Key Concepts

Key Concepts on Resource Development

Concept #3

Personnel

Concept #1

Facilities

Concept #2

Funding/Budget

Concept #1

Library Design

• When updating the design of a library it is important to take it one step at a time with small changes that gradually transform the library.
• The blog post by Diana Redina included some helpful tips for redesigning a library space.
• Less is more.
• Get rid of the things that are not used and take up space.
• Don't have wall space? Make some.
• If you need wall space, rearrange the shelving or remove shelving.
• Play house and rearrange your furniture.
• Do not be afraid to rearrange the furniture to find a layout that creates a better space for the students.

Rationale for Librarian

This blog post provided ideas of small changes that a librarian can begin making to improve the library space. As a new librarian going into a library it is helpful to know that you can begin to make changes gradually through small steps. These changes can be done through rearranging the furnitures, getting rid of unused furniture or other items, or rearranging shelving. Rendina, D. (2015, October 27). How to transform your library space on a budget [blog post]. Knowledge Quest.

Concept #3

Parent Involvement in the Library

Parent involvement in the library has many benefits for the students, parents, and librarian. It is important to communicate and provide opportunities for parents to be involved with the library.

• Ways to Encourage Parent Involvement:
• Host a presentation during Open House Night with information about the library.
• Send monthly newsletters.
• Attend PTO meetings and give updates on the library.
• Host a literacy night in the library.
• Encourage parent volunteers in the library.

Librarian Rationale

There are many benefits to encouraging parent involvement in the library. Parents can be an advocate for the library but only when they are involved and know about the great things happening. This can be done by communicating with parents through Open House Night, sending montly newsletters, and hosting a literacy night. There are some parents who might be able to support the library by volunteering during or after school. Harris, J. (2015). Getting parents involved in the school library media center. Library Media Connection, 33(6), 20-24.Links to an external site.

Concept #2

Library Funding through Grants

Librarian Rationale

School library budgets vary from school to school and often are limited. One way for librarians to fund their library is through grants. Through grants, librarians are able to fund library programs, purchase new books and provide students with the latest technology. Librarians can start looking for grant funding close to home. There are often local businesses that can donate snacks for a literacy night or the school PTO can help fund an author visit. The first step is for the librarian to reach out to the community with ideas of how they could support the students through the library.

This article had great ideas of how to start reaching out to your community to help support the library. We often think of grants as being thousands of dollars but it could be as simple as asking the grocery store for food donations for a literacy night or an after school book club. If the school has a PTO, reach out to the members and see how they could collaborate to support the library. Anderson, Cynthia. (2011). Free money! Knowledge Quest, 40(2), 10-13.Links to an external site.