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26 Ontario School Library Association Ask Rita Resourceful Dear Rita, It's a crime that I have a collection of professional books and resources in our library which are very rarely used. What can I do to promote the use of these resources and professional reading? Officer T-L Dear Officer T-L, I understand your dilemma. Sometimes it's difficult to get books in the hands of students, never mind your colleagues. Have you tried book-talking relevant resources at staff meetings? How about a book club, lunch and learn, or online discussion using the resources and organized by subject or grade level? Introduce staff to the idea of a PLn (personal learning network), invite them to follow you on Twitter and post links to reviews or tidbits from the resources as you find them. I wonder if a display in the staff room of selected titles with a post-it featuring something interesting you found in the book might work. You might even try a professional e-newsletter with a column focusing on some of the resources. Dear Rita, My library shares a space with the computer lab ... I mean, we're basically in the same room. Students need to travel through the library in order to get to the computer lab and back out to use the washroom or get a drink, and the noise!!!! argh! Some days, I cannot hear what I am saying, or hear anything students are asking me, and when the computer lab class leaves early or arrives late to the lab ... it's such a disruption! I must admit, Rita, I already feel a bit better having shared with you. Sincerely, Multi-use Felicity Dear Felicity, I hear you and so many others like you who are sharing a library with any number of other users. I am sure that if there are no other options, you will need to adapt to this situation and, knowing the adaptability of teacher-librarians, you will do so with ease (possibly after a few post-school gripe sessions -- I prefer a little Riesling myself). Be vocal about the respect all learners require in the library and don't hesitate to remind your students or the computer class of your expectations. Dear Rita, When a new curriculum arrives and I can't get a handle on what I need to do to provide resources for my staff, it drives me criminally insane! I have teachers trying to deal with the 2013 Social Studies curriculum and new teaching packages as well and even I am feeling overwhelmed. Do you have any suggestions? Past Dayzy Dear Dayzy, I agree Dayzy, sometimes the load our colleagues share lands directly on our We welcome any questions you may have for Rita Resourceful. To protect Rita's identity, please email them to tingleditor@gmail.com, with the subject Ask Rita, and we'll be sure to pass them along!