Roberts.LM5010.

Final Page 1

Meghann T. Roberts
2078 S. Barton, RD.,
Barton, VT 05822
mtrthompsongroup@gmail.com

LM 5010 Learning Resources, Centers & Services

Final Project

August 3, 2018
Meghann T. Roberts
2078 S. Barton RD.
Barton, VT 05822

August 3, 2018

Barton School Board

130 Kinsey RD.
Barton, VT 05822

Dear School Board Members,

I have had the pleasure of conducting an initial analysis of the current library program at Barton Academy and
Graded School (BAGS). My analysis revealed several opportunities to improve upon the current offerings to
better align with both state and the American Association of School Librarian’s (AASL) standards. The new
AASL standards lists six key components of the integrated framework for learners; inquire, include, collaborate,
curate, explore and engage (2018).

Every great program needs a solid foundation. On the following page, I present the purposed Mission and Vision
statements to provide direction and purpose for the BAGS library program moving forward.

This summer, Principal Kim Wheelock and I have collaborated to initiate the library revitalization. We have
painted the walls, purchased markerboard tables to provide creative collaborative seating for 20 students, created
a comfortable reading area and upgraded some of the electrical outlets to accommodate the students’ new 1:1
ipads. A new makerspace with authentic hands on learning opportunities is being created on the fourth floor.
This will provide our students with the ability to inquire, include, collaborate, explore and engage with all of their
peers in a fun learning environment.

I have also begun the labor intensive process of weeding the large outdated and overused print collection. I am
utilizing the MUSTIE and CREW methods. The Texas State Library has produced a wonderful weeding manual
that serves as both a useful resource and guidance to help propel our school library into a modern space to serve
and support 21​st​ century learners. To become familiar with the process, I encourage you to access the manual at
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/sites/default/files/public/tslac/ld/ld/pubs/crew/crewmethod12.pdf​.

In my first budget proposal, I have kept all but one area level funded. This year, I will work diligently to apply
for grants, initiate a Donors Choose campaign, and seek support from community resources to obtain additional
funds to purchase new print and digital material to update the library collection. I purpose a $5,000.00 increase
 per year for the next 3 to 5 years to enable the school to complete the library revitalization and transition to a
library commons with library, makerspace and technology support adjacent on the third floor.

Our students deserve and need a space, services and materials that will support their continued educational and
emotional growth and development to become both successful 21​st​ century students and life-long learners.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Meghann T. Roberts
Library Media Specialist
Barton Academy & Graded School and
Glover Community School
​mroberts@ocsu.org

Roberts.LM5010.Final Page
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Barton Academy & Graded School Library

3 Year Long Range Plan

Mission:

The Barton Academy & Graded School library provides students and faculty a safe facility and
engaging program to empower all learners with the ability to access and process information
and ideas. The library concurrently supports the educational strategies of the school community
and the emotional and intellectual development of all students.

Vision:

By 2022, the library will become the heart of the school as it belongs to the entire school
community. The library will embody the school’s philosophy of learning by enhancing and
promoting critical thinking skills utilizing all educational formats including print, multimedia,
technology and authentic hands on learning experiences. Staff collaboration in combination
with students as active partners in the learning process will reinforce the value of literacy and
lifelong learning.

Program Description

Barton Academy and Graded School (BAGS), the only public elementary school in town,
provides education services for kindergarten through eighth grade students. Total enrollment
at the conclusion of the 2017-2018 academic year was 152 students. BAGS is one of six
elementary schools within the Orleans Central Supervisory Union (OCSU). OCSU offers
pre-kindergarten education to all SU students at two centralized locations. All elementary
schools feed into Lake Region Union High School (LRUHS). LRUHS is the largest school in
the SU with an approximate student body of 380.

Over the last decade, OCSU, including BAGS, enrollment has continued to steadily decline.
Due to the decline in student enrollment and tightening budget constraints the BAGS library
program has been in flux for several years. The library has been staffed by one part time
certified librarian and one part time teacher librarian.

The librarian was present two days a week; on Mondays from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm and
Wednesdays from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. The duties of the certified librarian included
overseeing the library program, purchasing and maintaining the collection, managing the
library website and providing book check in/out. The teacher librarian was present at BAGS
on Tuesdays from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. The teacher librarian taught library lessons during
specials rotation for grades kindergarten through third grade. In addition to the library classes,
the teacher librarian was

Roberts.LM5010.Final Page
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responsible for a lunch and recess duty. The library was essentially closed during off hours
when neither librarian was in the building.

During the 2017-2018 academic year, multiple elementary school administrators and OCSU
Superintendent recognized the need to provide better continuity among the various elementary
library programs as well as increase literacy support throughout the schools. Each elementary
librarian position was absorbed by OCSU and two new jobs were created. One library media
specialist (LMS) was hired for a 1.0 position to work three days at BAGS and two days at
 Glover Community School (GCS). The other LMS was hired for a 0.8 position to work two
days at Orleans Elementary School and two days at Irasburg Village School.

Starting for the 2018-2019 school year, the new LMS at BAGS will be the sole librarian in the
building and responsible for all aspects of the program. The school administrator has
increased teaching responsibilities for the librarian. During specials rotation, library lessons
will now be offered to grades kindergarten through sixth grade on a fixed schedule and
seventh and eighth grade classes will have the option to access the library facility and services
on a flex schedule.

The current physical state of the space is dull, outdated and totally inadequate to meet the
teaching needs of today’s 21​st​ century student population. Shelves and magazine racks are
stacked with print material dating back to the 1990s and in serious need of attention. Per the
electronic catalog system, the last library inventory and weeding project was accomplished
approximately eight years ago.

Two desktop computers, including the one at the librarian’s desk, and two ipads complete the
list of available library technology. BAGS students will have 1:1 ipads starting this new school
year. The library has minimal electrical outlets, overhead florescent lighting and only enough
tables and chairs to concurrently sit 14 students. Currently, BAGS has only two classes with 14
or less students.

The library budget functions on a July 1​st​ to June 30​th​ budget, same as the remainder of the
school budget. The librarian has an opportunity to discuss budget requests with the
administrator prior to the annual school meeting and budget vote in March. Additional library
funds may be obtained by grants, book fair profits, principal discretionary fund and donations.
The BAGS total 2018-2019 library budget is $7,680 exclusive of librarian salary.

Community Profile

Situated in the picturesque Northeast Kingdom (NEK) of Vermont, Barton, a small town of
approximately 2,800 souls, is considered extremely rural and a substantial amount of local
revenue is dependent on tourism. With an annual median household income of $40,786,
which is considerably lower than the state of Vermont median annual household income of
$57,677, residents of Barton are considered poor and over 18% live below the poverty line
(United States Census Bureau, n.d.) At BAGS, over 70% of all students qualify for the free
breakfast and
Roberts.LM5010.Final Page
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 lunch program. With over 70% of students qualifying for free meals, all students receive free
meals.

Despite the aging population, higher than average unemployment and poverty rates, Barton
residents historically support their school budget. Many towns in Vermont are also facing
aging and declining populations resulting in escalating property taxes to maintain necessary
funding for small local schools. Vermont Act 46 was passed in 2015 with the purpose of
providing school districts the opportunity to merge disparate governance structures into
sustainable education delivery systems designed to meet both State education goals and
recognize local priorities (capping or lowering ever increasing property taxes to fund
exponentially increasing school budgets).

All residents of the Orleans Central Supervisory Union are facing a decisive Act 46 vote in
November, 2018. This is the last opportunity residents will have to vote in favor of the
purposed plan presented by the local Act 46 committee. If the residents fail to ratify the
purposed plan, then the fate of all schools within the Orleans Central Supervisory Union
(OCSU) will be dependent on the State mandated plan. The State’s plan for OCSU is
unknown at this time. OCSU residents previously voted on the same proposal back in June of
2016. Of the seven towns comprising OCSU, Barton was the only town to vote favorably.
The only known certain regarding the current structure of OCSU school governance is that in
one way or another it will be different by July 1, 2019.

The town of Barton does have a public library which has recently added a part-time children’s
librarian. Interaction between the school and the library has been limited up to this point and
represents a huge opportunity to collaborate and strengthen both programs as well as
potentially offer more services to students and the Barton community. Barton also has a small
handful of local businesses that have been supportive of both the school and the Barton
Parents’ Club by donating items, services and funds. These civic minded business owners
represent possible school and/or library/literacy advocacy committee members.

Program Assessment Summary

Currently, the BAGS library program has more weaknesses and opportunities than strengths.
The librarian only works three days/week at BAGS and works the other two days/week at
GCS. One LMS compared to two part-time librarians will provide more continuity of library
services and maintenance. However, with only one part time LMS and no assistants, it may
 be difficult for all management aspects, including reshelving and book repair, to efficiently
occur. Also, two days/week the library is left unstaffed and essentially students are unable to
access the library space or services. While budgets are tight and with the surrounding
uncertainty of Act 46 outcomes, it is highly unlikely the BAGS library position will be
restored to a full time position anytime soon. The program could benefit from requesting and
enlisting parent volunteers and student ambassadors to assist with reshelving and book repairs.
Administration and staff could

Roberts.LM5010.Final Page 6

discuss the possibility of supervised classes and/or groups obtaining access to the library
during “closed” hours to utilize resources and provide a space for enrichment and
collaboration.

The program has been functioning without a purpose and direction. Up to now, the program
has been lacking both a mission and vision statement. A clearly established and displayed
mission and vision statement will provide drive, motivation and focus for both the librarian
and the remainder of the school community to strive to achieve the best available library space
and services to adequately prepare 21​st​ century learners. The program has also been lacking
formal policies and procedures. Upon this latest librarian transition, no written documents or
library workbook was shared with the oncoming librarian. Again, formal written policies and
procedures will help the new librarian manage the library as well as provide direction and
guidance for the future of the program. Currently, the school has an Acceptable Use Policy
(AUP), that appears to be at least four years old. Likely this document should be reviewed
and updated especially now that BAGS students will have access to 1:1 ipads. One may
suggest that moving towards a Responsible Use Policy, rather than an AUP, would better
prepare students to both understand digital literacy and practice digital citizenship.

The current library facility is not adequately configured to accommodate or teach 21​st​ century
learners. The new 2017 American Association of School Librarians (AASL) standards lists
six foundations; Inquire, Include, Collaborate, Curate, Explore and Engage. The space is
overcrowded with outdated and overused print material. The majority of the room is
encompassed by large shelving units to house all the print material. Current seating
arrangements are sufficient for only 14 students. BAGS classes are as large as 20. With new
1:1 technology, classes will need an adequate number of tables, chairs and space to work on
their devices and collaborate with their peers. The library also lacks any form of comfortable
seating for reading.
Administration is very supportive and open to ideas to improve the library design and
program. Principal Wheelock is supportive of weeding out the outdated and uncirculated
materials. She has committed starter funds from her discretionary budget to begin revitalizing
the library space. The funds will purchase new markerboard tables to provide collaborative
seating options for 20 students, create a comfortable reading nook, new library rug for story
time, add additional electrical outlets and paint the walls. Principal Wheelock is also receptive
and willing to provide time and assistance for the new LMS to receive desired and necessary
training. She has approved and provided financial assistance for both workshops and on the
job training for the new LMS.

With some recommendations, Principal Wheelock has purchased tools and equipment for a
brand new makerspace. Makerspace supplies include Breakout EDU boxes, legos, art
supplies, 3D printer, robotics and more. At this time, the intended primary function of the
space is to provide intervention for those students requiring additional assistance. The new
makerspace is being set up in its own room up on the junior high level. Perhaps with time and
collaboration between the
Roberts.LM5010.Final Page
7

new LMS, tech support, classroom teachers and administration, the makerspace could be
utilized for small group/enrichment activities or afterschool clubs so that more students will
have the opportunity to work in the space to develop skills in inquiry, critical thinking,
strategic problem solving (AASL, I.A.1., I.B.2., I.B.3., I.C.1-4, I.D.1-4.), collaboration
(AASL, III.A.1-3., III.B.1-2., III.C.1-2., III.D.1-2.), and grow a through personal discovery
(AASL, V.A.2-3., V.B.1-2., V.C.1-3., V.D.1-3.). For long term survival of the library
program and to better serve and prepare 21​st​ century learners, the makerspace would likely be
better situated library adjacent and create a library commons environment where all students
can access and participate in authentic learning opportunities.

During the past school year, administration focused on improving overall school culture. An
end of year survey conducted by the Barton Parents’ Club revealed that 84% of the responding
parents felt that school culture had improved throughout the year. Some improvements in
school culture have been seen but there remains a strong fraction of senior teaching staff that
oppose or are slow to accept most administrative attempts to make improvements in the
school. There is little to no evidence of collaboration between classroom teachers and the
previous librarians. Given the reluctance and unwillingness of most teaching staff to attend
Literacy Night events, participate in the Scholastic Book Fair, or volunteer to lead enrichment
activities or clubs, it is questionable how much staff collaboration or assistance may be
achieved. Certainly, collaboration between the new LMS and classroom teachers could offer a
 fundamental change to better serve the students overall needs and possibly improve upon the
less than satisfactory 2017-2018 SBAC ELA standardized test scores.

The school and Barton Parents’ Club have received substantial support from several local
businesses. This past spring, the Barton Public Library just hired a very well known and liked
exceptional children’s librarian. An area of great potential opportunity lies in making stronger
connections with local community. This LMS could collaborate with both librarians to
promote literacy events as well as bridge and create a summer reading program. Key local
business owners and core group of BAGS staff could form a school advisory council to
provide better organization and direction as to how best to serve the school community. Also,
Barton Parents’ Club has an active member base that could potentially be used to volunteer in
the library.

Goals and Objectives​:

Goal 1: ​To provide an engaging library commons space that empowers all students by
integrating all educational formats including print, multimedia, technology and authentic
hands on learning experiences​.

Objective 1: ​Prepare a budget to allow complete library renovation to library

commons
ideally by the 2021-2022 school year and no later than 2023-2024.
Objective 2: ​Develop library mission and vision statements that support the
educational
strategies of the school and provide direction for creating an adequate
library program for 21​st​ century learners.
Roberts.LM5010.Final Page
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Objective 3: ​Form a library/literacy advocacy committee that includes all stakeholders.

Goal 2: ​To provide an updated and adequate print and digital collection to meet the needs of the
entire school community.

Objective 1: ​Seek input from both staff and students regarding needs and wishes
of both
 print and digital material.
Objective 2: ​Prepare a budget and seek alternative sources of funds to acquire
needed
collection additions.
Objective 3: ​Seek and participate in PD opportunities to help determine the best
collection acquisitions, management and practices.

Goal 3: ​To cultivate, encourage and support a growth mindset community of readers and
life-long learners.

Objective 1: ​Prepare a budget to offer community wide literacy events (One

School
One Book, visiting authors, reading clubs. etc.)
Objective 2: ​Collaborate with classroom teachers and tech support to provide
educational offerings with integrated technology to meet the needs
of 21​st​ century learners.
​ bjective 3: ​Create summer reading program to sustain student engagement all year.
O

Three Year Action Plan

Year One Year Two Year Three

Goal 1: ​To provide an engaging library commons space that empowers all students by
integrating all educational formats including print, multimedia, technology and
authentic hands on learning experiences​.

Objective 1: ​Prepare a budget to allow complete library renovation to library

commons
ideally by the 2021-2022 school year and no later than 2023-2024.

.*Depending on extent of remodel and outside funds received from grants and donations may need to
continue increase of equipment budget by $5,000.00 for Year Four and/or Year Five.
Increase equipment Increase equipment budget Increase equipment
budget by $5,000.00. by $5,000.00. budget by $5,000.00.

Objective 2: ​Develop library mission and vision statements that support the
educational
strategies of the school and provide direction for creating an
adequate
library program for 21​st​ century learners.

Share mission and Create library workbook Seek opportunity to

vision statements with
administration and
school board for
approval. (Share with
entire community after
approval).
with policies and procedures. become part of the
Collaborate with all school leadership
stakeholders to review/revise committee.
AUP with goal to move
towards a RUP.

Objective 3: ​Form a library/literacy advocacy committee that includes all

stakeholders.

Identify key staff Identify all key stakeholders Begin meeting,

members that are (2-3 parents, 2-3 students, collaborating and
trustworthy and 2-3 community members, planning for transition
supportive of library 2-3 staff members, to library commons.
goals. administration) that are
trustworthy and supportive
of library goals as well as
willing to commit to group.

Goal 2: ​To provide an updated and adequate print and digital collection to meet the
needs of the entire school community.

Objective 1: ​Seek input from both staff and students regarding needs and wishes of
both
print and digital material.
Survey (both formally
and informally) staff
and students to
determine needs.
Continue weeding project of
outdated, overused and
uncirculated material.
Reassess staff and
student needs.
Consider genrefying
the fiction collection
to increase ease of use
and circulation.

Objective 2: ​Prepare a budget and seek alternative sources of funds to acquire needed
collection additions.

Level fund books and
periodicals budget.
Apply for grants and
seek outside sources of
funds to replenish
weeded collection with
updated and requested
print and digital
material.
Level fund books and Level fund books and
periodicals budget. Increase periodicals budget.
annual book fair to Look to Library
semi-annual book fair and Advocacy Committee
use profits to purchase for fund raising
needed and requested support to assist
materials. purchasing and
updated the
collection.

Objective 3: ​Seek and participate in Professional Development (PD) opportunities to

determine the best collection acquisitions, management and practices.

Complete PSU graduate Look for workshops, Attend local or

courses to be eligible for
VT LMS/Librarian
certificate​.
webinars or courses on national
library collections and literacy/library
management. conference. ISTE in
New Orleans, LA,
April 6-10, 2020.

Goal 3: ​To cultivate, encourage and support a growth mindset community of readers
and life-long learners.

Objective 1: ​Prepare a budget to offer community wide literacy events (One School
One Book, visiting authors, reading clubs. etc.)
 Level fund books and
periodicals budget.
Request principal
discretionary funds to
initiate One School One
Book program. Apply
for grants.
Level fund books and
periodicals budget. Request
funds from Barton Parents’
Club to purchase books for
book club(s). Apply for
grants.
Level fund books and
periodicals budget.
Look to Library
Advocacy Committee
for fund raising
support for author
residencies/visits.
Apply for grants.

Objective 2: ​Collaborate with classroom teachers and tech support to provide

educational offerings with integrated technology to meet the
needs
of 21​st​ century learners.

Assess utilization of Reevaluate current software Purchase most

current digital budget based on utilization
subscriptions and solicit and feedback. *2017-2018
staff and student software budget overspent by
feedback. approximately $3,600.00
Prepare realistic software
budget for next year.
utilized and requested
subscription by staff.
Request collaboration
opportunities to
support the
technology
integration with their
classroom studies.

Objective 3: ​Create summer reading program to sustain student engagement all

year.

Provide students with
summer reading list and
free online access to
ebook library (First
Book or Epic).
Collaborate with Barton
Public librarians to bridge a
summer reading program
from school to the public
library.
Apply for grants and
looks for outside
sources for funds to
purchase several
summer reading
books for each
student.

Budget:
 BAGS Library Budget

Acct Current
# Budget $ Proposed $ Incr/Decr % Change Rationale

Supplies 5610 $500.00 $500.00 --- 0.00% Level funded.

Level funded.
Due to increase in
overall budget to
help fund future
library commons,
will be extra
diligent to apply
for grants and
seek outside
sources to help
Books & add new material
Periodicals 5640 $5,500.00 $ 5,500.00 --- 0.00% to the collection.

Level funded.
Will assess and
determine usage
and need of AV
Library equipment during
AV 5650 $200.00 $200.00 ------ 0.00% Year 1.

Level funded.
*This will likely
change based on
assessment,
evaluation and
feedback, as the
2017-2018 budget
was over spent by
approximately
$3,600.00. More
research and
collaboration is
needed to
determine how,
what and why this
budget was over
Software 5670 $600.000 $600.00 ----- 0.00% spent.
 Significant
increase in budget
to prepare for
transition to
library commons
with integrating
the makerspace
on the 3​rd​ floor.
Increase in budget
expected for 3-5
years dependent
on receipt of
grants and other
outside financial
Equipment 5730 $400.00 $5,400.00 $5,000.00 1250% sources.

Dues/Fees 5810 $480.00 $480.00 ------- 0.00% Level funded.

This dramatic
increase in
budget is needed
to establish an
essential library
commons space
to provide and
support all our
students to be
successful 21​st
​Total $7,680.00 $12,680.00 $5,000.00 1250.00% century learners.

References:
AASL. (2018). ​National school library standards for learners, school librarians, and school
libraries.​ Chicago: ALA Editions, an imprint of the American Library Association. Retrieved from
https://standards.aasl.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/AASL-Standards-Framework-for-Learner
s-pamphlet.pdf​.
Larson, J. (2012). ​Crew: A weeding manual for modern libraries​. Texas State Libraries and Archives
Commission. Retrieved from
https://www.tsl.texas.gov/sites/default/files/public/tslac/ld/ld/pubs/crew/crewmethod12.pdf​.
United States Census Bureau. (n.d.) American fact finder. Retrieved from
https://factfinder.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/community_facts.xhtml?src=bkmk​.
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