Developing Programs for the School Library

Dr. Wendy RickmanAASL Summer Conference

July 24-25, 2011Eureka Springs, AR

Programming Defined

Any special event consisting of planned activities that are developed and shared to achieve predetermined learning objectives.

Programming Consists of planning, promotion, organization, and assessment.

Programming is created to serve the needs of students and faculty.

Ray, L. Schoolwide book Events

Types of Programming

Programs are usually the original creations of school librarians.

Exhibits & DisplaysSpeakers & EntertainersInterest CentersDemonstrationsMedia

Ray, L. Schoolwide book Events

Programming• Foundations

– Based on Curriculum– Based on Target Groups– Based on Special Themes– Based on Interests &

Entertainment– Based on Time

• Purposes– Support & Enhance the

Curriculum– Enrich Other Curricula– Personal Enrichment– Provide Professional

Development

• Benefits– Enhance Public Relations– Highlight the School

Librarian– Increase LMC Usage– Support & Enrich

Classroom Learning– Broaden Student &

Teacher Insterests– Inspire Lifelong Learning

Ray, L. Schoolwide book Events

Book Events

Encourage students to read and build school unity.

Basic Steps for Creating Book Events• Choose a broad theme.• Meet with Admin. To discuss event & topic.• Schedule event and organize event groupings.• Invite Administration, teachers, & students in

advance.• Find theme-related titles in the collection.• Design displays & incorporate student work.• Organize the event itself.• Order theme-related items for give-aways.• Remind teachers of the event schedule.• Have a great time!

Ray, L. Schoolwide book Events

Stages of Programming

Preparation

Execution

Assessment

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Gathering Ideas for a Theme

• Intrinsic Motivation• Informal Observation• Faculty Suggestion• Other LMS Experiences

• Student Interests• Curriculum Needs• Professional

Development• Community Happenings

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Developing a Specific Plan

“Good planning requires clarity (p. 32).”

• Set Goals• Consider the Audience –

age, gender, interests; smaller groups often get more out of it.

• Time Frame• Identify Resources – age,

interests, maturity, background knowledge, appropriateness.

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Things to Do

Outline Program Content

Obtain Admin Approval

Teacher Support

Plan the Details

Schedule the Speaker &/or Support People

Order Resource Materials

Contingency Plan

Completing Final Preparations

Execute the Plan

Present the Program

Follow-up After the Program

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Program Assessment

“All good programs must include some type of follow-up activity to solidify or extend learning (p. 118).”

Extending the Program

Activities for the LMC– Displays & bulletin

boards– Interest centers– Hands-on activities

Activities for the Classroom– Bibliography resources– Learning centers

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Completing the Process

Thank the Resource People.

Thank the Volunteers

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Evaluations

NonverbalBook CirculationTeachers extended

activities

Formal Evaluations:– By students– By teachers– By the school librarian

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Questions or Comments