School librarians are busier than ever. Not only are we working with more students than previous years, but we are doing so with smaller budgets, the implementation of Common Core, and necessary Student Growth Objectives . . . and that’s not even the half of it. It’s easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed. How do you meet the needs of your students and staff with so many items on your "to do" lists? We need to turn to each other and find the answers through group discussions, programs, and networking. School librarians often work alone, being the sole librarian in their schools, but by attending the New Jersey Library Association’s Conference you can network with other librarians and learn new ideas while obtaining professional development hours. It’s a win-win.
Like most of you, I am the sole librarian in my school. I purchase all materials, teach dozens of classes, advise clubs, and so much more. Most professional development that is offered by my school isn’t relevant to me. The NJLA Conference is.
This conference is relevant if you are thinking about starting a makerspace. Don’t have the funds? The NJLA Conference is offering a program on how to make unconventional makerspaces by sharing tried-and-true methods. Need a quick rundown of hot titles for your library? They’ve got it for you through dynamic book talks given by past Printz Award committee members. As someone who works in a high poverty area with a transient community, the program Kids in Transition is important as I am always striving in find new methods of connecting with these students and their families. Possibly the most notable program is one entitled We’re All in this Together. While we might be alone in our schools, we are not alone in our community. Public librarians know and understand how important our work is and recognize the difficulties we encounter. By attending not only this conference, but also this specific program, we give a voice to our passionate group of professionals. We connect with our fellow librarians and strive towards fulfilling our users’ needs through collaboration and cooperation.
The beauty of the NJLA Conference is the variety of programs. Our libraries are more than books, more than research; they are a safe haven for all. Offering a variety of resources and programs to our students will turn quiet libraries into creative spaces allowing our students to become readers and to find community connections.
Conferences are not JUST about programs. There are so many opportunities to meet old friends and new ones when browsing vendors, attending a program, or sharing your love of cute puppets in the NJLA store. We tell our students all the time to contact their librarian when they need information, and we should follow our own advice. The list of programs relevant to school librarians are long, the list of vendors is plentiful, and notable authors are a bountiful. Pack your bags and head to the Jersey shore for a conference that will leave you with lasting ideas and inspire you to revitalize your resources, tactics, and general sense of self as a school librarian.
Suggested list of programs:
WHAT IS THIS?! Middle Grade? YA? New Adult? Top Authors Address Category Crossover Confusion -- Monday, June 2, 2014, 1pm-4pm (requires preconference registration)
The classification of books for young readers has changed drastically in the past decade and continues to evolve so quickly that it’s hard for readers to keep up! Four popular authors who write bestselling novels for children and teens will lead this preconference discussion.
3D Printing Without the Programming -- Tuesday, June 3, 2014, 9am-9:50am
3D modeling software can be very confusing and intimidating, to say the least! Fortunately, there are some great programs out there that can create original 3D artwork and is very easy to use. Join us and learn some of these programs while also learning a couple tricks of the trade!
Best of the Best Fiction for Young Adults -- Tuesday, June 3, 2014, 11:30am-12:20pm
Lightning fast booktalks of Sharon and Liz’s favorites among the 2014 Best Fiction for Young Adult Winners.
Book Buzz for Young Adults and Children -- Tuesday, June 3, 2014, 2pm-2:50pm
What are the must-know books for youth coming out in 2014? Publishers of books for young adults and children will share the hottest upcoming books for your readers. You'll return to your libraries knowing all the books teens and kids will be buzzing about in the upcoming months.
Minecraft Programs in Your Library -- Tuesday, June 3, 2014, 4:10pm-5pm
Minecraft is an increasingly popular game among both youth and adults. Our panel will provide answers to how they've created successful programs in their libraries (with little expertise) and what potential issues may pop up in any program.
The Year’s Best Graphic Novels 2013 -- Tuesday, June 3, 2014, 4:10pm-5pm
Graphic novels are more popular than ever before with your library customers. Update your library's graphic novel collection with suggestions from librarians from around the state. Hear about the best graphic novels published during 2013 in adult, teen and children's categories.
We’re All in This Together: Why Public Librarians Must Advocate for School Librarians -- Tuesday, June 3, 2014, 4:10pm-5pm
This session will discuss ways for public librarians to be active advocates for permanent school library service, the first step toward constructing sustainable partnerships between public librarians and library media specialists. Collaborators on each side have a critical role, with the common goal of providing service that promotes achievement among their student patrons.
Get Up & Move! Programs That Get Teens Moving -- Wednesday, June 4, 2014, 9am-9:50am
Whether inside or out, big spaces or small, these programs for teens will get them out of their chair and gasping for air! Easy group programs where the teens have to get up and go!
What Little Hands Can Do: Make the Most of Makerspaces for Children -- Wednesday, June 4, 2014, 9am-9:50am
This program will present examples of successful makerspace programming in the public library for children ages 12 and under. Highlights will include a 3-day entrepreneur camp for children ages 9-12, sewing classes designed for tweens in grades 4-6, and more!
Apps, Audiobooks, and Libraries - Oh, My! -- Wednesday, June 4, 2014, 2:30pm-3:20pm
The New Jersey State Library Talking Book and Braille Center’s (TBBC) new app can help patrons who have print impairments easily access TBBC’s permanent and unique collection of tens of thousands of audiobooks and many audio magazines.
Kids in Transition: Community Resources -- Wednesday, June 4, 2014, 2:30pm-3:20pm
Topics will include outreach services to adolescent at-risk groups, the importance of partnering with community agencies, community service opportunities for juvenile offenders, and collection connections for reluctant readers. There will also be a discussion on what the library can further offer adolescents, such as career skills and resume prep, practice GED exams, and life-skills workshops.
-- Katie Llera, School Librarian and NJLA YA Section Member-at-Large