What should a principal expect from your librarian/media specialist? The library should be the “heart and soul” of a quality school. Notice, I said “should”. Not every school focuses on literacy and reading as much as they should, even though those topics are the basis of all learning. What can you, as a school leader, do to make sure that your librarian, or media specialist, or media generalist, etc… (I’ve had several different preferences among my past staff members) is supporting the goals of the school and in general, being the best that they can be? For the sake of clarity, I will use the word librarian. No offense intended to those who think differently.

The following list is what I believe a good principal should expect from the library and their librarian(s).

1. The library should be a warm and inviting place. Students and teachers should want to visit
2. The librarian should always be looking to improve their skills and the role of the library.
3. The librarian should embrace change. Change is inevitable and the pace of change in our society is increasing exponentially. Students no longer can learn all the information they will need. They increasingly need to know how to find and access the vast amount of knowledge and information quickly and easily.
4. The library should be available before and after school for students and staff. It also should be available during lunchtimes for students to read.
5. The library should be up-to-date with the newest award-winning books, as well as stocking the classics.
6. The library should be a showcase for student work.
7. The library should have computer access and be research oriented.
8. Clearly organized and arranged
9. The library should have a librarian who is nice and helpful. Students should be encouraged and not be afraid to ask questions. The importance of this should not be underestimated. Knowledge does not equal “niceness”. A good librarian has both!
10. The librarian should be pro-active in working with teachers and asking them how the librarian can support their efforts. The librarian should be responsive to the wants and needs of its users. Again, the librarian needs to be not only a team player, but a person who helps bring others together!
11. The librarian should be open to feedback and willing to change, based on that feedback.
12. The library should have on-going promotions and/or contests that support the goal of gaining more readers and/or users of the library.
13. The librarian should be one of your staff members most interested in the continuation of their learning. They should be leaders in technology and in keeping ahead of trends in education.
14. Lastly, the librarian does not purchase technology for its “coolness” factor. If the technology helps accomplish the goals of the schools and it helps the students and teachers have a better experience and to learn easier, then it’s done its job.

It should be mentioned that in order for a library and the librarian to be their best, then the principal has to support the librarian with appropriate funds and policy. The leader sets the tone in a building.

What are your thoughts about the list? Do you feel something else should be included when looking at libraries, librarians, and their roles in schools? Do you disagree on any of these?

 “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” 
― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

It wasn’t really an actual audition with the Disney corporation we found out when we got there. It turned out to be an “opportunity” for us to pay for an acting workshop and “official” photos that would supposedly lead to my daughter being seen by the Disney Corporation and end up on one of those fantastic Disney sit-coms that are on television every day.

There were quite a few observations that I made when I was in that large room filled with children of all ages, race, and gender, as well as parents. Some of whom were hovering over their child star, some were bored, some excited. There was such a combination of hopefulness and nervousness. I know this isn’t strictly an education topic, but I think there are some good lessons to be learned from our experience that would help a school principal.

1. All of those parents obviously thought their child was especially talented in some area. Everybody has some sort of talent. As Albert Einstein once supposedly said: “Everyone is a Genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid” We’re all good at some things and yes, eventually, everyone will find something that they are definitely not good at doing. If we, as school leaders, can remember that feeling that we all had when we tried to do something that did not come easily to us, we will likely make much better decisions dealing with students.

2. Everybody has a learning disability of some sort. See above point. Be compassionate, helpful, and be willing to explain things in several different ways. Not everybody learns in the same way. In that crowd there were kids who were obviously models, some were singers, and some were actors. Some children seemed to be good at two, or even all of the areas. Not everyone was talented in every area. Some even had a hard time following directions… hard to believe.

But as the “Talent Scout” pointed out, when you audition, you need to play up what you think is your strength. If you’re dramatic, BE DRAMATIC. If you’re a singer, then SING OUT! She also said that if you’re ugly… then be the best ugly person that there is. We can’t all play the cute roles… I thought this was a sage piece of advice. Almost worth the pain of the whole process… almost.

3. You can’t win if you don’t play. I wish I had learned this when I was much younger. I remember being at school dances and trying to get up the courage to ask the cute girl to dance (or for that fact, any girl). Most of the times, I never did. It took me a long time to realize that rejection is not the end of the world. I’ve learned that most people admire people who have confidence and take a few risks. It’s hard to move ahead if you’re still holding on to what’s totally safe. BTW, now I dance (probably not very good), but I have a much better time!

4. If you try and you fail, you’re still ahead of the person who doesn’t even try. Don’t be a “maintainer”. You should always be looking to improve yourself and your school. Your students, teachers, parents, and staff deserve that.

Not all of those aspiring entertainers or models in that room would be picked to move to the final round of the auditions, but what they learned from the experience will definitely help them as they move forward in life. What a great story that they can tell their own children. Or not.

5. Most of the fun is in the trying part. Yes, we were both nervous. I’m sure I was more nervous than my 11-year old daughter. She was just excited! Once you achieve a goal, it’s good to take some time to enjoy it. But to be truly satisfied, most likely you will need a new goal to work toward. The journey is a major part of life. Don’t wait to enjoy life until you’ve reached the goal. Enjoy the ride! After the audition, we went out to eat at a nice restaurant and even had dessert. Some good father-daughter memories were made that day.

6. Sometimes the timing isn’t quite right. My daughter is a beautiful and talented girl and they confirmed my thoughts about her by picking her as a finalist. However, when they announced how much the workshop cost and the time commitment (and after a little internet research and iffy reviews… some major skepticism on my part) we decided to pass on the “opportunity”. She was very disappointed. I assured her we would try again and we will. Perseverance is a key trait in a great leader.

7. Just by trying, you win! You’ve got to go for the gusto in life. How many people can say they’ve auditioned for a television show? I’ve never auditioned for a TV show, but several times in my life I’ve had the opportunity to go on adventurous trips, work in exotic locations, and take on very challenging positions. Some of the best experiences I’ve ever had in my life came from those decisions. Don’t settle. Have confidence. Dream Big!

Oh, and if you’ve stuck with me through this whole article, let me tell you that when I finally reached the stage in my life where I realized that you have to just go for it… well, let’s just say that I’m married to the most wonderful woman in the world and I have two fantastic children.

Best Wishes for a great 2016!

If I can be of any help or if you have any questions a school leadership, contact me at Bruce@SchoolimprovementTips.com