Our Future

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          In the next twelve months, it is the goal of the Brink Elementary librarian to collaborate with teachers on at least four lessons in a way that helps teachers feel supported and makes their lessons more successful than in previous years. School librarians should not isolate themselves in the library. They must make themselves seen outside of that space so their roles as school leaders and instructional partners can be exposed, thus ensuring job security. Successful school libraries involve collaboration between librarians and teachers that promotes learning and legitimizes the existence and agenda of library standards. Initiating collaboration is a sign of leadership because the librarian seeks to “leverage collective intelligence” (232). Each party brings fresh ideas or methods to the conversation. Once that relationship is established and teachers feel supported, they will likely be more comfortable approaching the librarian when other needs arise in the future. This helps build community and a happy work culture.

          To achieve this goal, two subgoals have been developed that emphasize support and professional development. The first is that, by the end of the 2nd nine weeks, the librarian will have gathered a rolling cart full of resources that relate to and support at least one unit in one discipline for every grade level. This includes alternate formats for students with disabilities such as audiobooks, eBooks with Dyslexia font, or DVDs. Providing alternative formats gives children ownership while addressing learning differences. The second is that, by the end of the 3rd nine weeks, the librarian will have at least one school-wide teacher training on new technology for the classroom that may reach more types of learners and enhance learning. Taking the initiative to seek out teachers and find out what skill they are working on shows leadership on the librarians’ part. It is also an opportunity to highlight the effectiveness of underutilized resources. The teacher can communicate whether those resources are helpful, need to be updated, or need to include diverse voices. This way, teachers are participating in the weeding process, but also become familiar with what the library has to offer. Librarians are experts in current innovations in technology. When they share these through professional development, they are saving teachers the time they would have spent to research the methods themselves. This saved time can be spent developing stronger more interesting lessons. In addition, it can open a line of communication where the librarian might learn about a new app or program from a teacher. 

          A Satisfaction Survey will be distributed at the end of every academic year and subgoals will continue to be refined and reviewed to find deeper and more meaningful ways to collaborate with teachers. By the 2026-2027 school year, the Brink Elementary School Library will see a 25% increase in requests for library-sourced teaching materials, 20% increased attendance at librarian-led professional development, and staff-initiated collaborations on lessons.

          The budget allocation for the 2023-24 school year at Brink Elementary Library is $1000 towards supporting the mission of the school. An additional projected amount of $3000 is expected to come from PTO, Book Fair, grants, and community contributions. This brings the upcoming year’s budget to $4000.

          Expenditures will include books, periodicals, software and licenses, equipment, professional development, and others. Office and cleaning supplies are available from the main office and do not come out of the library budget. Likewise, some community-wide programming like Family Night will be covered by the main office. Circulation reports will help determine which books need to be weeded out due to being out-of-date, poor condition, or poor usage statistics. Book requests from the school community are expected to result in new purchases. Most periodicals, software, and licenses will be renewed. Usage statistics and input from stakeholders will mean some choices may be discontinued and new ones activated. Professional development is necessary to keep staff up-to-date with emerging trends in methodology, innovative technology, and new skills. Additionally, the librarian is expected to attend the annual MLA conference to receive additional training and connect with potential mentors and the local librarian community. “Other” includes guest speakers or authors and reading incentives and rewards. These motivate students to read more, which ultimately leads to reading for enjoyment into adulthood.