Back-to-school Basics: 2019-20 Edition

Here are some off-the-top-of-the-head ideas for prepping for this year in the school library:

Source

Have you???

• Introduced yourself to new staff in person and by email? Think about your good ol' elevator speech. What do you do in a few sentences or less? Why should people care? 
• Reached out to staff in a staff meeting and/or by email? Have you communicated what you do and what you can do for them? Have you shared library resources, programming, Makerspace info., schedule changes, updates?
• Touched base with your administrator IN PERSON? 
• Made your Back-to-School newsletter with vital resources like SDSL K-12 free databases, the new 2019 School Library Standards, new books, and resources for school-specific programming/initiatives?

• Updated your virtual library/website? 
• Updated your management/OPAC system?
• Updated any curation lists?

• Scheduled orientation for new students or new-to-the-school classes. You could go big and do a Back-to-School BreakoutEDU experience!
• Organized a yearly outline with celebrations, programs, curricular events, author visits, book fairs, testing, etc? Perhaps share this calendar with staff?
• Created and shared any booking/check-out calendars for media carts, labs, library times, etc.?

• Researched and created bulletin boards? 
• Prepped, scheduled & marketed your Makerspace?
• Made a back-to-school book display with new books, books about beginnings, adventure, courage, self-esteem, etc.?
• Updated any signage?
• Printed and posted the new 2019 School Library Standards?
• Posted your award badge IF you're a recent awardee of the 21st Century Library Award?
• Displayed the School Library Data Digest poster? Newest edition coming to you in September via snail mail to your district or pick one up at SDLA.
• Posted your library mission statement in your physical library and on your virtual library?
  
  
• Re-linked SD State Library databases to your library website(s)? All of the URLs were updated so make sure any databases that you have direct linked have the updated URL. Use this page to copy and paste the new links/URL.
• Subscribed to the School Library Listserv for deadlines, current events, and email communication for SD school library staff? 
• Subscribed to Collect+Connect for practical blog posts about school libraries?
• Shared this ongoing list of all the Tech Roundups! with your staff?
• Bookmarked the SDSL School Libraries page on the SDSL site?
• Bookmarked the SDSL K-12 databases page?
• Followed on Twitter: @alissa76adams, @LibrarySD, #sdslschoollibs?
  
  
• and, most importantly, created a welcoming, safe, inclusive library as best you can?

Disclaimer: The South Dakota State Library does not endorse any service, product, or recommendation listed in this blog.