10 Must Reads - Posters

Last Term, while relieving for two teacher libarians at a Sutherland Shire High school (they share one full time position and took separate periods of leave ), I decided to create posters to promote literatuer featured in the different genres that comprise of the fiction collection, excluding the general fiction collection.

Normally, I would have created a "Recommended Reads" brochure to promote literature but decided to attempt a visual approach through the posters and identify ten items that would be suitable and enjoyable for the students. If there the item was part of a series, I would promote the first book and then list the series underneath to open up further reading options, should the student enjoy reading the first book.

Click here to access the Google Drive folder.  

The library assistant did a great job in creating a book display to promote the items featured. Due to COVID-19 restrictions in Sydney, remote learning, but also the conclusion of my work at the school, I cannot provide any feedback on the success of it, but it is a step forward.

Library Brochures

I am in the process of creating a library services brochure for my current school. At this point in time, I do not wish to disclose it, but it is an interesting time to work there as their library moves forward. I will only be with them until Christmas, but will be a good opportunity to "make a mark".

Why make a brochure? I think of public libraries and how they use brochures as a tool to market their library services. School Libraries need to do the same as well. Some schools have embraced the initiative.

A new staff member for instance may find it daunting to ask the Teacher Librarian or colleague but a brochure can provide what they need to know about the library and what it can provide for them.

New students also need to know what collections and services are there. They may be unsure about how many items they can borrow and for how long.

It can be fantastic too to promote the services that they may not know e.g. scanning items to email.

This is a work in process.

GoodReads & Library Services

I applaud any school that has a Facebook page to promote their library and their services because it shows that you are engaging with your target group or demographic i.e. students and staff of the school and using the tools that they enjoy for viewing or sharing information. As this article  points out you can share photos, news and bring your clients together.

What about GoodReads? I've had the chance to create a group for the MLC School library during the past term as a means of promoting library services but to go a step further and provide an outlet for discussion of literature amongst the students.

I've included a screenshot of what our group page looks like if you want to remain here and not open another tab. 

It is only in its early days, but the teacher librarians act as the moderators. The "rules" feature allows you to create rules relating to use of the page. Generally we decided that school expectations would apply e.g. student code of conduct and IT use policy. Also we restricted it to students and staff with a school email address as to avoid outsiders from joining the group.

I've invited students during our Drop Everything And Read sessions to join the group in addition to signing up as a member. The response has been good and students have enjoyed it so far. Very straightforward and takes just minutes to do.

I started some discussion threads which actually gives GoodReads an advantage over Facebook because the information can be organised into individual feeds and the student or staff member can go a discussion or feed that suits them.

Like Facebook, photos can be posted to create a gallery.

The page itself can be used to promote books in the library collection. Featured Books can be added to the Books list. You can find out what students had thought of it and in our discussion threads, we can add the cover of the book to help promote it.

Another great feature is the poll feature. I've included one such poll below. You can also comment.

I had a motive for putting that poll up, because I had read that some schools were getting rid of their print collections from their libraries. The poll affirms my view that print is still in vogue amongst the students and will be for some time to come. What lesson does this have for me or a school if this question pops up, consult them. If a library is to be popular and successful it has to listen to its clients. If they want print items, we are then obliged to provide them. Otherwise they will not come and make use of our services.