Forum Newsletter - Massachusetts School Library Association

President's Column

10/18/2022

MSLA President Jen Varney is the Librarian at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School in Cambridge, MA

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! I have high hopes for the coming months. With one year of post-remote learning behind us, I won’t say that we can return to normal, because such a return is not possible, but I do think that routines and momentum will come a little easier.

It is good that our work with students may get easier, too, because there are other aspects of our work that are about to get more difficult. Already we have seen more visible book challenges in Massachusetts during the first six weeks of school than there have been in the last three years, they are appearing in the news, on the MSLA listserv, and in conversations. The challengers are well organized and intent on their mission.

Academic Column: Helping administrators learn the role of school libraries

10/18/2022

Deeth Ellis is the Head Librarian at Boston Latin School in Boston, MA, and a Doctoral Student, School of Library Science, Simmons University

Early indications from the data collected during my study, Principals’ Perceptions of the Role of School Librarians, suggest principals rely heavily on their own school librarian to learn about school librarianship. While not a surprise to many school librarians, this over-reliance on school librarians may be one of the factors that impact staffing in schools and districts. According to Gordon & Cicchetti (2018), Massachusetts’ “school administrators were reported by participants [librarians] as the primary enablers of equitable access to the school library program (instruction, resources, access to the library)” (p.106). Without the principal's understanding, attention, and care, the role of the school librarian can diminish, become obsolete, and even be eliminated.

Picture Book Column: #OwnVoices, Authentic Voices

10/18/2022

Francesca Mellin is the Head Librarian at The Pike School in Andover, MA.

In the ephemeral world of hashtags, #OwnVoices has been around for a long time. In 2015, author Corinne Duyvis first recommended it on Twitter as a possible way to recommend children’s literature about diverse characters written by authors from that same diverse group. Since then, its popularity has grown, and some have raised concerns about the term. In June 2021, We Need Diverse Books announced that it would no longer use the term, stating that the broader use of the hashtag by the publishing industry is problematic and potentially unsafe for authors with marginalized identities. More recently, Grace Lapoint offered a detailed critique of the term in a Book Riot post, voicing concern that it had been weaponized, especially by readers.

When I recommend books to faculty, I have started to use the term “authentic voice” instead of “own voice,” and have become much more diligent about researching what authors say about their works so I can speak as accurately as possible. These are some of my favorite recent picture books that have authenticity at their core.

Cataloging Column: I give you permission to bin it

10/18/2022

Gillian Bartoo is the District Cataloger for Cambridge Public Schools in Cambridge, MA

I’ve had it with Dewey— well— let me explain. Over the last few years I’ve spent a lot of time in our elementary schools, trying to pay attention to what actually happens there as our librarians interact with our kids. And I’ve been really racking my brain trying to figure out how to make Dewey easier for them, managing collections, for helping teachers teach, and for teaching students how to be independent library users. One of the quickest and easiest ways I’ve seen that is a good compromise between these two very different and often oppositional tasks is binning by Dewey.

I do want to emphasize that this is not my idea. I’ve seen it popping up in several libraries these past few years in certain collections areas (sports, vehicles) and this summer helped turn a tired and traditionally shelved non-fiction collection into a really attractive and engaging children’s library.

Graphic Novels Column: Medium Matters: Comics in the Classroom~ Notes from the Field

10/18/2022

Liza Halley is the Library Teacher at Plympton Elementary School in Waltham, MA

In this article I want to start off discussing some language I use when talking about the medium of comics. People often ask me: What’s the difference between a graphic novel and a comic? What do you mean by comics in the classroom? What classroom are you talking about? Which teachers are you referring to? Here’s a simple boilerplate to explain:

Secondary Column: Notes from the Middle: Helping relieve students from the paradox of choice

10/18/2022

Colleen Simpson is the Library Media Specialist at Lester J. Gates Middle School in Scituate, MA

Picture it, it’s time for a whole grade level to pick out independent reading books. They come to your library in droves. As they arrive at the circulation desk some have already found the book they want, others just need a physical direction, and some just want to browse. And then there’s this student:

7th grader: I need a book?
Me: Okay, did you have one in mind or are you looking for suggestions?
7th grader: I’m just looking for fiction books.
Me (with a smile): Great, we have a lot of those. What have you read that you’ve liked in the past?
7th grader: I don’t like to read.
Me: Okay, so what book was okay for you? Meaning you were able to get through it and it was kind of, sort of, not that bad? Was it fantasy or magical? Did it have some history to it? Do you like mystery? Sports stories? What about a story that feels like it could happen?
7th grader: I don’t know, just like fiction.

And repeat. Sound familiar? There’s myriad reasons why students don’t know what they want and while it is our job to unpack it, this is not always an easy task.

Advice Column: Ask a Library Legend

10/18/2022

Valerie Diggs is a former President of MSLA and currently works as a Senior Visiting Instructor at Salem State University, where she also serves as the Graduate Program Coordinator of the MEd Library Media Studies program

We did receive a wonderful question, but it was very close to our publishing deadline. Valerie has agreed to work on a reply, so we are saving this space for the column, so check back soon! We'll also post an update on social media when the column is ready.

Column: From the Vault

10/18/2022

Luke Steere is the librarian at Wilson Middle School in Natick, MA

An inquiry into what is on your shelf is not a banning.
A challenge to one of your books isn’t either.
Captain Underpants is not “banned in Massachusetts,” as one alarmed teacher told me the other day.
We know these phenomena are nothing new.

Where has this topic come up with MSLA? Well, my experience began with a discussion of Bobbitt’s Controversial Books in K–12 Classrooms and Libraries: Challenged, Censored, and Banned. A group of readers discussed how complicit librarians are in gatekeeping that looks a lot like banning. Concord, MA librarians “refused to allow [The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn] on their shelves, calling it ‘not fit for the trash’” in 1885 (Bobbitt, 81). More recently, Melissa Adler’s revelatory Cruising the Library critiques the way the Library of Congress classified certain subjects as “paraphilias” and thereby reproduced the otherizing of homosexuality through cataloging. It’s important to acknowledge the ways librarians are complicit in censorship, even as we try to fight against it.

President's Column

5/17/2022

MSLA President Jen Varney is the Librarian at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. School in Cambridge, MA

Well, what a year, huh? As I sit down to write this column and reflect on the past year, I am almost at a loss for words. Welcoming students back into school buildings and into our libraries after 18 months of pandemic disruption would have been more than enough of a challenge. But of course, the universe thought that throwing relentless COVID surges at us would be an added bonus, and hey— how about some book challenges and ominous censorship news coming in from other parts of the country while we’re at it? Educators are feeling more burnt out than ever, and school librarians have every reason to feel this way.

Yet, I find it important as ever to celebrate important successes and strides.

Column: New Librarian Q & A

5/17/2022

Shawnee Sloop is the Library Media Specialist at the Fletcher Maynard School in Cambridge, MA

1. What's your name, title and school?

Shawnee Sloop, Library Media Specialist, Fletcher Maynard School (Cambridge Public Schools)

2. How did you come to librarianship?

I’ve always been an avid reader and have fond memories of childhood visits to the local library. I studied English at the University of Delaware, and when I graduated I worked for a handful of years in marketing and social media. My experience in those roles left me feeling unfulfilled and without joy. As I took some time to think through what I wanted to do with my life (the age old question) my sister suggested I think about librarianship. I did some research and learned about the LIS program at Simmon University. From there, things just fell into place and I began my career in school librarianship.

3. How would you explain the importance of your role to a nonlibrarian?

The school library, and by extension the school library teacher plays an essential role in a child’s development and education. The library is much more than “the room with books.” In the library’s physical and digital spaces, students foster a love of literature, critical thinking skills, a growth mindset, and they are given the chance to enjoy their time in a safe space where all are welcome.

4. What are you working on right now?

This is my first year at FMA and so I have spent the better part of the year getting to know my new collection! I’m in the process of finishing up a collection analysis of the 500’s and even doing some collection maintenance.

5. What is going well?

Relationship building with students and staff is such an important part of this job. It is a service position after all! We serve the entire school community. I believe that my goal of taking time to connect with the school community is paying off.

6. What is the most challenging thing so far?

Being new is challenging anywhere, and I would say that the most challenging thing so far is just taking in all the new information and getting my footing. I finally feel like I’m getting comfortable and getting into my routine.

7. What's the most unexpected thing about your new job?

The most unexpected thing about my job is probably the number of times I hear my name repeated on a daily basis! It’s astounding how many questions students will direct at you.

8. What are you reading or watching?

I just started watching a Hulu miniseries called “Under the Banner of Heaven” which is based on the Jon Krakauer book of the same name. Definitely for fans of true-crime. I am currently reading Outlawed by Anna North, which is an alt-history, feminist fiction novel set in the wild west. It’s great so far!

9. What do you hope the MA School Library Association can do for you?

I feel so grateful for the MA School Library Association! It is such a wonderful community that I look to on a regular basis when I need to problem-solve, brainstorm ideas, or connect with MA school library peers. I hope that MSLA continues to be that resource for me throughout my career.

Graphic Novels Column: Medium Matters: Comics in the Classroom~ Notes from the Field

5/17/2022

Liza Halley is the Library Teacher at Plympton Elementary School in Waltham, MA

Two Roads Converged In the Yellow Woods: Poetry and Comics

As a reader of my column, you know by now I am obsessed with reading graphic novels and finding ways to connect comics to the classroom. What you might not know is that I set my alarm extra early every morning so I have time to write and read poetry. I am a person who is moved by the power of language. Since middle school, I have been writing and reading poetry, attending workshops, teaching poetry in my children’s schools, and, as a teacher librarian, working to connect students to poetry all throughout the school year. As I write this article we are in the waning days of National Poetry Month and I want to turn your attention to the convergence of poetry and comics.

Advice Column: Ask a Library Legend

5/17/2022

Valerie Diggs is a former President of MSLA and currently works as a Senior Visiting Instructor at Salem State University, where she also serves as the Graduate Program Coordinator of the MEd Library Media Studies program

Would you recommend starting a Friends of the Library program for a school library? Could you discuss some of the benefits as well as the drawbacks to creating a group like this?

Does your school library need friends? I am not sure any of us could answer no to that question. Libraries of all types have struggled to garner support, recognition, and funding for resources, programs, and other needs to help our libraries run smoothly and efficiently. While parent organizations can be sources of funding and support, their focus is across the entire school. A “Friends” group is just for the library. We need that.

Picture Book Column: Using Non-Fiction Picture Books with Guided Inquiry Design

5/17/2022

Luke Steere is the librarian at Wilson Middle School in Natick, MA

I. My Sixth Grade Guided Inquiry Class

At Wilson Middle School my Guided Inquiry Design (GID) class is focused on student’s self-schemas. Whatever topic they would like to research, they study. The challenge is squeezing it all into 16 sessions: the trimester special is split with a tech ed course. This is not a total bummer: one of the things the time restriction breeds is more focused topics. I encourage a lot of sharing within the inquiry community to see how seemingly disparate topics can connect to overarching themes.

Cataloging Column: The black hole of Dewey literature classes: the 800s explained and simplified

5/17/2022

Gillian Bartoo is the District Cataloger for Cambridge Public Schools in Cambridge, MA

As I stated in my previous column Dewey, even “simplified” Dewey, tends to be far too academic and detailed for most K-8 libraries and, in some ranges, even at the high school level. The younger the patrons of the library, the more willing we need to be to go off Dewey without totally scrapping it. I cling to Dewey in general because I think there is real value in teaching students universally predictable systems of organization, particularly in a world that is increasingly organized with proprietary algorithms and taxonomies that are often complex. Using Dewey is one of the ways that we teach and model logic, pattern, and organizational principles. It makes the students independent users in any library that uses Dewey and prepares them for more complex book organizational systems like Library of Congress Classification.

Secondary Column: Notes from the Middle: Teaching Middle School Media Literacy on a Fixed Schedule

5/17/2022

Colleen Simpson is the Library Media Specialist at Lester J. Gates Middle School in Scituate, MA

We are few and far between, but there are a handful of us out here in secondary ed. library land that teach on a fixed schedule. I’ve read so often that a flexible day is best for librarians, and often thought about what my position might look like if I was able to push into classrooms regularly. I do, however, fully embrace my role in the specialist rotation as I see every student in courses twice throughout their time in the building and I give direct instruction in information literacy, news literacy and media literacy.

My course is called Research Media Projects and appears on student schedules as RMP, which is how we refer to the class. We are on trimesters and students take RMP for half of one of those– a six week schedule we call a minimester– in both 7th and 8th grade. It is part of their regular specials rotation and, as I often am asked by other middle school librarians, all student assignments are graded as they are in all specials.

Tech Column: Lynnfield High School Helpdesk Students Build Their Own Computer

5/17/2022

Janice Alpert is the Library Media Specialist at Lynnfield High School in Lynnfield, MA

On Friday November 19th, Lynnfield High School Helpdesk students set out on an ambitious mission. The mission was to purchase components to build a powerful and high performing computer for the LHS Makerspace that would not only keep up with the new Dremel 3D printer, but would be aesthetically pleasing too. The students were given an overall budget and then they strategized to see how to allot the money to the variety of components they needed to build a computer.

The Principals’ Knowledge and perception of the role of the School Librarian

5/17/2022

Deeth Ellis is the Head Librarian at Boston Latin School in Boston, MA, and a Doctoral Student, School of Library Science, Simmons University

The next step in my doctoral program is to conduct a research study about Massachusetts principals’ knowledge and perceptions of the role of school librarians and school libraries. I have chosen to focus on the librarian’s shared leadership with the principal, one of the four points of leverage outlined in the February 2022 Forum article. Points of leverage are areas of action that require attention from administrators and librarians. Those four points are: school libraries as places of active learning, building capacity for collaboration, role of the principal (revised as “shared leadership with the principal”), and state agencies. Through advocacy, promotion, and an evidence-based approach to decision making at the school, the role of school librarian and school library can be clarified and strengthened through evaluation of these four areas.

Column: From the Vault: April 2012

5/17/2022

Reba Tierney is the Library Teacher at Waltham High School in Waltham, MA.

For this "From the Vault" we head back to April 2012, and revisit the feature, "Off the Shelf: Listserv Hot Topics" in which editor Audrey Borus rounded up features from the MSLA ListServ. Some of these "Hot Topics" are still trending today, including summer reading and banning books. Here are some highlights.

Queries about summer reading programs -- one book, one school vs. varying other ideas; e.g., Tara Draper from Sandwich High reports that her school is implementing a new program in which all faculty/staff "choose their favorite book, and a small group of students will meet with them to discuss the book at the beginning of next school year" to Debra Murphy at Essex Agricultural and Technical High School whose students chose from a website of suggested reads she creates and whose assessment can be one of "many options -- works of art depicting their book, sculpture, prologue or epilogues, dioramas... the results were astonishing. Students who never read a book were excited." Laura Gardner from the Dartmouth Middle School wrote that students at her school were given a choice of 25 specific titles and/or 25 authors. Last year, they kept a book journal over the summer, but this year, they'll give book talks, with the hope that students can learn from each other about good books. Ms. Gardner notes that the PTA at her school "bought all the books for our students so every student left for the summer with their chosen book."

President's Column

2/15/2022

MSLA President Jen Varney is the Librarian at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr School in Cambridge, MA.

As we round the corner on the halfway point of the school year— phew!— it’s been a year so far, eh? Between attempts to go “back to normal,” mask and quarantining controversies, and operating with a skeleton staff throughout much of January, there was more than enough to keep us on our toes. But the culture wars decided to send us one more issue: book challenges and bannings. They are happening at warp speed in the U.S., and are increasingly getting more attention in the news and on social media.

Column: New Librarian Q & A

2/15/2022

Ross Cannon is the Library Media Specialist at King Philip Middle School in Norfolk, MA.

1. What's your name, title and school?

Ross Cannon, Library Media Specialist, King Philip Middle School

2. How did you come to librarianship?

A long and circuitous route. After graduating from UMass Boston in 2014 with a degree in English, I got trapped in a cycle of retail management jobs. I was immensely unhappy and unfulfilled. I tried, unsuccessfully, to break into the public library field because I saw an overlap there between my interests and desire to work in a role that felt more impactful. I figured receiving a Master's degree in Library Science might make obtaining employment in the field easier, so I enrolled at Simmons University in the School Library Teacher Program. I was lucky enough to receive a job offer just after graduation and I've been incredibly happy in my new career as a school librarian.

3. How would you explain the importance of your role to a nonlibrarian?

As a school librarian, my job is twofold: teaching and collection management and development. Both roles are equally important in my view. I strive to provide engaging materials, across modalities, to students to support their curricular needs and to promote recreational reading. I also recognize that even though my 7th and 8th graders are "digital natives," that doesn't always make them digitally literate or knowledgeable digital citizens. Our school library program aims to make sure that our students have the 21st century skills to responsibly and ethically engage with information and other people in digital environments.

4. What are you working on right now?

Inventory! I am the first certified librarian at King Philip since maybe forever, and the collection needs some love and attention. It's my hope to finish the inventory in the next few weeks so I can begin a diversity audit.

5. What is going well?

I am fortunate to have the buy-in and support of my administrators and many faculty members. I have also built some fantastic relationships with students.

6. What is the most challenging thing so far?

Displaying and explaining my value to faculty who have spent their teaching careers without the benefit of a librarian or strong library program. I'm optimistic, though. It's only year one, after all.

7. What's the most unexpected thing about your new job?

That I would become the de facto face of the tech department. I was asked within the first week or two of the school year to be the manage the school's loaner Chromebooks and ever since students have been sent to me with all sorts of tech issues.

8. What are you reading or watching?

I am on the reading committee for the MA Teen Choice Book Award, and in order to keep up with the reading requirements I'm currently juggling All the Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe (e-book), Charming as a Verb by Ben Philippe (audiobook), and The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen (print).

9. What do you hope the MA School Library Association can do for you?

The MSLA members email group has been a lifesaver! Our network of school librarians have proven to be invaluable in offering advice and answering questions. I look forward to connecting with many of these helpful and supremely knowledgeable individuals at the annual conference.

Picture Book Column: Have a Heart: Exploring Generosity and Compassion

2/15/2022

Francesca Mellin is the Head Librarian at The Pike School in Andover, MA.

“No act of kindness goes unrewarded,” said the late, great author and illustrator Jerry Pinkney. In these times, empathy, compassion, and helping others feel more important than ever. I’ve gathered some noteworthy titles that touch on these themes for you to read with your classes or recommend to colleagues, just in time for Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 17th!

Secondary Column: Notes from the Middle: Curating a Middle School Collection in a Decentralized Library

2/15/2022

Colleen Simpson is the Library Media Specialist at Lester J. Gates Middle School in Scituate, MA.

As curators of library collections we all face the many questions involved in creating libraries full of titles that are appropriate for students academically, socially, and emotionally. One of the biggest transitions I faced when I moved from high school ELA teacher to middle school librarian was not just about movement to earlier grades, but how delicate the balance is to creating a collection that is both challenging and age appropriate while also complementing the curriculum. I quickly learned that while I knew a lot about teaching literature and writing, I had a lot to learn about reading beyond my role as an educator particularly when it comes to taking on a student perspective.

Graphic Novel Column: Medium Matters: Teaching with Graphic Novels- Notes From the Field

2/15/2022

Liza Halley is the Library Teacher at Plympton Elementary School in Waltham, MA.

Do you want to use graphic novels in the classroom or are you looking for ways to encourage teachers to do so? This year I’ve been reaching out to librarians across the country asking them how they’ve been using graphic novels in their schools. Here are some examples of what I’ve found. Below are both collaborations between library teachers and classroom teachers or other specialists, and also stand-alone ideas for using graphic novels in the library curriculum.

Tech Column: SORA- Expanding Engagement with eBooks & Audiobooks

2/15/2022

Tricia London is the School Librarian at the Abington Middle/High School Library in Abington, MA.

Are you a librarian at one of the 552 school libraries, who already belong to the Commonwealth Ebook Collection (CEC) and uses the Overdrive app, SORA, developed for schools to access these titles? If so, you may want to just skim this article and skip to the bottom to read the advanced SORA information. There you can learn about assigning simultaneous use titles to classes, taking notes in eBooks, and running insight reports since you already know the basic good news about the CEC and SORA.

Advice Column: Ask a Library Legend

2/15/2022

Valerie Diggs is a former President of MSLA and currently works as a Senior Visiting Instructor at Salem State University, where she also serves as the Graduate Program Coordinator of the MEd Library Media Studies program.

What's your take on leveling books? I work in a middle school where we have fifth to eight grade, and I label YA books with a YA sticker. The YA books, in our policy on the website, are for seventh and eight graders. However, I will sometimes allow sixth and sometimes fifth graders who want those books to take them. I never tell a kid they can't read a book, but I will ask for a parent email or a teacher conversation. This feels like a violation of privacy, but kids seem willing to do it. Is this censorship, or self-censorship, or self-selection, or am I worrying about it too much?

This is a great question and one that has persisted in the school library world for as long as I can remember. This is a very subjective question, but also one we must consider very carefully when considering the answer through the lens of intellectual freedom and privacy concerns.

The Massachusetts School Library Association works to ensure every school has a school library program that is fully integrated at all grade levels across the curriculum and has a significant and measurable impact on student achievement….Read more…..and Learn more about MSLA

Contact MSLA:
Emily Kristofek, Office Manager/Event Planner
P.O. Box 336. Wayland, MA 01778
ekristofek@maschoolibraries.org
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