Beginning of the Year List for New Librarians

I used to make a lot of to-do lists as a teacher, and now that I'm a librarian, that definitely continues. I used to have an app for this, but I couldn't keep up with it.
Then it became a one ripped page from a legal pad, and I'd fold it up and carry it around everywhere--and when things got crossed off, it made me feel great! I don't think I've found one system I am completely happy with. Still searching for it. In the meantime, I'm using a spiral planner!

A really important to-do list I'm working on right now is the beginning-of-the-year to-do list.  I want to make sure that when the year begins I have done everything I could! So I got some help from my wonderful Twitter PLN: thanks to Cathy Potter, Crystal Brunelle , Tamara Cox, Barb Keister,  Margie Myers-Culver, Chris Roberts, and Deanne Seigler for their input on this list. I hope it is helpful to someone else. It certainly is helpful to me. (These are in no particular order.)

• Ask for class lists to organize library cards or bar codes.
• Check in new materials so they can be ready as soon as possible.
• Introduce yourself to new staff and let them know you are there to help. (Also send an intro email or letter.)
• Make sure new students are added to circulation system.
• Place a book order.
• Start a state book award display (and others).
• Create bar codes (or library cards) for new staff.
• Host Open House for staff.
• Find and meet your parent volunteers. They are willing to help!
• Compose parent letter to be sent home.
• Create a folder or bag for each teacher in which you provide basic library information.
• Create a literacy event calendar and share with teachers.
• Schedule first visits as soon as possible to make sure students have books!
• Pull potential read-alouds for teachers.
• Share noteworthy titles with teachers on professional development day.
• Get book trailers together for first library visits.
• Gather stacks for book talks.
• Start a webpage for your library or update it if you already have one.   

 

Thanks to Mr. Schu (from Watch Connect Read) for his wonderful advice and encouragement as well.

I know this isn't a complete list, but it's a start, and it's something to work with!

 

If you are a school librarian, what would you add to this list?