Day 3: Check Every Piece of Technology Before Students Arrive
Few things can derail an exciting first library lesson faster than technology that refuses to cooperate.
- The barcode scanner suddenly won’t scan.
- The printer insists it’s offline.
- The projector won’t connect.
- The speakers are mysteriously silent.
- The circulation system needs an update.
- Most librarians have lived through one (or all!) of these moments.
While we can’t prevent every technology hiccup, we can eliminate many of the most common problems before students ever walk through the door.
Today’s Quick Win is all about giving yourself one less thing to worry about when school begins.
Why It Matters
Technology has become an essential part of today’s school library.
Whether you’re checking out books, teaching research skills, presenting a read-aloud, leading a makerspace activity, or helping students locate resources, your technology plays a supporting role in almost everything you do.
When everything is working, it’s easy to take it for granted.
When something isn’t working, it can quickly become the center of attention.
A simple technology check now can prevent interruptions later and help you begin the school year feeling calm and prepared. Think of it as a gift to your future self.
Your 20-Minute Challenge
Set aside a few minutes to test every piece of technology you expect to use during the first week of school. Don’t just assume it’s working because it worked in May. Summer updates, power outages, equipment moves, and software changes can all create unexpected surprises.
Here’s a simple checklist to guide you.
Circulation System
- Can you log in successfully?
- Does the system load quickly?
- Can you check out and check in a test item?
- Are patron records accessible?
Barcode Scanners
- Scan several books.
- Does each scanner respond immediately?
- Replace batteries if needed.
- Clean the scanner window if necessary.
Printers
- Print a test page.
- Check paper levels.
- Replace low ink or toner if possible.
- Make sure the printer is connected to the network.
Projector or Interactive Display
- Connect your computer.
- Test both video and sound.
- Make sure the remote has working batteries.
- Confirm the image is properly aligned.
Speakers
- Play a short video or music clip.
- Adjust the volume.
- Check for loose cables or Bluetooth connections.
Charging Stations
- Plug in several student devices.
- Verify that charging cables are working.
- Remove broken or frayed cords.
- Organize cords to reduce tangles.
Student Computers or Devices
- Turn on several devices.
- Log in using a student account if possible.
- Open a web browser.
- Visit a website you plan to use during your first lesson.
- Check headphones if your students will need them.
As you test each item, keep a notepad nearby. If something isn’t working, write it down and report it to your technology department right away. The sooner they know about a problem, the more likely it can be fixed before students arrive.
Try This Today
Choose one technology task you’ve been putting off and tackle it today.
Maybe you’ll:
- Replace batteries in remotes or scanners.
- Label charging cords.
- Update passwords you’ve forgotten.
- Restart equipment that hasn’t been used all summer.
- Organize cables with simple twist ties or Velcro straps.
- Create a small folder of frequently used websites for easy access.
You don’t have to solve every technology issue today. You just want to discover them while you still have time.
Bonus Tip
Keep a small “technology emergency kit” in your desk.
You might include:
- Extra batteries
- Charging cables
- USB flash drive
- HDMI adapter
- Extension cord
- Power strip
- Velcro cable ties
- Microfiber cloth for cleaning screens
Having these supplies within reach can save valuable time when an unexpected problem pops up.
Technology has an uncanny ability to misbehave at the least convenient moment. Even with careful preparation, something may still refuse to cooperate during the first week of school. And that’s okay.
Students are usually far more understanding than we expect, especially when we respond with patience and flexibility. Your calm attitude teaches them just as much as your lesson does.
By taking a few minutes today to test your equipment, you’ve already reduced the chances of unnecessary stress. That’s time and energy you’ll be able to spend where it really matters—connecting with students and sharing great books.
Reflection Question
If one piece of technology stopped working during your very first class this year, which one would have the biggest impact?
Could you make a simple backup plan today, just in case?
For more in the August in the Library series, click here.
For more Library Administration posts, click here.
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