Element 4.1 Networking with the Library Community
Candidates demonstrate the ability to establish connections with other libraries and to strengthen cooperation among library colleagues for resource sharing, networking, and facilitating access to information. Candidates participate and collaborate as members of a social and intellectual network of learners.
Artifact
Blog Site Page
Description
This blog communicates ideas and resources with other librarians. Posts include information about other educator and librarian blogs, web tools, and blended learning . The comment section provides a place to share conversations. 
 
Analysis
A highlight of this blog is the variety of topics discussed. Learners can read and respond to a range of ideas, which will attract more viewers to my blog. As more people share their thoughts, the more opportunity there is to connect with other librarians. An area of improvement would be to facilitate the conversation with people that posted comments. While I shared my initial ideas with the library community in the blog post, I missed a chance to strengthen that network of learners with replies. Blogging can be an effective way to build a professional learning network if posts are not simple conversations starters, but focused and meaningful thoughts on topics related to the school librarian profession. 
 
Reflection
This blog is the first I have created. In the beginning, I felt awkward writing publicly, but the more I did it, the more comfortable I became. To get the most out of a blog, I must be an active participant by continually creating original posts and replying to comments. Being active in an online community is necessary to develop a meaningful network of professional librarians. Going forward, I will reignite my online presence to share and learn with members of the school library community. I plan to comment on other blogs I follow as well as post about the  happenings of my library.
Element 4.2 Professional Development
Candidates model a strong commitment to the profession by participating in professional growth and leadership opportunities through membership in library associations, attendance at professional conferences, reading professional publications, and exploring Internet resources. Candidates plan for ongoing professional growth.
Artifact
Professional Development Plan
Description
My professional development plan outlines actions I will take to learn more about developing and supporting STEM activities for my library program. The variety of methods I will use to meet my goal include joining professional organizations, reading books and journal articles, attending conferences and webinars, following blogs and Twitter handles, and viewing websites. 
 
Analysis
A positive aspect of my plan is the emphasis on various means to obtain professional development. The different ways make access to learning easier because some are scheduled like conferences while others allow more flexibility like reading articles and books. With time at a premium, I learned of convenient alternatives that will help me grow professionally. A potential problem of my plan is the articles are not as current as other professional development opportunities. I need to be cautious choosing to read current articles. Also, since only one journal is listed, I could research other professional journals about STEM in the library. This plan reflects my broader understanding about professional development. 
 
Reflection
I was most excited about the conferences I listed because they are opportunities to see librarians in person and participate in interactive sessions together. The Maryland Association of School Librarians conferences I attended made me energized with new ideas for my future library . If I do not find ways to gain new ideas, my program could become dull and lose purpose for the learners I serve. For the future, I will use this plan because it reminds me of all the possible methods to receive professional development. I would like to schedule more webinars because they provide the interaction I enjoy and are offered more frequently than conferences.
Element 4.3 Leadership
Candidates are able to articulate the role and relationship of the school library program's impact on student academic achievement within the context of current educational initiatives. Utilizing evidence-based practice and information from education and library research, candidates communicate ways in which the library program can enhance school improvement efforts.
Artifact
Library Evaluation Results from the AASL Checklist
Description
To complete the school library program assessment, I interviewed an elementary librarian to evaluate her program with the AASL Checklist and MSDE Checklist. This assessment includes the results and analysis of the checklists as well as goals for areas of improvement.

Analysis
A strength of the program evaluation is the number of assessment rubrics used to determine areas for improvement. The two rubrics provided a thorough assessment of the library program. A weakness of the program evaluation is the lack of time to complete both checklists. Allowing enough time to complete the checklists is necessary to perform a thorough evaluation. While performing the program evaluation, I realized specific measurable goals are crucial. Otherwise, the goals might not be attainable and lack focus. I had to revise the library signage objective to make the action steps clear and the goal achievable.  
 
Reflection
I was amazed at all the aspects the assessment rubrics evaluated. Both rubrics are extensive and look at every part of the school librarian’s job. The length of the rubrics made me overwhelmed. I realized I needed to set aside plenty of time or break up the assessments to finish them. Using two rubrics allowed me to compare them and choose the one I like for future use. I will evaluate my own library each year using an assessment rubric.
Element 4.4 Advocacy
Candidates identify stakeholders within and outside the school community who impact the school library program. Candidates develop a plan to advocate for school library and information programs, resources, and services.
Artifact
Advocacy Plan Faculty Handout
Description
For this artifact, I interviewed the lower school librarian at an independent school to determine an advocacy plan that supports research instruction for teachers. The plan includes benefits, services provided, a goal, an evaluation, action steps, and campaign materials.

Analysis
An advantage of the advocacy plan is its connection to one of the school’s initiatives. The plan supports teachers with the new research thread in the social studies curriculum and outlines monthly activities to accomplish its goal. A disadvantage of the advocacy plan is the lack of follow up activities encompassing the whole faculty. As a solution, all teachers could attend a faculty meeting at the end of the year to share their projects.  Creating this advocacy plan made me realize librarians need to stay aware of opportunities to advocate for their program.

Reflection
This was my first time creating an advocacy plan for a school library program. At the beginning of the planning process, I was unsure about what I needed to include in my campaign. Completing the chart to identify the agenda focused my ideas and provided direction for my campaign. I am now confident I can plan future advocacy campaigns for my library program. If I want my library program to thrive, I need to be able to strategically advocate for myself. As a school librarian, I will stay aware of available opportunities to promote my resources and services.
All artifact images by Julie Papperman