Another new management tool I've been trying out this is year a note system. Of course we have email but as the library teacher, I'm often being asked questions in passing or have notes left on my desk from both teachers and students. I also had several experiences last year where I ran into a teacher, student, or administrator and they said "I was looking for you earlier but you weren't in the library!". It was never accusatory but I didn't like the idea of someone, especially an administrator, looking for me and not knowing why I'm not in the library. By not being in the library it felt like I was appearing to not be "doing my job". As you know, library teachers don't just sit at their desk the library checking in books! However, not everyone knows that or really understands all those little extra things we do when we're not actively teaching a class. For example:
This year I've been leaving a sign saying I'm away from the library and to leave a note. I say if I'm at a PLC in another building, visiting a classroom, etc.
So far, it's been really helpful for me. I have organized notes instead of people searching for scrap paper or leaving a note where I might not see it right away (I have a circ desk where this is but I also have an office). I know an administrator could find me if they needed to or will see that I'm doing something important when I'm not in the library. It also tells me if a student came down and needed help when I wasn't there. The hardest part has been remembering to leave out the message when I leave the room! I've been trying to do it for anything and everything just to build the habit and that seems to be helping me.
Do you have a message system?