Future Ready Librarians

I had the wonderful privilege of working with graduate students in library science this summer and one of the topics that really caught our attention is Future Ready Librarians. 

This initiative is part of the Future Ready Schools work which at least 2200 superintendents from 17 states (representing 16.3 million learners) have pledged to support.  That list includes local Winnetka D36.  Basically, the focus is on digital technology and transformative learning.

What is truly exciting for librarians is to see the advocacy tools for our profession – especially the Fact Sheet which is available at this link.  There also is a short video and some additional resources available here. An impressive set of thought partners, including real world practitioners like Mark Ray, Carolyn Foote and Joyce Valenza, contributed to this overview.

Take a moment and glance at these graphics… what do you notice?  

What do you see? Personalized Student Learning at the center?  The many, many facets of a school librarian’s role?  The opportunities for leverage and impact?  The focus on how we actively promote (builds, designs, empowers, leads, facilitates, etc.) student learning?  

I encouraged my graduate students to be proactive and initiate conversations on Future Ready Librarians with their administrators, particularly because these materials helpfully highlight the many ways in which school librarians are positioned as leaders in the digital transformation of student learning.  

Now, take a few moments and reflect on your own practices.  What are your strengths? Where do you want to grow this year so as to be more future ready?

School Library Month Resources

Happy April! Take a few minutes and celebrate School Library Month. 

Watch and SHARE this great, short new video from Common Craft called “Libraries in the Internet Age.”  They say, “We love libraries and librarians. We want them to succeed and we made this video to help the public understand how libraries have changed in the Internet Age.”

This year’s theme for School Library Month is “Your School Library Where Learning Never Ends” which reprises the very first theme celebrated 30 years ago on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. So much has happened since 1985 and so much innovation, imagination and collaboration is underway as essential school libraries transform learning across the country.  For a few more facts, browse this infographic from AASL which is available online (and for download) :

Also available to download is the recent American Libraries issue which was produced in partnership with AASL and focuses on advocacy for school libraries.

With articles titled “Do Kids Even Use the Library Anymore?” and “Creating Coalitions,” it is designed for librarians to share with stakeholders like parents, colleagues and administrators.  So keep sharing … it’s exactly what school librarians are all about … learning that never ends!