Establish an intentional opportunity to collaborate and connect with the IT department to better understand their short and long-term goals for their particular role(s). Discover the ways in which you can work in tandem to support their goals while inspiring them to support the library's goals. After reviewing the resource below, complete the Reflect & Practice activity.

RESOURCES:

Course Packet

REFLECT & PRACTICE:

After reading Craver's article, "Organizing the School Library for Power and Influence," look back at the section entitled Accumulating Chips in the Bank. Consider the ways in which this article supports the need for building a strong relationship between the IT professionals and the school librarian. Schedule a time to meet with the IT professional(s) in your school. Then, using the Goal Sheet template on page 2 of the Course Packet (found in the Resources above), discover where your professional goals intersect. Brainstorm the ways in which you can help each other accomplish these goals.

Entry ID: 2268713

Committing to a joint investment in departmental goals, some of which may overlap and some of which may not, will go a long way toward developing mutually beneficial relationships and support systems. Establishing routines in which you and the IT professional(s) routinely come together for collaborative work will help generate this unified approach.

RESOURCES:

Course Packet

REFLECT & PRACTICE:

Now it is time to schedule a second meeting with the IT professional(s) and figure out your common goals. Using page 3 in the Course Packet (included in the Resources above), complete the School Library/Information Technology Action Plan template. This chart outlines the explicit ways in which you can support the other's goals. Share this activity with your department supervisors and/or administration to demonstrate to the school's decision makers the benefits of the school library professionals and the IT professionals working together in a collaborative relationship for the betterment of the school.

Entry ID: 2284469

An ongoing commitment to sharing and supporting departmental needs will continue to solidify the school librarian/IT team mentality. After accomplishing one or more of the goals itemized on the shared School Library/Information Technology Action Plan from an earlier activity, schedule a third meeting with your school's IT professional(s). You are well on your way to empowering both departments to be strengthened by your collaborative efforts.

RESOURCES:

Course Packet

REFLECT & PRACTICE:

At a mutually convenient time, host a third meeting with the IT professional(s). Looking at your completed page 2 of the Course Packet, consider the following questions: What improvements can be made in our respective departments? How can we support each other in these efforts? Then, using page 4 of the Course Packet (found in the Resources above), complete the Reflect for Revision column jointly with the IT professional(s).

Entry ID: 2269532