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FUTURE READY FRAMEWORK:

2016 NATIONAL SCHOOL LIBRARY

PROGRAM OF THE YEAR AWARD:
“By nature, I’m not MARGE COX | VETERANS MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
very competitive, NAPLES, FLORIDA
but I am passionate
about what I do.
I always want to Future-Ready Librarian Framework
do my best and
make a difference Curriculum and Technology Integration
in the lives of those Creating the school library of today (and tomorrow) is a tall order. To fulfill the
people with whom I demands of the future, today’s library requires constant evaluation, checks
interact. This award and balances, training and professional development and the moxie to run a
recognizes quality creative, inspiring program that draws students in and makes them want to
be a part of everything in the library. Today’s library is a vibrant hub of activity
in a library program,
that affects curriculum, usefully integrates technology and prepares students
and I strive for for a complex, globally connected future.
quality in what I do.”
– MARGE COX One library program, and one key librarian, provided the leadership and vision
Librarian, required to receive recognition from the American Association of School
Veterans Memorial Librarians (AASL).
Elementary School
Marge Cox, a seasoned school
librarian at Veterans Memorial
Elementary School in Naples,
Florida, just received validation for
the hard work and dedication it
takes to operate a library program
that serves as a model of 21st-
century learning. Cox and her
library earned the 2016 National
School Library Program of the
Year (NSLPY) Award from the
AASL, a division of the American
Library Association (ALA).
Sponsored by Follett, the NSLPY
Award annually recognizes a
school library program that meets
the needs of the changing school
and library environment and is
fully integrated into the school’s
curriculum. The recipient receives
an obelisk – the symbol of school
library excellence – and a $10,000
reward for use toward their school
library program. To Britten Follett,
Vice President of Marketing for
Follett, who presented the obelisk
to Cox at the ALA Conference in
Orlando in June, it was no surprise
to learn Cox and her program
were chosen as the winner.
“Marge and her library have
always been a source of
inspiration for us, as we’ve known
and watched her library develop
Learn more: follettlearning.com | 877.899.8550 | If outside the US, contact us at international@follett.com
into the remarkable learning center as the winner.”
it is today,” said Follett. “Marge’s
“Follett’s commitment to
colleagues and students are
school libraries is historic,”
incredibly fortunate to have her
Cox explained. “I have always
visionary expertise driving a library
appreciated how they don’t just
program that serves as a model
sell products and services, but
for all others.”
they are committed to quality.
Cox is quick to point out the Since this award focuses on
hard work that led to winning quality, I feel like this further
the NSLPY award was not hers illustrates Follett’s commitment to
alone. Running a program such school libraries. It just makes me
as the one at Veteran’s Memorial admire Follett that much more.”
Elementary, where innovative
WHAT MAKES A WINNING
programs and technology tools
PROGRAM? COLLABORATION,
are integrated across content
CREATIVITY AND INTEGRATION
areas, requires a team that is
Veterans Memorial Elementary
beyond dedicated. “These things
School opened in 2007 and serves
don’t happen without a full-time
840 students in pre-kindergarten
trained professional supported
through fifth grade. Soon after
by assistants, volunteers and the
opening, the school adopted the
community,” Cox said. “I’m truly
“Leader in Me” philosophy, which
supported in everything I do.”
teaches 21st-century leadership
Winning the award, she explained, and life skills, and creates a
is “in a word – unbelievable! I still culture of student empowerment
feel like I should pinch myself to based on the idea that every child
be sure I’m not dreaming.” Cox can be a leader.
appreciates how the recipient
In addition to the overarching
of the award is determined
“Leader in Me” atmosphere,
by experienced Library Media
Cox shared how her library is
Specialists. “I very much
the center of the kind of learning
appreciate Follett’s financial
that excites kids, encourages
commitment in sponsoring the
collaboration between each other
award, and I also treasure AASL’s
and with other teachers and lets
decision-making in selecting us
them discover, analyze and create
2
while learning according to standards. Student participation occurs through the student-run TV studio, the
Makerspace lab and direct instruction. Fourth and fifth graders apply for jobs at the beginning of the school
year and work on developing their personal leadership skills through positions such as TV crew, library
leaders, student mentors and ambassadors. The broadcast is delivered each school day with a green wall
that functions as a green screen.

“The library at Veterans Memorial Elementary School is truly the heart of learning and discovery for the
school,” said Barbara Stripling, NSLPY committee chair. “From producing the early morning news show to
investigating gravity by creating marble runs in the library Makerspace to exploring science, literature and
social studies topics, students at VME are engaged and excited to be learners in the library. Marge has stirred
the passion and commitment of parents, teachers and members of the community to make the library a
special place for each child.”

Cox also works closely with classroom teachers in a collaborative environment geared toward delivering
the best education to the school’s students. “VME opened with a philosophy of collaboration, and it has
always been a part of our culture,” Cox said. “I work with our staff to provide instruction in a variety of ways.
We believe 21st-century students need to develop a variety of skills and that can be best accomplished by
collaborative, interactive and relevant experiences.”

Additionally, Cox’s program illustrates curriculum integration that drives deeper learning. “We provide lesson
plan outlines and student work that demonstrates AASL Standards for the 21st-Century Learner as well as
technology integration,” Cox said. “These lesson plans demonstrate recognition that the length of the learning
experience is dependent on learning needs rather than a fixed library time. Each of my lesson plans starts
with educator discussion and CCPS curriculum guides, many of which include assessment scales. Then we
decide which AASL and ISTE standards best apply to the instruction. We create a timetable and mark our
calendars. If adjustments need to be made when we provide the instruction, we make them.”

“AASL is proud to recognize school librarian Marge Cox and Veterans Memorial Elementary
School as the 2016 recipient of prestigious National School Library Program of the Year
Award. As the nation’s most distinguished school library award of excellence, Veterans
Memorial Elementary’s community can take great pride in their outstanding school library
program. Through Mrs. Cox’s leadership and guidance, the library exemplifies an effective
school library through enthusiastic engagement and support of the literacy, curricular and
emotional needs of the learners, staff and community.”
– LESLIE PREDDY, AASL President–

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Cox said school librarians are
a crucial component of the
educational experience. She
also stressed how important it
is for school librarians to know
the school district’s curriculum
standards – just as it is for
teachers. “Both the librarians
and the teachers are part of an
educational kaleidoscope. We
each bring pieces to it that are
helpful to our students,” she said.
“With the two of us together, we
bring more to our students than
if either one of us worked alone.
That is the power of collaboration.”
WHAT THE NSLPY AWARD
MEANS TO THIS LONG-TIME
FOLLETT CUSTOMER
Cox has worked with Follett for
many years, initially becoming
introduced to Follett Destiny®
when it was first released and
enjoying the way the program
has grown along with her library
program. “I appreciate the ease
of use and the professional
information it gives me. It allows
our students to check themselves
out when there isn’t someone at
the circulation desk. In this data-
driven society, the reports provide
an important look at data. And I curriculum integration decisions.
love Titlewave® – it really helps Their collection development
me in collection development, includes venues that wouldn’t
because of the multiple full-text have been available years ago.
reviews.” The expectation to be available
beyond the school walls makes
Once the surprise of being named
a difference in how we operate.
the top winner recedes, Cox plans
We’re essential to student
to use the award money in a
success, and administrators who
variety of ways. “Research shows
see that are the ones who are
readers enhance their abilities
shaping the next generation’s
when they see and hear the text
future.”
at the same time, so we plan to
increase our book and matching
Playaway collection,” she said.
“We also know from research that
“This award is well
students are more engaged when
deserved, and we couldn’t
they are doing and not just being a
be any prouder to be the
passive recipient of information. To
sponsor – especially this
address that need, we will increase
year, with our long-time
materials in our Makerspace lab.”
friend and customer as
More importantly, however, Cox the recipient.”
is happy to help promote the
– BRITTEN FOLLETT
expertise and necessity of school Vice President, Marketing
Follett School Solutions
libraries in general, beyond her
own program. “Winning this award
allows me a platform to share
how school libraries look very
different in the 21st century,” Cox
said. “School librarians teach on
a daily basis as they collaborate
with classroom teachers and make
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If outside the US, contact us at international@follett.com
© 2016 Follett School Solutions, Inc. 11643 9/16