I am back from my annual refresher. To be more exact, I had my usual exhilarating time at the ALA Conference held this year in Chicago. The programs were motivating, informative, and a sparking reflection of the impact libraries make every day. As good as the sessions were, my favorite part is getting to see my school library friends from around the country and the never ending opportunity to make new friends.

The Beatles had it right when they wrote that we get by with a little help from our friends (although they were talking about drugs). Your colleagues, near and far, are one of your best resources when you are struggling with a problem, need to get information fast, or want to talk with someone who understands your commitment and challenges.  Especially if you are the only librarian in your school (or schools). The PLN (Professional or Personal Learning Network) you create and continue to grow is always there for you.

Kristin Hendrix has a similar view in her article, Why you need to stop networking and start building community.” Although she is speaking to the business world, there is much that applies to our education community. One of her points is to recognize that “We Have More Help Than We Realize” and recommends we should “Engage Well.”  Then, once you know what you need, “Be Intentional About the Ask.”

For “Engage Well,” Hendrix says it’s important to know the strengths of the different people in your PLN. You may have some who have expertise in AI. Others are working at the level to which you have recently reached. Which ones are great at creating displays using Canva or are always up on the latest tech tools? Hopefully, you have a store of those in you PLN who can reach out to with a question or problem you have.

To “Be Intentional About the Ask,” think carefully about what you really want to know. It’s so easy to give too much surrounding story. Instead, identify your purpose, why it’s important to you, and what you most hope to receive. This will keep the conversation focused and honor both of your time

Hendrix also provides five prompts to keep you on track when finding these professional friends. I’m listing her first four and adding one of my own:

CONNECT – This is how you grow your PLN. Identify the people most likely to provide the various types of help and advice you need or are likely to need. Conversely, be available to those who need your areas of expertise.

PEOPLE –  Who are the people you want to talk to? One way to identify them and their strengths is by belonging to social media platforms related to libraries. Comment on Substack posts, follow a chain on Reddit, or join a Facebook group or other social media directed to librarians. (The School Librarian’s Workshop Facebook group is, of course, my recommendation.) Read their posts and respond. Eventually some may become friends, not just colleagues.

ACTIVATE – Time for a plan. Who do you want to approach with your concern? Is the more than one person or are you asking the PLN as a group? Are there parts to your plan that require different members of your PLN. Think about who the right people would  be to approach and reach out. Email if you have that contact information, a DM if this is someone you don’t know well. Be professional and personable.

FEEDBACK – Ask a question that’s as clear and focused as possible so you get feedback you can use. Vague questions get vague responses, which can be frustrating both for you and the person you’re talking to. Prepare in advance (part of ACTIVATE) so that this time strengthens this professional relationship.

Hendrix’s fifth prompt is Negotiate, but for us, I would change that to GRATITUDE. Let those who helped you know how much you appreciate their support. Tell them what you learned, how you applied it and, if possible, what the results were.

And be ready to give back by supporting others. You never realize how much you’ve learned until someone comes to you because they see you as an expert in the field.

Remember redwood trees grow tall even though their roots are shallow. They survive the strong winds by entwining their roots with other redwoods. Our community of librarians lets us all grow and thrive. With a little help from your friends, you’ll continue to grow as a leader.