Current elementary librarian moving up to high school (hopefully!)

[Susan]

Hello all!

 

I am currently an elementary school librarian and I have been for the past 5 years. I am being interviewed for a position at my local high school soon and I have some questions for you all. What do you consider the major differences between elementary and high school librarianship? Any pointers would be greatly appreciated as I REALLY want to get this new position.

 

Thanks!

[Christine Sitter]

Engaged learning is in a different form at the high school.  Questions are thought but not asked, they truly discover by trial and error and if the equipment is slow or isn't giving them exactly what they're looking for, they unplug.  Developing adolescents are still inquisitive, but also critics.  The variety is vast, and I'm in a very small, private school!  

Don't think you can change them, but modeling works well.  They notice what you do and what you're interested in by observing.  Options and independence are crucial, all reflecting their developing qualities.

Good luck!  It's fun.  Instead of a read-aloud corner, we've got a coffee nook and an iPod zone.  Change is good. 

[Susan]

Thank you so much for your input. I am looking forward to the changes offered by working with adolescents rather than elementary age students!

[Rhonda Morrissette]

Hi Susan,

I worked in an elementary school library for several years before my current position in a high school.  The biggest difference I found was in convincing high school teachers to collaborate with me. I spent time building trust and acting as a leader in whole school activities to build confidence. I also publicized the learning activities / successes of the first few collaborations so others got a real sense of what could be done.  I still don't collaborate with everyone but I'm kept hopping. (The other big difference is I moved from a school where I collaborated with all 17 teachers to a high school with 74 teachers, so learned to reschedule my time much differently.)

Best wishes,

Rhonda

[Susan]

Collaboration is an excellent idea! Like you said, as an elementary librarian I am able to collaborate with virtually all teachers in the building. I am going to emphasize my experience with collaboration during the interview. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

[MGotham]

Hi Susan,
I worked in an Elem library for 5 years before moving to HS. To prepare for the interview I suggest you address 21st century tools/skills, research, databases, non-confrontational management styles. YA books and lit promotion is a different animal but still important. Collaboration with teachers helps you encourage projects that allow students to collaborate using web tools. As mentioned in earlier replies, everyone is more independent; teachers and students. Put yourself out there, be helpful at every opportunity, be friendly, humor goes a long way. Best of luck,
Mary

[Susan]

Thank you so much for your post. I just completed the NETS*T, so I am going to review that course content. I also will be reviewing nonconfrontational management styles - that was an awesome tip! Thanks again for the thoughtful reply.

[Susan]

I got the position!!!! Woo Hoo - now the real work begins.

[Jacqueline H.]

Congratulations, Susan!  I ALSO moved from elementary level to high school level, so we're both newbies!  Hope to use this forum for LOTS of tips!  :)

[Susan]

Thanks Jacqueline and congratulations to you too!! I am so excited to be in high school again - the variety is wonderful and narrowing my focus this first year is going to be my challenge. Hope that we get lots of helpful tips and insights!