ProgramManagement13

The Program Management part of the work is to make sure the Learning Center program, space, and staff works smoothly. It is all the behind the scenes stuff that needs to get done. I strive to be approachable and flexible while working to develop a vision of the big picture of what role the library program needs to fill within the school and for students. The library is an active, vibrant place. We have capable staff who are able to make sure that the library hums which frees me to work both within the library and within the classrooms.

I'm slowly expanding the library's digital offerings. This year we added additional eAudiobooks and devices. We added additional eReaders. We are also starting to experiment with some downloadable content that students (and staff) can put on their own devices.
 * Expanded Services**

The addition of student email has been huge for us. We've been able to go largely paperless, communicating with students electronically about holds, overdues, and fines directly rather than going through classroom teachers. I've also received email reference questions and requests from students.

This year I weeded several parts of the nonfiction collection. It needed it! I focused my efforts on the science areas. I took the weeded materials to a book recycler over spring break to keep them out of a landfill. I'm then thoughtful about what areas to build in terms of use and interest.
 * Collection Management**

For bigger demand projects, we continue to make use of interlibrary loan and connections with librarians. For example, when a teacher asked for a set of novels for all his students (75 copies). I was able to borrow and tap into relationships with other libraries and librarians to make this happen within a week. I worked with the library staff to figure out ways to manage the logistics of this effort to effectively keep track of all these materials.

We worked this year to deal with a long-time issue of students using the LC at recess. It is part of my philosophy that the LC be used and available for students working on their academic pursuits. Students need a place to work, think, and for some students the library is a safe haven. However, I have to balance this need with the classes using the space. It hasn't always been a smooth balancing act. Having the recess options and morning sign-up for recess (while I recognize that the MPR hasn't really been used) has seemed to make a huge difference on the crowd, volume, and productivity during recess time.
 * Recess Options**

I attended a webinar this fall where Patrick Ness, an author whose work I like a lot, was speaking. As a result of attending, I was invited by Candlewick Press to[| submit a proposal] to be a stop on his U.S. tour. The company was looking for a school-wide effort to welcome Mr. Ness. This happened in the midst of our One Book program this year, so I felt confident that Highland could pull this off. Several teachers were again interested in being part of the project. We were awarded the visit for September 26, 2013, and we are ready to roll!
 * New Opportunities**

Running the library is a juggling act. There are a lot of moving parts and a lot of behind the scenes tasks to consider. Keeping my sights on the big picture while focusing on the needs of those in front of me can be a challenge, but it is work that I am passionate about and enjoy.