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22 Ontario School Library Association Ask Rita Resourceful Dear Rita, I'm confused. I've been transitioning my library to a learning commons despite being part time, with no additional funds and some resistant colleagues. I have done this by focusing on inquiry, technology, gaming and by building a Lego wall. A new member on staff (who has the principal's ear) is pushing for a green screen, a maker station, sand and water tables and paint easels. I would love to incorporate some of this and robotics as well, but I've no idea where the space would be found for all of this or how paint, water and sand co-exist near books. I'm worried about managing materials and facilitating the space on a fairly fixed part-time schedule. How do I focus on inquiry, developing a love of reading and digital citizenship when I have what feels like, an oversized Kindergarten room being merged with my learning commons space? Worried and Overwhelmed Dear WOw, Progress of any kind can be overwhelming and when others' ideas of progress intrude on the comfortable and the tried and true, change becomes difficult. Your decisions about the direction your library learning commons goals and whether you are able to incorporate water tables and paint stations will depend on your library program, the space available, and, I imagine, your patience. If more time is to be spent organizing and supervising independent use of imagination and genius style activities you may not be able to schedule as much direct teaching. For a short time each day or cycle, distribute "genius passes" to each class rather than holding scheduled class visits. Try "pop-up" activities that present weekly or monthly challenges (build a book holding structure!). Your first challenge might be to have students create an award or build a trophy which can be duplicated and awarded for completed student creations. Make It @ Your Library has some interesting ideas (makeitatyourlibrary.org). Give it a try WOw, and let The Teaching Librarian know how you did. Dear Rita, The library part of my job is often pushed to the side so that I can focus on the teaching (and providing planning time coverage). Repairs, processing, and just keeping the shelves in order get very little attention and I hate the disorder. This year I feel like I've won the lottery! A college student who has completed one year of a library technician program has started volunteering several days a week to gain practical experience. Imagine a skilled worker taking over the tasks you never have time for! I've realized that help like this, even a half day each week, or one day a month would be life altering! How do I go about lobbying my school district or the government to fund technician support in elementary schools? Always Swamped Dear A. Swamped, You are really lucky! An expert for a short while is able to accomplish so much more than even the best of our student helpers. 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!