Library Idea of the Week
February 14, 2005
Cathy Belben, Librarian, Burlington-Edison High School

Share your skills with other professionals! The WLMA conference planning is underway, and we are in need of concurrent session presenters. What skills, ideas, or experiences do you have that you can share with your colleague?  Fresh ideas are always welcome!  Think about how you could present an idea, strategy, or success alone or with a colleague, and then contact me about signing up for a presentation slot at this year’s conference.  This is a fun, rewarding experience—a great way to meet new people and share ideas.

Some ideas for presentations (I’m just brainstorming…there are hundreds of possibilities!)

ü       Managing student library aides—ideas for grading, keeping them busy, etc.

ü       Strategies for the WASL—how can librarians help teachers help kids prepare for the test

ü       Selling your space—suggestions for keeping the library full and busy

ü       Professional writing—ideas and help for those who’d like to contribute to professional journals and magazines

ü       Attracting science and math teachers to the library

ü       Promoting the use of audiobooks and videos/DVDs responsibly

ü       Establishing a “Critical Friends” group at your school

ü       Cataloguing—tricks, tips, and techniques

ü       Basic Procedures of acquiring National Board Certification for Librarians

ü       Book fairs and book sales at the HIGH SCHOOL level—has anyone done this successfully?

ü       Starting a NEW library—suggestions and help for those building new collections

ü       Managing student behavior in the library

ü       The best short stories and how to share them

ü       Music in the library

ü       Selecting and promoting periodicals

ü       Other????