Smart Librarians

Thursday, November 17, 2016

The "Quotable" this week is REALLY good!

November 17, 2016

Every Thursday, you’ll get this short, fun, relevant newsletter. It will contain a quote or smile about the library and those who love it, an idea you can use to promote your library or reading in general, and an occasional shameless plug for the programs I offer. Enjoy!

If you are new to us or have missed any previous issues, you can read them all at www.smartlibrarians.com. And, please; tell your friends about it!

In this issue:

I LOVE to Read!

Quotable!

Getting the Work Done!

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday!

I LOVE to Read!

It’s not just something I say. It’s the TRUTH! I LOVE to read! Newspapers, magazines, books, websites, t-shirts, signs on the wall…if it’s got words on it, I want to read it!

Every Monday morning, for example, I read Gina DeLapa’s Monday Morning Pep Talk! It’s a free weekly newsletter that is relevant, fun and easy to read. In just 3-5 minutes, I get information, encouragement and something to think about.

For instance, this week I read this nugget:

“People who are great at what they do are willing to invest in their abilities, willing to sweat, even willing to look foolish. They may get complimented on being a "natural," but they know natural ability doesn't begin to tell the whole story.”

That sounds like a media specialist to me!

Click here and look at the top right corner of the page to find out how to subscribe to Gina’s newsletter. You’ll thank me for it!

Quotable!

“You should never read just for “enjoyment.” Read to make yourself smarter! Less judgmental! More apt to understand your friends’ insane behavior, or better yet, your own! Pick “hard books.” Ones you have to concentrate on while reading. And…don’t let me ever hear you say, “I can’t read fiction. I only have time for the truth.” Fiction is the truth, fool! Ever hear of “literature”? That means fiction, too.”

John Waters, Writer, Author, Actor, et.al.

Encouraging reading – from 45 Ideas in 45 Minutes – Getting the Work Done

29. Recruit and TRAIN volunteers to help with checkout, shelving, website, checking in orders. Whether you call them Media Moms or just helpers, they need to feel confident that they know what they are doing and that it is important work. You MUST train regular volunteers, if you hope to retain them. You also must appreciate them and let them know that you do.

A well trained, appreciated volunteer who feels that she is making a difference is an UNBELIEVABLE asset and can be an amazing advocate for you. Principals listen to parents, and media moms can be passionate friends of your library.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Really Truly Thankful

November 10, 2016

If you are new to us or have missed any previous issues, you can read them all at www.smartlibrarians.com. And, please; tell your friends about it!

In this issue:

It’s November!

Quotable!

Getting the Work Done!

Looking Ahead!

It’s November

Leaves are falling, the election is over, and ALL those holidays are looming large on the horizon. Like every other kid I knew growing up, I have always loved Christmas. But as I have gotten older, I have started really enjoying Thanksgiving more and more. Partly because of the food, largely because of the family, but MOSTLY because it reminds me and others I know to be thankful. Thankful for people who mean so much to me, for opportunities to discover and grow, for simple things and complicated – and for contemplating things that go unnoticed or underappreciated for much of the rest of the year.

One of those things I am really grateful for is a love for reading and the ability to do so – whether I am reading directions, the new Jack Reacher novel, super hero books to my grandson, or a blog about library work. Being a reader has made my life (and, I suspect, yours!) so much richer. And it is pretty awesome to be a part of a team of people who spend much of their lives instilling that love in others. Thanks for letting me play!

And keep up the good work!

Quotable!

“We don’t need to have just one favorite book. We keep adding favorites. Our favorite book is always the book that speaks most directly to us at a particular stage in our lives. And our lives change. We have other favorites that give us what we most need at that particular time. But we never lose the old favorites. They’re always with us. We just sort of accumulate them.” — Lloyd Alexander, Newbery Winner

Encouraging reading – from 45 Ideas in 45 Minutes – Getting the Work Done

I saw a bumper sticker that said “What I need is more time, more money, and less $%#@&* from you people!” There never seems to be enough time or money to get the work done and many media specialists have lost hours and personnel, and some have even been moved to the classroom for part of the day. Here’s one way to make the best of the situation.

28. Get substitute teachers to come and help in the Media Center during planning period. If you have two subs per day who will help for 30 minutes per day, you will get 5 hours of help each week. If you have set tasks for them to do so that you don’t have to stop and tell them/show them what you want, it becomes a time saver, not a burden. Once subs get the hang of it, you have help every day! Since some of your subs are also parents at your school, you can begin training media center volunteers!

Looking Ahead to Spring and the End of the Year

“Teacher In-Service Training” – many times, that phrase strikes worry and concern in the heart of the media specialist. The county or your local school provides learning opportunities for classroom teachers and so that it won’t be unfair, you have to attend. What if there were sessions designed just for media specialists? Would THAT make the time more worthwhile?

I can help. Check out the topics I offer at little or no cost to groups of media specialists at www.tommyjohnspresents.com/tjp/teachers/. I’d love to come to your district or regional training event and be a part of your professional development!

Let me know how I can help! See you next week!

Encouraging kids to read, I am
Tommy Johns
Educational Entertainment Specialist

PS – Don’t forget to share this newsletter and blog with your colleagues!

Thursday, November 3, 2016

You Probably Already Do this, but…

November 3, 2016

If you are new to us or have missed any previous issues, you can read them all at www.smartlibrarians.com. And please tell your friends about it!

In this issue:

You Probably Already Do this, but…

Quotable!

Experiences are WAY Better!

All Aboard the Arctic Express!

You Probably Already Do this, but…

There are lots of websites and social media sites that can help you in your work as a media specialist. One that you probably already take part in is Pinterest. In addition to cake recipes and gardening tips, there are hundreds of media specialists sharing their great ideas about encouraging reading, getting the administrative part of the job done and THIS ONE about an easy to set up, low tech MAKER SPACE! Click here to check it out!

Quotable!

One of the best ways to help a child learn empathy is through great stories. I love this quote from Joyce Carol Oates.

“Reading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often helplessly, into another’s skin, another’s voice, another’s soul.”

Joyce Carol Oates, American writer

Encouraging reading – from 45 Ideas in 45 Minutes – Encouraging Reading

10. Reward readers with EXPERIENCES, not just stuff. EX. Lunch in the Library, first checkout of new books, or allow a hold on a favorite series. People remember the things they DO and EXPERIENCE longer than they remember the STUFF that they get. So why not give your kids experiences! Going to a show, going first in line, being the first one to checkout a new book, having lunch with YOU – all these things man a lot more than a plastic rainbow colored Slinky shaped like a book!

All Aboard the Arctic Express!

There are still several open dates in December for this fun and educationally significant program! Arctic Express looks like a magic show that tells a story about a boy who loves trains, but it is really a reading assembly program that teaches your students about winter holidays that are celebrated around the world. Your students can join the hundreds of audiences who have experienced this one of a kind program. To find out more, click here to go to the website, or hit reply and say “Tell me more!”

Let me know how I can help! See you next week!

Encouraging kids to read, I am
Tommy Johns
Educational Entertainment Specialist

PS – Don’t forget to share this newsletter and blog with your colleagues!

Thursday, October 27, 2016

More Music in the Library!

October 27, 2016

If you are new to us or have missed any previous issues, you can read them all at www.smartlibrarians.com. And please tell your friends about it!

In this issue:

Music in the Library! Part 2

Quotable!

Sharpen the Saw!

What Tiffany Said!

Music in the Library! Part 2

Last week I wrote about Shannon Miller and her webinar about using music in the library. I heard from several of you who listened to the webinar or the replay and had good things to say about it. Within hours of sending the Smart Librarians newsletter, I received this idea for using music in the library from Sabrina Smith, media specialist at Austin HS in Decatur, AL:

“Our high school is on a block schedule which begins at 8:30 each day. Our previous librarian found through a survey that students preferred to come into the library early rather than stay after school. I open the library each morning at 7:30. The news is on the big screen. Students can use the computers, work at the tables, talk quietly with their friends, listen to their music with earbuds or just "hang out." It is a comfortable, safe environment for the hour before school. I generally have around 100 students who come in during that time. On Fridays, we play music instead of the news. We tune into www.jango.com and usually choose to do the decade of the 60's hits. The students grin and shake their heads. I think that all of us enjoy our mornings together. When the 8:30 bell rings for school to begin, we turn off the news and music so that classes can use the library. It is quite enjoyable.”

Thanks Sabrina! I must add that when I asked for permission to share her email, she was quick to point out that it was not her idea alone. She gave credit to the previous media specialist and others who helped make this work at her school – just like a good media specialist should!

Quotable!

“No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.”

Confucius

Encouraging reading – from 45 Ideas in 45 Minutes – Sharpen the Saw

We continue this week with yet another way to “sharpen the saw.”

45. READ! Practice what you preach. If you are going to tell others the value of reading, you should get caught with a book every now and then. Read for professional development, read to see what your students are reading AND read for fun.

Here’s what they are saying about Tommy Johns Presents!

“I loved your magic show. It was the best show I have ever seen in my whole entire life. You're the best magician in the whole world. My class loved your magic show.”

Tiffany, 3rd Grader, Roswell, Georgia

Let me know how I can help! See you next week!

Encouraging kids to read, I am
Tommy Johns
Educational Entertainment Specialist

PS – Don’t forget to share this newsletter and blog with your colleagues!

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Music in the Library? Are you kidding me?

If you are new to us or have missed any previous issues, you can read them all at www.smartlibrarians.com. And please tell your friends about it!

In this issue:

Music in the Library!

Quotable!

Sharpen the Saw!

What Erin Said!

Music in the Library!

I have long been a fan of creative media specialists (like you!) who shatter the stereotypes and embrace the different ways the school library can change lives. One of those creative colleagues is Shannon Miller, who is hosting a free webinar next week on using music in the library. The webinar is next Monday at 3:00 CDST, but if you register for it and can’t attend, it will be available to you online afterwards. You can download it and listen to it as you drive to school or watch it during your kids’ dance practice while the other parents are looking at their Facebook feeds. Register and get the details HERE.

Speaking of Shannon, her blog is AMAZING! This week she tells you how to put over 15,000 beautiful, high-quality and popular books into the hands of your students today FOR FREE! Click HERE to find out how!

Quotable!

“What a miracle it is that out of these small, flat, rigid squares of paper unfold world after world after world, worlds that sing to you, comfort and quiet or excite you. Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.”

Anne Lamott, author

Encouraging reading – from 45 Ideas in 45 Minutes – Sharpen the Saw

We continue this week with another way to “sharpen the saw.”

44. Attend GaETC, regional training events, online webinars and see what your regional RESA (in GA) or ASLA District (in AL) offers. Or invite a speaker to come to your school district on the next teacher training day to speak just to media specialists. I have a number of topics I have presented at local and large events, and I would LOVE to come see you! Check out http://tommyjohnspresents.com/tjp/teachers/ for a list of topics!

Getting out of the media center (or completely out of the school!), even for an afternoon can be SO valuable.

Here’s what they are saying about Tommy Johns Presents!

“This is a belated “thank you” to let you know how much I appreciated and enjoyed your visit to Owens Elementary in March. As I reflect on the past school year, your visit stands out as one of the most entertaining and rewarding experiences for the students at Owens. I have shared your information with others and look forward to future visits!”

Erin Elkins, Media Specialist, Owens ES, Athens, AL

Let me know how I can help! See you next week!

Encouraging kids to read, I am
Tommy Johns
Educational Entertainment Specialist

PS – Don’t forget to share this newsletter and blog with your colleagues!

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Bookkeeper? Maybe!

October 13, 2016

If you are new to us or have missed any previous issues, you can read them all at www.smartlibrarians.com. And please tell your friends about it!

In this issue:

Not the Bookkeeper!

Quotable!

Sharpen the Saw!

What Sharon Said!

Not the Bookkeeper!

Our good friend and colleague Ingrid Hanson posted this on her Facebook page last week:

“Today a 6th grader came into the media center and waited very patiently for me while I was teaching. I finally went over and asked him what he needed. He said "My teacher said I needed to talk to the bookkeeper."

I explained the bookkeeper was in the front office...then I got it. Yes, I have books and I keep them for everyone to check out, but I am not the bookkeeper you are looking for.” Go Ingrid!

Now you can add “Bookkeeper” to your resume’!

Quotable!

“Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.”

Lemony Snicket (aka Daniel Handler)

Encouraging reading – from 45 Ideas in 45 Minutes – Sharpen the Saw

Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People coined a phrase about constant self-improvement, “sharpening the saw.” I fear that too many of you are like a soup kitchen cook, starving over a full pot while you are feeding the masses and never taking time to eat. You need to get your battery charged if you are going to keep going and going and going.

#43. Become a member of a Professional Learning Community – locally or online. If you can’t find one, create one. Meet regularly, ESPECIALLY if you are in a small system. You need the support of your colleagues. Face it, a second grade teacher or 11th grade music specialist does not understand what you are dealing with on a regular basis. And you can’t complain to one teacher about another. But another media specialist can help. And you can return the favor. GLMA and ASLA have excellent listservs that allow you to ask questions, share your expertise (and frustrations), and make virtual friends all over the state. You can’t do it alone. Lean on each other. (BTW, if you don’t know what GLMA and ASLA are, you should find out!)

Here’s what they are saying about Tommy Johns Presents!

“Thank you so much for coming to Hopkins! You are AMAZING! The students and staff loved you! Looking forward to you coming back to our school again!”

Sharon Britt, Media Specialist, Hopkins Elementary

Let me know how I can help! See you next week!

Encouraging kids to read, I am
Tommy Johns
Educational Entertainment Specialist

PS – Don’t forget to share this newsletter and blog with your colleagues!

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Sharpest Knife in the Drawer!

Every Thursday you’ll get this short, fun, relevant newsletter. It will contain a quote or smile about the library and those who love it, an idea you can use to promote your library or reading in general, and an occasional shameless plug for the programs I offer. Enjoy!

If you are new to us or have missed any previous issues, you can read them all at www.smartlibrarians.com. And please tell your friends about it!

In this issue:

Sharp as a Knife!

Quotable

You are a TEACHER!

All Aboard the Arctic Express!

Sharp as a Knife!

Growing up in a small town in Alabama in the 60’s, I carried a pocket knife with me everywhere – even to school! The single blade Barlow knife I had carried since I was 8 was replaced when I was 10 by a gift from our Scoutmaster – a genuine Swiss Army Knife. Now, in addition to whittling and sharpening pencils, I could pick my teeth, tighten a screw (Phillips or slotted!), poke a hole in leather or open a bottle of wine. That last one was pretty useless for a 10 year old Baptist kid from a dry county!

I thought about my Swiss Army Knife recently while reading an article by Bob Reilly, where he talks about school librarians, saying,

“…applicants for these jobs have to be able to perform a "Swiss Army knife" array of duties. The reality is that the position of librarian…has evolved very quickly into curriculum leader and technology expert, in addition to the traditional librarian stuff.”

“Jeesh! It seems to me that there should be some mention of "healing the sick and raising the dead" in such job description documents. But this is how it's getting to be almost everywhere.”

It’s a good read. You can read the rest of it by clicking here.

Quotable!

"The most important asset of any library goes home at night -- the library staff."

-- Timothy Healy, former president, New York Public Library.

Encouraging reading – from 45 Ideas in 45 Minutes – Promoting the Library and Its Value to the School

#4. Refer to yourself as a teacher and your library as a classroom. Words mean things. You ARE a teacher and your media center IS a classroom. One reason your colleagues talk out loud at the copier when you are teaching a lesson (something you would NEVER do in THEIR classroom), may be because they don’t see you as a teacher or your classroom as a classroom. Use the words teacher (or teacher/librarian) and classroom when you talk, when you write, and even when you think!

All Aboard Arctic Express!

It’s not too early to be thinking about the holidays! One of my favorite programs is Arctic Express, a reading show that talks about the many holidays celebrated around the end of the calendar year, all over the world! Find out more about this fun and educational program by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

Here’s what they are saying about Tommy Johns Presents!

“If you are looking for a program that will engage your children and educate them as well...boy do I have a performer for you!”

Debbie Turner, Jesup, GA

Let me know how I can help! See you next week!

Encouraging kids to read, I am
Tommy Johns
Educational Entertainment Specialist

PS – Don’t forget to share this newsletter and blog with your colleagues!

www.TommyJohnsPresents.com
tommy@tommyjohnspresents.com
Call 770-315-3339 or Toll Free at (866) 490-READ