Learning in the Library (with some Habitude help)

Our library is definitely a learning hub! Last week really proved it!

We hosted Angela Maiers, and she presented some great learning for teachers about how to incorporate the Habitudes in their classrooms.

 These Habitudes come from her book:

The Habitudes are:

• imagination
• curiosity
• perseverance
• self-awareness
• courage
• adaptability

As I apply this learning to our library, I first apply it to my own life. Angela asked us to choose a habitude we wanted to focus on for ourselves. I chose courage and adaptability because I think these will be very necessary this first year as a librarian. I noted these two and reflected upon them throughout the following days. But first, I defined them for myself:

• Being adaptable means being able to move forward even when things are constantly changing. It means not letting obstacles get in your way.  It could also mean using these same obstacles to create new opportunities. This happens in the library all the time!
• Trying out new things, taking risks, and stepping out = courage. If I do these things, then my students and campus will benefit.

In the days that followed, I had many opportunities to practice both. Yesterday, I presented at the TAIR (Texas Association for the Improvement of Reading) Conference where I spoke to preservice teachers about great books. Before the session even started, the projector's light bulb went out. That meant that my great Google presentation and my PowerPoint backup would both remain unseen.

Adaptability and courage helped me push forward. I had printed a copy of my PowerPoint, so I used that as a guide. And, I brought handouts with me. I realized that I was practicing adaptability beforehand because I was preparing for change that I anticipated MIGHT come.

Courage helped me speak before a large group without any great slides for reference. It was all about how I shared the information. It was also all about how I connected with the audience. (Passion for books is my fuel!)

Learning is the ultimate goal for school libraries, of course! But what last week taught me was that the learning that happens in school libraries can be shared into the world by all who visit them--not just students.

It made me even more determined to cultivate the atmosphere of learning in our space. And to carry it out in my own world, too.