Advocacy Advice for the New Teacher Librarian

From veteran Teacher Librarian, Joy Millam:

Here are some things I would do-- look on YALSA's booklists from the past year or two and read from the lists. I especially recommend Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers because much of the time you will have reluctant readers that need guidance. The more avid readers tend to browse and self-select more often. I have many classes in for booktalks and the most challenging are the non-or reluctant readers. They often don't like anything so having a good repertoire of titles that are tested on teens who are reluctant readers is a good way to get caught up. Many of these are very quick reads so you can plow through a large number and build up your currency very quickly. If your YA lit course was 7 years ago you'll find the books a bit out of date as to what is circulating right now.
Also check with our many bloggers out there - they will be very helpful because they write about what is very now and happening in all areas. I would also search for Top Ten lists for 2010 and 2011 to get a feel for what is really popular right now and get to know those titles- read them.

As for environment, make it a top priority to make the library welcoming. Put the shusher away and let them know that they are wanted. I don't shush too often- the library is definitely not the quietest place on our campus - but kids today don't seem to be too bothered. If a student complains about needing more quiet, I have a quiet area available. Most are used to a lot of noise and often listen to their ipods and are multi-tasking. I also have games (chess, checkers, backgammon, decks of cards, Mastermind) because these kids need a break and are seriously over-scheduled.

Be flexible and have fun. Be sure to reach out to your teaching staff and tell them all the great things you can do to make their lives easier. Show them some cool Web 2.0 tools that will make learning fun and help students learn more and retain it. I show them Memorize.com (great online study tool to create "decks" of flashcards with a variety of methods to study), Prezi, and Glogster. Collaborate with TL's around the country and share lessons - most are more than willing to hand over lessons to help another TL.

Be sure to advertise what you are doing-- I put out a newsletter to share programming and activities with staff and administration. They won't know what we do if we don't share it with them.


Joy Millam
Teacher Librarian
YALSA's Michael L. Printz Award Committee 2012
YALSA's Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers Committee (2006-2010)
Valencia High School Placentia, CA