Making a First Impression with
Students and Staff:
Library Orientation Ideas
Jo-Anne LaForty & Sharon Mills
Library and Learning Resources
TDSB
AGENDA
Who’s here?
Thinking about orientations
Key messages and tips
Strategies
Serving a diverse population
Staff need orientations too!
Final thoughts
Orientations are like . . .
We went to the Library
today. It was….
Key Messages
Libraries support your
academic success
We are going to help you do better in school
This is the beginning of a beautiful relationship
We’re available outside classroom hours
We can fill the gaps and provide you with things
you may not have at home
We’ve got great resources to support your
learning
We’re current
Libraries provide a
location for learning
Class work
Homework
Group work
Respectful & safe
Libraries provide tangible
and human resources
Resources
newspapers
magazines
fiction
graphic novels
non-fiction
computer resources
videos
Human element
help you locate what
you need or might
enjoy
displays
reading programs
activities
Essential Content
Introduction of all staff
Purpose of the library
Hours
Areas of the Library - signage
Borrowing procedures
Overdue procedures
Overview of collection
Rules =
*expectations * guidelines*
Non-essential Content
Covering all aspects of the collection
MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE TO TEACH
THIS WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF A
COURSE ASSIGNMENT, ACTIVITY OR
PROJECT
Tips for Orientation Day
Make your environment welcoming
Signs
Displays
More Tips for Orientation Day
Minimize conflict
talk to teacher ahead of time and insist
classes arrive as a group with teacher
Meet and greet
Begin with the students
find out who they are
Address learning styles
especially visual and bodily kinesthetic
Scary Stuff!
Michelle Sterling, Global Image Group
Within the first three seconds of a new
encounter, you are evaluated… even if it
is just a glance.
Within only three seconds, you make an
indelible impression. You may intrigue
some and disenchant others.
Strategy - PowerPoint
introduction or activity
whole class or individuals
provides immediate focus for class
highlights teacher-librarian as a
techno-wiz
Avoid: ‘Power Pointless’ or ‘Death by
Power Point’
Irene
Jitka
Additional Strategies:
Activity
Look through your package at the
brochures & activities.
Find an idea that you could use @
your library.
More Strategies
Stations -introduce students to different
resources and areas
Games - scavenger hunts
Map activities - learn layout of library
Webquests
Webquests
hard to find for secondary
currently focus on “skills”
Dewey
plagiarism
search skills
might be ‘part’ of an orientation or a later
library visit
Strategy: Video
technology that is becoming more
accessible
permanent record
used for parent nights, staff meetings
include student testimonials
visual
student involvement
Tip for techno-wizs: embed in PowerPoint
ESL and Special Needs
Identify special needs of these classes
Take nothing for granted
Greater need to address multiple
learning styles
Signage takes on greater importance
ESL - vocabulary acquisition
Special Needs - inclusiveness
ESL
Staff Orientations
new teachers
pre-service teachers
staff meetings
department meetings
‘Nouveau’ teachers
Make connections
Showcase collection
Overview of library program
Outline how we can help through teaching
research process
Provide sample assignments
Provide handouts (student research guides,
etc.)
‘Vintage’ teachers
Update on new and exciting resources
Re-establish connections
Re-enforce message “I’m here…use me!”
Opportunity for feedback
Remind “here’s what I can do for you…here’s
what I need you to do for me”
Strategies
Brochures
Handouts
PowerPoints
Social events: Open House, Books and
Bagels
Have flyer and invitation ready for new
arrivals throughout the year
Final Thought
“You only have one chance
to make a first impression”