Transforming school libraries one at a time.
The Library of Celsus Ephesus, Turkey
"Every person, organization, and even society reaches a point at which they owe it to themselves to Hit Refresh -- to reenergize, renew, reframe, and rethink their purpose. If only it were as easy as punching that little refresh button on your browser. Sure, in this age of continuous updates and always-on technologies, hitting refresh may sound quaint, but still when it's done right, when people and culture re-create and refresh, a renaissance can be the result."
Satya Nadella (Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft) in his book Hit Refresh.
Are you ready to Hit Refresh?
Schools without strong library programs do not adequately prepare students for a culture of lifelong learning.
Our mission is to train and support school library staff in the basic skills needed to create an inviting, well organized environment that allows students to develop a love of reading and learning.
Marjorie Kennedy brings considerable real-world experience to the table with more than 30 years in the educational field, 11 of which were establishing and refreshing libraries in a number of international educational settings. She earned her Masters in Library Information Services (MLIS) from San Jose State University while living in Singapore with her husband and two children.
During her time in Seoul, South Korea, Marjorie was encouraged by a colleague to use her considerable knowledge and experience to become a consultant specializing in the creation of sustainable and engaging school libraries. She understands the challenges and misconceptions many school library staff must overcome. She brings a fresh perspective on revitalizing a library in a way that is enriching and conducive to life-long learning.
Marjorie’s mentoring and training services afford many smaller school libraries in the US and abroad that do not have accredited librarians an opportunity to transform their library into the showcase of the school featuring a high-quality library skills program.
Marjorie and her husband John currently live in California.
“Data from more than 34 statewide studies suggest that students tend to earn better standardized test scores in schools that have strong library programs. Further, when administrators, teachers, and librarians themselves rated the importance and frequency of various library practices associated with student learning, their ratings correlated with student test scores, further substantiating claims of libraries’ benefits.”
Lance, K.C. & Kachel, D.E. (2018). Why school librarians matter: What years of research tell us. Phi Delta Kappan, 99 (7), 15-20.
Transform and Refresh
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Cataloging
Your catalog is the lens into the collection of materials in your library. Cataloging is the key to locating everything you have carefully added. Collection development is crucial to ensuring your collection meets the needs of your patrons.
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Policies and Procedures
Well written policies and specific procedures can prevent many headaches for you, your staff, and future library personnel. Collection development, reconsideration, and weeding policies are just a few of the critical policies needed in every library.
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Library Standards and Lesson Plans
Schools with high academic standards also have library programs that meet national and state library standards. The lesson plans need to meet those standards while engaging students.
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Decor and Signage
Libraries need to be welcoming with appealing decor. Your students should enjoy being in the space provided while offering comfortable and versatile seating. Appropriate signage allows students to locate the materials offered with a limited need for assistance.
Hit Refresh
Are you ready to make some changes in your library? Do you wonder where to begin? You don’t have to do it alone! Let us help you refresh and transform your library program.
