The Librarian Influencer of the Week is Connecticut librarian Jane Martellino. Jane is one of the 2021 recipients of ALA’s I Love My Librarian award. The award’s focus this year was how you impacted your communities during COVID times. Click here to listen now!
Here are some librarian influencer tips Jane shared:
Seek ways to connect everyday with your community. This is what Jane did during the pandemic to support SEL.
Jane used her dog Maggie to create daily special messages for her students. https://janemartellino.wixsite.com/maggiesmessages She now creates weekly Maggie messages using the app called My Talking Pet.
Make some quiet time to let creativity come to you. This is how Jane would come up with messages from Maggie.
Seek balance so you do not burn out in your career.
Humble yourself enough to ask for help and guidance.
Being a reflective practitioner is essential.
You need to be your own Public Relations manager. Consider writing an article in your school’s parent newsletter.
Remember you have the ability to put the right book in the hands of children.
Don’t be afraid to take a risk. WHen you feel something nudging you, act on it. This is how she helped start the Charter Oak Children’s Book Award for the state of Connecticut.
Follow people outside your profession to help gain other perspectives.
You can connect with Jane Martellino at:
Twitter: @janemartellino
Facebook: Jane.Martellino (Jane is this the right link? https://www.facebook.com/jane.martellino )
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