[LM_NET] School Librarians Obsolete

[Brenda Lemon <blemon@473MAIL.NET>]

I feel that I need to play a little devil's advocate with some of the issues that 
has been made between an assistants role and a school librarians role.  I agree 
that many tasks can be performed by one of my assistants.  However, I have found 
that every now and then, I will do some of those remedial tasks on purpose!  
Why....because it helps me with my job.  For example, checking out and shelving 
books is a great way to see what kids are reading.  If I notice that many kids seem 
to be checking out vampire books, I will make a display of vampire books and 
include some great literary or nonfiction titles they may not be away of.  If I 
notice that a lot of kids are checking out non-fiction disease books, I can ask 
them if it is for a classroom project.  If it is, I will then go to that teacher 
and ask about collaborative projects we can do together (I actually had this happen 
with a teacher in her first year at our school.  Now, her and I have a fully 
collaborative project we do together every year).    

I also do not agree that my assistants should be the ones ordering the books.  I 
feel that many of my qualities and teaching experiences have enabled me to pick 
quality materials that support the curriculum.  I can give a list of books to my 
assistant and have her check to see if we already have them.  I can also have my 
assistant fill out the purchase order or order online.  BUT, I am still the one who 
decides what books and materials are purchased and what is not.  That is why we 
have a collection policy.  If I sent over my collection to be analyzed, I am sure 
they could make suggestions but they do not know the school's curriculum and needs 
like I do.  Would this company know that the reason we have so many books over 
authors is because advance english students do a 15 page research paper every year?

Just a couple of points.....

Brenda Lemon
Chapman Library Director
Chapman Kansas
 

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