the independent librarian: life at a private school library

The Independent Librarian Sarah Clark, Windward School Library, Los Angeles

http://wiffiti.com/screens/84436, text @wif84436 + your message to 87844; Twitter: @s_elaineclark or #clacareer

@s_elaineclark #clacareer

Join the conversation:

Text @wif84436 + your message to 87884

California Library Association Conference 2011, Pasadena UCLA Career Forum

After this presentation you will better understand… • …what it is like to work in an independent school library. • …how librarians can play an essential role within a

school. • …the skills needed for school librarianship. • …whether school librarianship is right for you.


Windward School

WW at a Glance: - Mar Vista, Los

Angeles - Established 1971 - 540 students - Grades 7-12 - 100% students from

class of 2011 enrolled in 4-year colleges


Windward School

Center for Teaching and Learning: - New building

opened fall 2009 - Student and faculty

support space and services

- AKA the CTL or the Library


2nd Floor Reading Room

Quiet retreat with comfortable chairs and tables for reading, studying and contemplation.


1st Floor Research Center

Collaborative and social learning space with access to technology without being dominated by technology.


Lower Level Digital Media Commons

Multimedia intensive classroom studio for film, graphic design, publications, animation and other multimedia courses and projects.


What students use and check out http://wiffiti.com/screens/84436, text @wif84436 + your message to 87844; Twitter: @s_elaineclark or #clacareer


“This library has everything!”

Study Rooms and Smart Boards http://wiffiti.com/screens/84436, text @wif84436 + your message to 87844; Twitter: @s_elaineclark or #clacareer http://vimeo.com/31466105

A Day in the Life http://wiffiti.com/screens/84436, text @wif84436 + your message to 87844; Twitter: @s_elaineclark or #clacareer

Image by O

pen Eye, http://ww

w.flickr.com

/photos/openeye • “It must be nice to read books all day!”

Becoming Essential

A Helpful Librarian: • Catalogs books. • Helps when students ask for it. • Helps when teachers ask for it. • Is knowledgeable about the

collection. • Teaches lessons on citation, but

does not think of herself as a teacher.

• Provides quiet study space. • Doesn’t mind kids. • Thinks of the library as a space

and materials first.


Becoming Essential

An Essential Librarian: • Builds dynamic collections of

materials and online resources. • Anticipates and responds to

student needs in and out of the library.

• Seeks out faculty and engages with them regularly.

• Establishes herself as the research expert.

• Considers herself a teacher. • Loves working with kids. • Thinks of the library as student

and teacher services first.


Become Essential

Become the CENTER OF CAMPUS


Become Essential

Become a RESEARCH EXPERT


Become Essential

Become a TEACHING PARTNER


Ryan, History Teacher

Larisa, History teacher and CTL Co-Director

Jordan, Theater teacher

Become Essential

Become a STORYTELLER


IS SCHOOL LIBRARIANSHIP RIGHT FOR ME? Take the quiz and find out!


School Librarianship Quiz

I enjoy working with kids. I like a fast-paced work environment. Wow, I wish I had summer and winter breaks! I enjoy work that ebbs and flows. I love learning new things. I read a lot. I enjoy working with technology.

I am incredibly service-oriented. I like working in teams. I challenge myself constantly to do better work. I am patient. I enjoy being creative. I want to have a say in defining my role. I consider myself to be a self-starter


If you scored 11/14 or above, you could be a school librarian!

I enjoy working with kids. I like a fast-paced work environment. Wow, I wish I had summer and winter breaks! I enjoy work that ebbs and flows. I love learning new things. I read a lot. I enjoy working with technology.

I am incredibly service-oriented. I like working in teams. I challenge myself constantly to do better work. I am patient. I enjoy being creative. I want to have a say in defining my role. I consider myself to be a self-starter


OKAY, MAYBE I WANT TO BE A SCHOOL LIBRARIAN What skills do I need? How should I prepare?


What skills do I need?

Essential: • Cataloging • Ability to understand

and use emerging educational technologies.

• Management experience.

Desirable: • Experience creating

and supporting graphic design, film, and new media.

• Teaching experience. • Website creation and

management skills.


What do you look for when hiring? http://wiffiti.com/screens/84436, text @wif84436 + your message to 87844; Twitter: @s_elaineclark or #clacareer

• Resilience • Patience • Creativity • Drive • Desire to work with

young people • Organization • Love of reading and

learning

• Intellectual curiosity • Outgoing, attentive,

professional demeanor • Good sense of humor • Self-starter • Excellent communicator • Someone who wants to

do it all: lesson design and keep the library neat and welcoming

Which classes should I consider taking? http://wiffiti.com/screens/84436, text @wif84436 + your message to 87844; Twitter: @s_elaineclark or #clacareer

• Cataloging • Reader’s Advisory • Information Literacy

Instruction • Research Methods • Internships, jobs or

volunteer opportunities to manage, speak in front of others, lead a group, design and implement a survey, etc.

Non library possibilities: • Ed-tech integration • Web design and

marketing using new media tools

• Graphic design • Grantwriting

Final Message of Joy: Charlie http://wiffiti.com/screens/84436, text @wif84436 + your message to 87844; Twitter: @s_elaineclark or #clacareer

THANK YOU! QUESTIONS?

Find out more about Windward School: • ctl.windwardschool.org • www.windwardschool.org • @windwardctl


THANK YOU!

Contact me: • [email protected] • @s_elaineclark


the independent librarian: life at a private school library

Education