Library Student Advisory Club: They're a 10. But they'll tell you to be more modern.

After reading several blogs (cuethelibrarian, Don't Shush Me, Discovering the Remarkable), listen to the Librarian Influencers podcast I decided create to a Library Advisory club. This idea was certainly not my own. I was hearing a lot about Readers Advisory clubs and wanted something similar but more involved in the different programming that goes into a library. I sent out a post for help/ideas about a year ago and my districts School Librarian of the Year, Marcia Kochel, answered. She had a regular class scheduled in her library. She used that time to teach them marketing (making bulleting boards, book displays, posters etc..) circulation (checking in books and shelving) and how to help patrons locate books in the library. This way she is able to also schedule class visits during this time and she has a team of people available to help anyone if they need assistance. She calls this Win, Win, Win-

because she wins by getting all of the help, the students in the class win by learning valuable skills, and the teachers and students win by still being able to visit the library during this time period.

I wanted all of what Ms. Kochel did, but in a club. I have adapted it a little and I do feel like I'm just winging it right now. But we are making some wonderful changes to the library. This club has allowed for students to have a voice when it comes to the books that are purchased, how the library is organized, the decor of the library and the marketing of their library's events and programs. They voted (unanimously and enthusiastically) to genrefy the library's collection. That is what we are working on right now. They pull books, and I've taught a group how to change the call# in Destiny to show the Genre instead of the first three letters of the author's last name. They helped purchase books using recommendations from a google form I have posted on my website and they also research books that they would like for the library. And if that's not impressive to you, they also have created a library bulletin board to hang in the main hallway of the school for library announcements (their idea!).

If all of this doesn't convince you to have a Library Advisory club, I leave you with this last tidbit. I was told my Canva poster skills need modernizing. I think that's hilarious and I love that my students feel comfortable enough around me to be candid and confident enough to share their opinions. The sign I made to advertise our SEL coloring station was too "old" looking. I thought it looked like relaxing spa decor, but apparently not :) A group quickly designed a new poster for signage to advertise the programming. Everyone was happy. Students felt seen and heard and their tastes represented in the library. And that is how it should be because it's their space after all!