Keynote: Is It In Your DNA to Make a Difference

Sandy's Welcome

"Spread the word. Be nice to children. Smile if it kills you." -Sandy Kelly's tip

Energy! You can feel it when you walk into any MSLA conference. Sandy Kelly describes it as "palpable." Sandy talked about how Librarians are no longer fit into the former stereotype. Sandy starts off the keynote by challenging us to no longer to be "elephants." The librarians that sit behind desk and do not like noise and mess. If you know an "elephant"- get them a membership to MSLA ASAP.  "Bring back the warm and fuzzes." she said. 

Terrence Young's DNA

Terry started by giving us (MSLA) props- MSLA is one of the top 5 proactive school library associations! Go us! He loved our anti-whining, pro-shouting message from 2003. 

New Students- The millennial student

Terry talked about teaching to the new generation of students. These students were born between 1982-2003- this is my generation! We work best in teams in a collaborative environment. We like to figure it out on their own. We learn through technology. This is a very active teaching environment, so how do we (educators) teach them? 

*Be visual- love visual stimulation

*Students love projects and working together

*Problem solvers and tech lovers

Everything is now technology!

Terry encourages to use technology. Podcast a book talk. Use email and IM to communicate.

Motivate them!

Terry asks us- how well do you know your students? Go out and reach them. Show up to different school events.

A Survivors Story

Terry describes his experience with Hurricane Katrina and how he rebuilt his Library. To get the students excited about reading again, Terry organized an Artist in Resident program with Sharon Flake (The Skin I'm In, Bang, etc). Flake came for one week to work with students. Each student received copies (to keep) of her works. 

PR Skills

"You need to have "PR" skills" Terry said. Hey- he even advertise in the bathroom. Look for opportunity and be passionate. 

Its not my library...

It's the students. Everything in Terry's Library is for the students. We are there for the students.