There’s so much to do at the end of every year, but this year, there may be new tasks added to the old. Create\ing an end of the year checklist where you can track all your tasks and have a visual for all the areas you need to close out before the last day of work can save you time, energy, and relieve you from unnecessary stress.
Last year, my district implemented a 1-to-1 Initiative just as the pandemic began in the States. Now, the challenge is to adapt to new tasks and new environments during difficult times while still running the library program and completing tasks from the pre-pandemic era.
One tool that has always helped me in the past, and still provides a sense of direction and acts as a visual aid in managing tasks is an End of the Year Checklist. The checklist provides me with a quick glance of all the job duties I need to complete before I close the doors of the library space for the summer. I have a heading for each of the main areas and include the tasks under each heading. The main headings are: Collection of Materials (library and textbooks), Overdue Materials, Book Maintenance, Equipment, Circulation computers, Supplies, Faculty, Library Space, Volunteers, Meetings, and Student laptops. The list I currently have is one I found on a wikispace many years ago (you may have seen it before) that I edited to fit my needs.
Everyone’s end of the year checklist will look differently, because every library site is different and poses its unique challenges. However, there are a few tasks that sometimes are forgotten.
Here are a few of those tasks to consider adding to your end-of-year checklist.
End of Year Collection Dates
Notify anyone and everyone of your collection dates . This year, many sites are dealing with hybrid models for instruction, which means you may have two or more student cohorts, who have different schedules and finals. Make sure to inform your students, administration, parents, and staff through all forms of communication. Also, put up signs in high traffic areas with your collection schedules.
Book Maintenance
Set aside time to make any repairs now, before the last week of school. Dedicate an afternoon to assessing the damaged materials and either repairing them, or processing them out of your inventory. Make sure to add the titles to a wish list or reorder list or next year.
Equipment
Check all your equipment and furniture and note any repairs needed. Submit a work order to the proper person or department to have the equipment repaired over the summer.
Circulation Desk computer
Back up any files that need it. Clean your computer desktop, removing shortcuts, files and other temporary files.
Volunteers
Send a thank you note or small token of appreciation to your volunteers, especially this year when school site staff has had to help out in new tasks and procedures. Even a simple “thank you” message will go a long way.
End of Year report
Be sure to create and share an end of the year report. Include any activities and highlights, materials purchased, events, and other school or community events the library hosted. Wherever possible, include photos and screenshots. Use any format that works for your site: Presentation slides, website, word document, or infographic.
There are usually many requests from staff and administration at the end of the year. Make sure to add those to your end of the year tasks. Be sure to set up a schedule for your upcoming weeks, and be flexible with your time, but strick with those tasks that must be completed. The more you can complete before the last week of school, the better.
Try the end of the year checklist (here is the link to the one I use), and let me know how it works for you.
Amelia Lafleur, Library Specialist at the District, Fontana Unified
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