Entry #5--Riley Grant

February 7, 2017

Was able to check off a couple of tasks today. First, I had a student that helps in the library help me take down the bulletin board outside the library, and then I went to work putting up a new one. Christy showed me how to use the poster maker on my previous visit and that was super helpful for not only getting this bulletin board together, but I am guessing that wherever I land in the future, one of my tasks will be to make the posters…makes me think of the old Dunkin Donut commercial, “It’s time to make the donuts.”!!

It’s time to make the posters!



This bulletin board is to promote the reading incentive program at Mauldin Middle called Mustang Books. Instead of using the SC State Reading Lists, students work with Christy to read and review books for the next school year. Christy then spends the summer doing “on location” video book talks for the beginning of the next school year. Seventh and Eighth grade students read and pass 5 Mustang Book AR tests in order to participate in an All You Can Eat Pizza Party each semester. The picture in the middle of the bulletin board shows the group from the first semester’s party! Christy has added 6th Grade for this second semester to encourage reading as Chromebooks have cause a “hit” on visits to the library.

The other event of the day was being able to watch Christy deliver a Book talk to a group of sixth grade students. I loved how she took all of her own technology on a cart so that the teacher in the class could maintain his/her desk and computer while she did her presentation. Her cart had her computer, a projector, speakers and copies of the books…anything she needed to present! She did an introduction to the incentive program and then used a combination of video reviews/promos and her commentary to introduce the books offered to sixth graders. They literally ran into the library to check books out afterward!

I made some mental notes for the future…First… I LOVED the on location video book talks. I had thought about my book talk “schtick” long ago that led to the name of this blog. Maybe I can do a Carpool Karaoke version of a book talk or take the Jeep on Book Trips…something to think about for the future!

I’m also thinking about the SC State Lists and how to develop incentive programs if there is not already one in place.

Finally, I’m making a mental list of questions to ask potential interviewers. I need to list them in a safe place…so:

1.   What are some “sacred cow” programs/expectations of the library/librarian?
2.   What is an area or library program that, as an administrator, you would like to see improved?
3.   What are your thoughts on fixed/flex scheduling?


What would you add?

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