Building the Future
by Donna Milner
“Building the Future @ your library’ was the theme for this year’s Summer Institute on June 6&7 where 102 of Georgia’s media specialists spent two days learning, networking and preparing for the future. Ninety-four percent of participants stated that the Summer Institute was worth their time and money.
In the words of the participants when asked what was the best part of the Summer Institute: “the sessions”; “The location”;
- Meeting all the people with similar working backgrounds and being able to talk
and exchange ideas;
- Getting important state information;
- It was focused on issues that concern library/media specialists;
- Focusing on the big picture not just my district;
- I liked the big group, small group switch off;
- A PLU in the area related to my work;
- The breakout sessions were very informative and the speakers were focused,
direct and relevant;
- I got some great ideas about being visible;
Those video clips were awesome. I learned different ways to build my image as a
LMS.
We were all moved as we paid a special tribute to Mable Underwood for her many years of service to the library profession in Georgia. We were excited to have our state leaders and many presenters from partner educational groups throughout the state. We all enjoyed the insights into the DOE and its initiatives from Judy Serritella, the updates and understandings of the GPS from Kathi Politis and the latest news on GALILEO from Karen Minton. Betsy Razza enlightened us on how to advocate for our libraries and Rosalind Dennis and Sherry Grove inspired us with their thoughts.
In the breakout sessions we learned about all the offerings from GPB and the TIE Network from Katherine Aiken and Joy Jensen. Dr. Ed Lomax led his group in learning about a study that connects media specialists and science teachers in a great collaboration. Karen Minton shared more great ideas in how to use GALILEO in your library. Linda Martin entertained and enlightened her group on how to use storytelling to accomplish learning in the library. Mary Etta Thomas and Barbara Hallstrom led their group in learning how to set up and coach a Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl Team. On Thursday David Noah did a great presentation on blogging and other Web 2.0 applications. Donna Milner led her group in creating digital stories. Daniel Rivera and Jeff Giddens wowed their group with a presentation on visual literacy and the resources they share with teachers from their First District RESA website. And Tech Tips by Esther Brenneman was a roaring success with everyone clamoring for more.
Next year’s Summer Institute is set for June 10 &11 at Macon State College. The cost next year will be $85 with a $10 discount if you pay your GLMA dues before May 1. Registrations should open in February and be limited to 100 participants. If you have suggestions as to our theme for next year or presenters and speakers we should have at the Institute, please email them to donnamilner@yahoo.com. See you there!
Thoughts from the GLMA Summer Institute
These lists of ideas were created at the GLMA Summer Institute.
Every 21st Century Media Center Should Have-
- An enthusiastic and competent librarian
- A full time media specialist (aka teacher-librarian) who is not afraid to learn about new things and who enjoys interacting with students, faculty and staff
- Administrative and financial support
- Up-to-date hardware
- Two computers so one can be used for circulation and the other for cataloging and public relations.
- Computers for students both stand-alone and lab
- Digital projectors
- Interactive Boards
- State-of-the-art mounted presentation equipment
- A greenspace to soften the atmosphere and provide for natural learning
- Displays that invite students to explore, read and learn
You Might be a 21st Century Media Specialist/ Teacher-Librarian If-
- You know that wiki is Hawaiian for “quick”
- You use or are willing to use many of the Web 2.0 resources in your media services offerings
- You “Google” former students
- You know that there is a different bulb for each model of LCD projector and you know to order at least one for reserve if you order a group of projectors.
- You have collaborated with a teacher and together built a unit with the Unit Design Builder on georgiastandards.org.
- You think that students should have time to pursue learning about their interests.
- You know what the hidden web is and how to find it.
- Words like Web 2.0, TIE, wiki, blog, Wetpaint are common in your vocabulary.
GLMA’s Most Pressing Issues-
- We need a list of state literacy standard skills we’re expected to teach to K-12
- The phasing out of certified LMS’s because they are not valued as part of the instructional team.
- Communicating to administrators the advantages of flexible schedules and providing opportunities for collaboration.
- Advocacy for state guidelines and SACS
- Staffing and Advocacy
- Collaboration of K-16 … work with college level to keep “end result in mind”.
- Advocacy: Information dissemination to administrators as well as media
- specialists
- Updated Info-Lit checklist
- GPS- help media specialists to lead
- Budget and staffing
What I Wished I Had Learned in Library Classes-
- More understanding of, modeling and sharing about collaboration
- How to handle difficult people
- Not enough real life media experiences
- How to deal with budgets
- How to process books
- How to understand county procedures
- An opportunity to work with education teacher prep programs to build relationships doing actual projects or units
- More real world experience
- Notetaking
- How to repair equipment, and replace computer parts
- Opportunity to speak with admin taking classes to share with them what we do
- More of what I need to do beyond teaching library skills
- More creative activities to teach information literacy
- More about cataloging
- How to collaborate with teachers