CEdu 572 - 11/17/10

1. Describe your progress on your Library Media Website (etc)


In the spirit of being completely honest, I would describe my progress as follows: I've written a mental post-it note to myself to remind me that I need to start working on this.  Everything I note after this I suppose I could consider my progress to date.  The software that my district uses is Destiny Library, which I know next to nothing about.  In exploring it, I see that I can write an "introduction" on it's home page, but that seems to be it.  But we will see if there's more I can do.  Otherwise, I plan on using Google Sites to simply create my own page with a link to my district's page.  I did explore the library website for Madisonville Primary School's library.  It looks pretty good with tons of links and resources.  It also has an up to date calendar of events, which many sites seem to lack.


2. Were you aware of the Common School Fund before our reading and tonight’s discussion?  What are your thoughts about this unique funding?


I was vaguely aware that the Library had a budget to buy new books and so on. But I had no idea where that money came from or how it worked.  I personally think this is amazing!  I have always believed in the progressive nature of Wisconsin, though politically our state has been pretty wild.  I mean think about it.  Wisconsin produced both Robert "Fightin' Bob" LaFollette as well as Joseph McCarthy (of McCarthyism anti-communism fame).  But I digress.  To know that there exists a state law that takes prearranged dollars whose sole purpose is to fund and enhance libraries is just amazing.  I am excited to both benefit from and defend this institution.


3. Basing your comments on our readings this week, react to this quote from Chapter 1 of our textbook:  “Make a difference in the lives of students and positively affect their learning.”


There it is.  That's the point.  It's not about having summers off.  It's not about having incredible health insurance.  It's not about the paycheck.  It's not about high-fastening pants.  It's about the kids.  If you don't WHOLE HEARTEDLY believe that the aforementioned quote is the singular reason you are where you are, then get out.  Go sell cars.  Get into real estate.  Work in the plastic surgery industry.  But for God's sake don't teach.


4. Again, based on this week’s readings and discussion, has your impression of the job of Library Media Specialist changed?  If so, how?


Not drastically so.  My impression is either confirmed or enhanced that an LMS is a unique blend of both an independent actor in their own arena and a collaborator in just about every community.  To speak directly to the reading, if I had to boil down the chapters into a unifying theme, it would be "know thyself."  Know your collection, know your patrons, know your community, and so on.  I've seen this in the classroom setting as well, and I see no reason why it doesn't apply to the library as well.


5. Any questions or other comments you have?


Don't misunderstand.  I thoroughly enjoyed my coursework with Cardinal Stritch when attaining my educator's license.  It was informative AND fun.  But I can already tell, from just three classes, that I'm learning much more concrete information.  For example, after class on the 10th I asked my mentor where I could find the district's collection policy.  Not only did she find it, but found that it was incredibly out of date.  And that started a discussion among the district's librarians as a whole to get the policy updated. Good stuff.


6. (Louis Question)  How has our class and this week’s activities effected you in your professional life?  Discuss two things that you have learned about this week.


Well, after our class, I emailed my mentor to ask about the Common School Funds and how that applies to us, outside the theoretical.  That was fun.  I learned about the CSF and how it works, exactly.  I also learned that the main issue with managing your collection is simply knowing about your collection.  You know, the whole "knowledge is power" thing (I didn't want to recycle the "know thyself" quote).