If you are a follower of my website (thank you, for that, it means a lot), you might have noticed that I haven’t really been posting much for a while. It seems around late 2023 I started to slow down a lot with my writing and sharing. There were a few reasons. The first was we had just undertaken a massive and extensive move into our new library space. The new build process was sadly not one I enjoyed. Everything was a fight to be listened to and so many opportunities were lost and missed due to lack of collaboration. I literally cry over the stupid shelves we were provided by the architects. But I digress. My focus turned to just achieving everything that I needed to achieve in the work day and it had become all consuming. My time for writing and energy for that diminished. That has continued into this year with more change and more challenges at work.
But there is another reason. I’ve been sharing more posts recently that are how-to posts. This grew from inquiries that you, my dear readers, sent me, asking for details on how I might have genrefied or how I updated our collections. I absolutely love writing these how-to articles and have been doing a lot more of them. But it means the tone of my website has changed. And I do like it. What started as a passion project for me, to record and reflect on my own practice, has grown and morphed into something that helps others. And that amazes me. Truely. But while I really enjoy writing these, I get serious imposter syndrome. I have so many that sit in my drafts folder, unshared because I think, ‘who am I to write and share on these topics?’ And they take time. I can agonise over an article for days, weeks, months and then just leave it to sit in my drafts folder anyway.
So, what’s the point of this rambling, you ask (or let’s face it, you might not have read this far down). I’m sorry, but there is going to be a whole lot more rambling on my blog in weeks and months to come. Reflection, I’ve found, is my way of processing. And there is a lot I need to process. It’s also far more humbling and feels more right, to share my failures, challenges and daily happenings rather than just my how-to guides. I’ll still share them, because you ask and because I do enjoy writing them, and just because. But there will be both.
Reflection is a powerful thing. I love being able to go back and read over something I wrote years ago. Often, it’s a little different from how I remember it and I love having a capture of that moment and my practice. It’s also incredible to see how my approach and practice has changed over the years. Reflection helps me to process, adapt and grow. Without writing these posts, I would not be the school library professional I am today. Reflecting, reading, and writing has helped me change how I approach things. And that’s powerful stuff.
Hi Madison,
You reviewed my books HOVER and CLEAR TO LIFT way back in 2015 and 2016, and I’ve followed your site ever since. I just want to say, “Bring on the ramblings!” Reflections are a great thing, and writing them down, just getting them out, is indeed a great way to adapt and grow. Heaven knows, my files are full of these – the good, the bad, and the ugly! – but it really does help. It’s wonderful that you’re willing to share your thoughts to help others, just as you’ve done with all of your other how-to posts, reviews, and more. You are such a valuable asset to the library world and to publishers and authors, too. Your passion to do better and to help others do better shines through in every post you write. You are humble. You are organic. And now, adding these reflections will be the perfect complement to your other work, only adding to what we readers already feel about you—a person who is trying to help, who is willing to offer their personal experiences as insight, and someone we respect and trust as we journey along with you. So, please keep writing, keep posting, and keep up the great work!
Your fan from the States,
Anne Wilson.
Anne, thank you so very much for your incredibly kind comment. It means a lot. Thank you for your encouragement and insights. I so appreciate them. It’s so lovely to hear from you. I think of you often when I recommend Hover and Clear To Lift. I truly do love them both so much. I hope you are well. Thank you again.
You’re most welcome. Still writing between lots of “life.” Hoping to get another story through the publishing gates! Please take care!
Hi Madison,
Imposter syndrome is something every passionate person experiences, so you’re not alone. I’ve felt it too as a teacher librarian in Ontario, Canada. It’s great that you’re reflecting and sharing your struggles, which many librarians can relate to. Last year was my toughest yet, despite 20 years of teaching and 4 years in the library. The numerous changes in the library were overwhelming, and no amount of advocacy seemed to help. Thankfully, with the new school year in September and new administration, I am beginning to see positive changes and renewed support.
I recently read your blog on “Building A School’s Reading Culture” and found your insights valuable. While I always promote a culture of reading, I hadn’t considered that it should extend beyond the library. Here are three initiatives we use to encourage reading:
1. The “Caf Cookie Reading Challenge” (read 5 books, get a free caf cookie)
2. Hosting a monthly book club connected to the OLA Forest of Reading program in Ontario
3. Running a Library Advisory Council where students organize reading-related activities and events, like movie nights connected to books.
Hi Carissa,
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. Some years can absolutely be tough and I’m glad that you have positive movement with your leadership this year. Your three reading initiatives sound incredible. Thank you so much for sharing.