.

– Rebecca Hardin, Lewiston City Library

Crush Corner

Is there a library you follow on social media who is always doing new and exciting things? How about a blog you follow that inspires you? What about a new idea, book, or resource that you want to share? Library Crush Corner is a place for those working in Idaho libraries to share what inspires them, and who or what they’re crushing on… in a professional sense. Share your story via our online form so we can publish it in a future issue!

Voices to Hear Podcast

My crush this week is the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s Voices To Hear podcast project. Tribal students, in collaboration with faculty & student mentors from the University of Idaho and SUNY Buffalo, created a podcast series focusing on oral storytelling and environmentalism. It’s a tremendous effort from a group of talented young folks, a great podcast series, and a fantastic example of a well-run multi-partner project. Check it out:

– Tyler McLane, Coeur d’Alene Public Library

SPLAT explores the ever-evolving library world and supports library folks as they adapt to meet the needs of their communities. Library folk throughout the state of Idaho volunteer to serve on the Special Projects Library Action Team (SPLAT). Learn more about SPLAT at splat.lili.org

SPLAT is brought to you by the Idaho Commission for Libraries and was made possible, in part, by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (LS-246156-OLS-20). The views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.