School librarians, teachers, and public librarians are all BUSY.
How can we communicate and work with each other while respecting each other’s time?

I have collected a few notes from two school librarians and have them listed below. Do you have suggestions or tips? Am I missing something? Send them my way and we will add them to the list.

    • Reach out, introduce yourself, and ask them what they prefer, phone or email?
    • Ask if you can add their email to a list for you to reach local teachers and school librarians.
    • Keep emails short and sweet and include deadlines for responses.
      • The public library can provide book club kits with multiple copies of books and a discussion guide. Use a key word search of “Book Discussion Kit” or “Book Talk” in the V-Cat catalog here (link). I can take a look if you have a specific book in mind for a specific date.
      • Can I bring coffee for a visit to talk about teen book selection? Could you meet before spring break or during spring break?
      • Would you be interested in a visit from a librarian for a special storytime and activity or craft for your classes? We could visit before a holiday or as you stop lending items at the end of the year. What topic would you like? Would a date this month work for you?
      • Would you be interested in a class visit from the library with makerspace items X and X? Would a date this month work for you? March X-X is Teen Tech Week.
    • Use visuals! Examples:
      • Can you post this flyer in your school library? (include flyer in email and as attachment)
      • Can I come for a class visit with this awesome makerspace kit? (and include a picture and maybe a link to an awesome video about the makerspace idea.
  • FYI For Your Information
    • Make contact with the person creating the school newsletter or organizing information for families. Send them library events and services information.
    • Spread the word: School librarians and teachers can reserve Book Club Kits with multiple copies of books and discussion guide by using a KEYWORD search of “Book Discussion Kit” or “Book Talk” in the V-Cat catalog.
    • At the end of the school year, school libraries do not check out books. Ask your school librarian if you can help by coming for a special visit to do an activity or storytime.

 

-Submitted by Anne Hamland

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