So, you have just accepted your first school Librarian position. Congratulations! But you now realise its getting closer to September and you have no idea where to start.. I've recently started a new position and left school librarianship and it has made me reflect on my first days and what it would have been helpful to know. Here are a few ideas:
Just start from scratch
The previous Librarian had been at the school for the same amount of time as I had been alive. As a new professional, I was really hesitant of altering good practices and spent time thinking it was best to wait a term before changing procedures. However, it just ended up being a longer time before things were running smoothly. People expect you to alter things quickly, especially in the fast paced school life and are so are surprised when you don't change things immediately. Prioritize, trust your instincts and change the things that matter to you and your school community. In my case, it meant altering reservations so students got their books quickly, bringing in clear procedures for overdue books (gentle reminders and regular notices), writing a Library policy and making sure that everyone could access the Library properly. These weren't huge, but they made a difference that people recognised. Don't get caught in a trap and miss out on any money or help from colleagues for projects because you hold back on things that matter.
Be fair
Most qualifications in Librarianship don't include behaviour management training. You also won't realise this till you are sat in the Library with a group of rowdy Year 10s waiting for their teacher to turn up. Maybe someone gave some guidelines to you, so take the time to make sure you familarise yourself with any school policy and procedures. You will have to handle situations on your own and it is best to work out where you stand and who you can ask for help.
You will get lots of "But [insert previous Librarians name here] did it like this/let us do that..." which is fine and understandable. The students don't know where they stand with you and are uneasy. This doesn't mean you have to reflect what the previous Librarian did and definitely it is unprofessional to say "well, that was rubbish"!. The main thing to know about behaviour management is to be fair. If you are clear, give brief clarification/justification, then you are trusted and begin to build a rapport. If you want tips, ask not a teacher, but a good cover supervisor as they know all the tricks. Simple ones like using thank you instead of please works brilliantly.
There will be panic attacks and awkward questions
No, this isn't from you but from the students and staff. Both are naturally inquisitive and want to know all about you. Think a bit beforehand about what you are comfortable telling them- do you mind them knowing you have a partner/pet or where you live? You might feel you are happy with some students knowing important details but not others. In my opinion, don't tell any of them! It appears that you then have favourites which links back to the previous tip abut being fair. One of the most important parts of the role is pastoral care, so be prepared with the magic tissue box which sorts out any tears, to listen to boyfriend trouble, parents rubbish ideas of parenting, friendship issues and a whole lot more. I couldn't have been more happy (not that I reacted to it) when a student casually dropped into the conversation about her girlfriend, when I knew that was the first time she was openly telling someone she was gay. You can give advice and sort out tears but remember the child protection guidelines and report anything you hear and don't promise to fix it or keep it confidential. It's heartbreaking sometimes not to comfort someone, but definitely no hugs!
Finally... you may have a clear idea and path which you have planned to follow. However, be prepared that the school environment is nothing like when you were at school and you will definitely experience things from the other side. It's fast moving and pacy and there is always another acronym to learn! It is also extremely rewarding and I am glad to have done it and I have learnt so much.
Enjoy!
