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00:00:00 --> 00:00:05 Welcome to Your Morning Boost, your daily leadership advice to help you lead your school community.
00:00:05 --> 00:00:09 Brought to you by AWB Education and sponsored by Grundmeyer Leader Services,
00:00:10 --> 00:00:14 where together we are transforming education, one leader at a time.
00:00:14 --> 00:00:16 Now here's your host, Adam Bush.
00:00:17 --> 00:00:19 Good morning, school leaders. Welcome back to Your Morning Boost.
00:00:20 --> 00:00:24 It's Friday, and as we head to the weekend, let's focus on a vital member of
00:00:24 --> 00:00:28 our school community, and that is our school librarian.
00:00:28 --> 00:00:32 Often our librarians are the heart of the school. They play a very crucial role
00:00:32 --> 00:00:37 in fostering literacy and promoting a love of reading, and they also provide
00:00:37 --> 00:00:39 essential resources for both students and teachers.
00:00:40 --> 00:00:43 So today we're going to explore a little bit on how to provide some effective
00:00:43 --> 00:00:48 feedback to our librarians that helps guide their learning development and ultimately
00:00:48 --> 00:00:51 enhances their impact with the entire school community.
00:00:51 --> 00:00:56 Now, we know that effective feedback is more than just a pat on the back or a quick Good job.
00:00:56 --> 00:01:02 It's about providing specific, actionable insights that help our staff grow and improve.
00:01:02 --> 00:01:06 So when we talk about librarians, we want to start by establishing that culture
00:01:06 --> 00:01:08 of open communication and trust.
00:01:08 --> 00:01:12 Let our librarian know that you value their contributions and are invested in
00:01:12 --> 00:01:13 their professional development.
00:01:13 --> 00:01:17 Try to schedule some regular check-ins, both formal and informal,
00:01:17 --> 00:01:20 and we want to discuss their work, their challenges, and their goals.
00:01:20 --> 00:01:24 This is going to help create a safe space for open dialogue and feedback.
00:01:25 --> 00:01:29 Now, when we are providing feedback, be very specific and focus on observable
00:01:29 --> 00:01:31 behaviors and outcomes.
00:01:31 --> 00:01:35 Instead of saying, you know, great job with the library, maybe try something
00:01:35 --> 00:01:39 like, you know, I really appreciate how you organize the new graphic novel section.
00:01:40 --> 00:01:43 It's visually appealing and it's already attracted many students.
00:01:44 --> 00:01:49 Or instead of like the library programs are good, offer specific feedback on a recent event.
00:01:49 --> 00:01:53 Maybe something like the author visit that you organized was a huge success.
00:01:53 --> 00:01:57 The students were so engaged, and it sparked a lot of excitement about reading.
00:01:58 --> 00:02:02 Just remember to balance positive feedback with constructive suggestions for improvement.
00:02:03 --> 00:02:07 And when we do, focus on specific areas where our librarian can grow and develop.
00:02:07 --> 00:02:11 Like if you've noticed that maybe the library website, if that's part of their
00:02:11 --> 00:02:14 responsibilities, maybe it isn't updated regularly, you could say,
00:02:14 --> 00:02:16 I've noticed that the library website hasn't been updated.
00:02:16 --> 00:02:20 Perhaps we could explore ways to streamline that process or maybe even delegate
00:02:20 --> 00:02:23 some of those tasks to some student volunteers. Okay.
00:02:23 --> 00:02:27 If you're looking to enhance collaboration between your librarian and teachers,
00:02:27 --> 00:02:32 maybe suggest, I'm wondering if we could explore ways to better integrate library
00:02:32 --> 00:02:34 resources into classroom instruction.
00:02:34 --> 00:02:38 Perhaps you could co-teach a lesson with a teacher or create thematic book displays
00:02:38 --> 00:02:41 or things that are linked to current classroom topics.
00:02:42 --> 00:02:46 Just be sure to provide that feedback in a timely manner while the experience
00:02:46 --> 00:02:48 is still fresh in everyone's mind.
00:02:48 --> 00:02:52 It helps our librarians reflect on the feedback and make adjustments as needed,
00:02:52 --> 00:02:54 just like it is for any other staff member.
00:02:54 --> 00:02:57 And then also be open to receiving some feedback ourselves.
00:02:58 --> 00:03:01 I would ask our librarians how I can better support their work and create a
00:03:01 --> 00:03:04 conducive environment for their success.
00:03:04 --> 00:03:07 It not only demonstrates my commitment to their growth, but it also helps to
00:03:07 --> 00:03:09 foster this collaborative relationship.
00:03:09 --> 00:03:13 Now, furthermore, consider providing opportunities for that professional development
00:03:13 --> 00:03:16 that preferably align with our librarians' goals and the school's needs.
00:03:16 --> 00:03:20 This can include attending conferences or participating in online courses,
00:03:20 --> 00:03:24 or even visiting other school libraries to observe best practices.
00:03:24 --> 00:03:29 For example, if our librarian is interested in incorporating more technology
00:03:29 --> 00:03:33 into library programs, I would support them in attending a conference on digital
00:03:33 --> 00:03:37 literacy or exploring some online tools for creative interactive learning experiences.
00:03:38 --> 00:03:42 Maybe I'd just get them somebody who can run the library for a day and do the
00:03:42 --> 00:03:45 managerial tasks while they just have the opportunity to sit in front of a computer
00:03:45 --> 00:03:48 and explore. Whatever is going to work to be able to meet their needs.
00:03:48 --> 00:03:52 Finally, just don't forget to remember to recognize and celebrate their achievements.
00:03:52 --> 00:03:56 Acknowledge their hard work, dedication, and the positive impact they have on
00:03:56 --> 00:03:59 the school community. It's going to help boost morale.
00:03:59 --> 00:04:02 It's going to help foster a sense of appreciation and, of course,
00:04:02 --> 00:04:04 encourage continued growth and development.
00:04:04 --> 00:04:08 But really, just by providing some specific, timely, and supportive feedback,
00:04:08 --> 00:04:13 we can empower our school librarian to thrive and make an even greater contribution
00:04:13 --> 00:04:14 to our school's success.
00:04:14 --> 00:04:18 As the American Library Association states, school librarians are essential
00:04:18 --> 00:04:22 to ensuring that students are effective users of ideas and information.
00:04:23 --> 00:04:27 Let's invest in their growth and help empower them to be the best they can be.
00:04:27 --> 00:04:30 That's your Morning Boost for today. I encourage you to reflect on a few of
00:04:30 --> 00:04:35 these strategies and consider how we can provide effective feedback to our school librarians.
00:04:35 --> 00:04:39 Have a wonderful Friday and have a restful weekend. You have certainly earned it.
00:04:39 --> 00:04:42 Thanks again for tuning in to your Morning Boost this week. If you have time
00:04:42 --> 00:04:45 for a quick rating and review to help us keep this mission going,
00:04:46 --> 00:04:47 we would certainly appreciate it.
00:04:47 --> 00:04:51 Outside of that, have a great Friday, and we will talk with you again next week.
00:04:51 --> 00:04:55 You have been listening to Your Morning Boost by AWB Education in partnership
00:04:55 --> 00:04:57 with Grundmeyer Leader Services.
00:04:57 --> 00:05:02 You can find out more about our services by clicking on the links in the description.
00:05:03 --> 00:05:07 Remember, you are doing this vital job that only a few can do.
00:05:07 --> 00:05:11 So until next time, thank you for your service to your community.