"If instructional designers are not seen as essential to the e-learning development process, we will see decreases in demand and renumeration that will threaten the continued existence, or at least squash the potential of our field. - Be invaluable or your job will be eliminated"
Trends and Issues in Instructional Design and Technology, Reiser, 2014
Great. It seems I have jumped from one tenuous career into another.
Library media specialist to instructional designer - two jobs with two things in common:
- People have to ask me what it means... and my response requires a long explanation.
- The future of the career is dependent on others' perceptions.
Futurists declare libraries are a thing of the past. Every library I have been in is bustling. Libraries as an institution don't concern me.
The situation is different for school libraries. Principals and sometimes whole districts trade off the school library position for another position, like a reading coach. The school library is left in the hands of a clerk or volunteer.
Being a school librarian is more than the books.
So was my position ever threatened? HECK NO!
"Why not?" you may ask.
Because, dear reader, I attack the problem head on. The important phrase in the opening quote is
"are not seen as essential"Perception is everything. In a school, I get my fingers in everything. The best way to infiltrate the camp is to offer your time to help in key areas.
In my case, I offered to teach standards often left untaught, to support big programs to make sure every child was motivated, and to help with leadership initiatives like professional development, scheduling, and textbooks.
Wait, I don't have time! If you don't have a job, you'll have too much time. So just accept that you have to start with grunt work. If you want to endear yourself, give your time!
Next, market the heck out of whatever you do.
I brand every program I design, I have professional signs made, I collaborate to make sure programs aren't a "one man show," I survey, advertise how survey results made specific change, actively cultivate buy-in... keep chocolate in my office.
I've done two presentations to school librarians on how to market themselves. Here is a handout from the latest presentation if you are curious. The quick 9 slide presentation highlights universal truths that business marketers know. School Library Advocacy through Marketing.
Now, how can I parlay this wisdom to instructional design solidarity?
Please post your ideas. I'm a tabula rasa. Share your wisdom.
Image: Frying pan into the fire by Fredsharples https://www.flickr.com/photos/ballena/2509766302
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