"You folks have a boatload to handle." Having survived one of two media center moves our district is making this year (this is my third experience with moving a media center), it's time to share a few thoughts about what worked and what didn't.

Preparing for the move and actually moving require you to assume the role of moving manager while you are still managing a media program. It's a time to apply the superb organizational, managerial, and communications skills that media specialists have and to answer the following questions:

* What are the timelines for each step? When should I start? What can be done now, what can be done soon, and what must wait till the very end?

* Who can help me? What skills do they need?

* What is absolutely essential to have in place when I open the doors to the new media center? What parts of the collection can be packed early? What must remain until the very end?

* Should the old media center remain open while we pack? Should the new media center open while we are moving in?

* Who's in charge? Who needs to know what? Who can answer my questions? Who will I answer to?

Preliminary Steps and Planning

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