Discover how the genrefication project helped me: involve students in the process, create a collection development plan, streamline operations, improve access for ELL and special education students and increase circulation by 14%. Learn from my missteps and discoveries as you consider how genrefication might work for your collection.
For ten years, school librarians in Cambridge have partnered with Instructional Tech Specialists to teach 5th graders how to examine advertising and other media. As social media has exploded, the landscape has changed - but many of the persuasion techniques and critical skills remain the same. Come see sample lessons using humorous media, old and new, that empower a new generation of savvy consumer-creators.
Imposter Syndrome (doubting one’s own skillset, experience, and/or expertise) is pervasive in librarianship. Whether you’re new to the school library or an old pro, chances are good that you’ve experienced imposter syndrome at some point. In this session, we’ll examine some of the reasons why that is. We’ll also break down some reasons why, in actuality, school librarians are equipped to do almost anything! Finally, we’ll start trying to change our mindset about what we are qualified to do and why.
Jennifer Varney (she/her) has been a school librarian for 17 years. She currently works at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School (K-5) in Cambridge, MA. She is the Past President of the Massachusetts School Library Association.
Sunday March 2, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EST
Room 101Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
Explore how creating Anti-Bias Bookshelves are essential and highlight some guiding principles–possibilities when leaning into this work of creating stories that can be a mirror, window, or sliding door for others to see themselves or other identities and communities through a more just lens. Being conscious of the identities we hold can help us understand our proximity to the power we have in different spaces, specifically when we are telling stories. Explore how creating Anti-Bias Bookshelves are essential and highlight some guiding principles–possibilities when leaning into this work of creating stories that can be a mirror, window, or sliding door for others to see themselves or other identities and communities through a more just lens.
Middle School Library Director, Buckingham Browne & Nichols Middle School
Christina Dominique-Pierre currently serves at Buckingham Browne and Nichols Middle School where she spends most of her days collaborating with teachers on curriculum, literary programming, and facilitating opportunities for information and research instruction. She has served at... Read More →
Sunday March 2, 2025 1:30pm - 2:20pm EST
Room 101Four Points by Sheraton Norwood
Come and hear how Dr. Bishops language of windows and mirrors can anchor a library program in the important work of fostering an environment belonging and compassion.
How can you Increase your reach and impact? In this session you'll learn about marketing library services to students, teachers, administrators and curriculum coordinators through direct marketing, co-teaching, co-planning, special programs like author talks and holidays, and perhaps a little bribery on the side! I'm planning to divide it into four sections: Strategies for direct marketing to students, strategies for marketing collaborations with teachers (read along lists, curated resources, co-teaching, etc), how to get support for collaboration with/from curriculum coordinators, and getting support from administrators.
This session will take a big picture look at the current landscape of AI in education 2 years since the launch of ChatGPT. We will look at what integration strategies are being trialed, attempts to curb cheating and plagiarism, and future implications for education. The session will also share strategies on improving AI literacy, recommendations on thought leaders to follow, and how to be a leading voice from the library.
Jennifer Dimmick is one of the library teachers at Newton South High School, and is a graduate of Simmons School of Library and Information Science. Jennifer came to the school library profession after a career in marketing consulting and has had a deep experience in media and its... Read More →
