[LM_NET] Serena--HIT:Guided Reading Libraries

[Serena Hayes <shayes@SYPTEC.COM>]

Thanks so much to everyone who commented on Guided Reading libraries and tracking 
them through the school library.  It was fun to hear from librarians all over the 
country who were facing similar challenges with respect to guided reading 
libraries.  I learned about possible pitfalls as well as had some personal concerns 
validated. 

I agreed to post responses and in checking LM-NET's Etiquette (at least ass I 
understand it) I am to summarize and compile answers.  If you have any questions or 
comments or would like more details, feel free to e-mail me. Thanks again everyone! 
 

Serena Hayes
Heber Valley Elementary
Heber, Utah 84032
shayes@syptec.com


When tracking a guided reading library through the main library system the greatest 
concerns had to do with cataloging and teacher check-out of materials.  

With respect to cataloguing it was suggested that each individual book in the bag 
be given a separate, individual barcode.  (Do not duplicate barcodes).  One reason 
for this was that someday the books would have to be re-catalogued on an individual 
basis. Equally, if a teacher wanted only 4 of the perhaps six books available he or 
she could take just what was needed and be accountable for those specific copies.  
Another suggestion was to avoid cataloguing a set of books by coding the bag.  If 
the bag is lost how will the books be found or identified.
Call numbers would, of course, reflect your personal needs; location in the 
library, level, author etc.

As to teacher check-outs the answers varied from the clothespin method, self-check 
out by the teachers or check-out through the automated library system.  Almost 
every answer indicated a level of frustration over lost books.  These were books 
which teachers either could not find or just helped themselves to without benefit 
of check-out.  

While a few guided reading labs were located in the library, most were adjacent to 
the library allowing both hallway and media center access during the day while 
keeping it separate from the main library collection.  This would certainly cut 
down on student access to materials which are unavailable for them to check out.  
Almost everyone mentioned that it was NOT a good idea to allow teachers 24/7 access 
to either library.  While a lucky one or two mentioned no problems with teacher's 
self checking out, the majority of responses suggested that a 24/7 access was  a 
very good way to have the books grow legs and walk away.  :}

Thanks to everyone who so graciously shared their experiences with me.   I truly 
appreciated it!
Have a super day! 
Serena

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