[LM_NET] HIT: Displays of student work (LONG)

[Joan Temple <mtemple8861@SBCGLOBAL.NET>]

Thanks to all who responded to my question concerning policies for the display of 
student work in the library.  As you will see, I received some excellent advice!
  
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  After 30 years of school libraries, I'm tired of people taking over my
space without permission. Usually it's one or two people who do it most
of the time. I set my own policy which states 1. These are the areas
for display: Top of "yellow" bookcase, bulletin boards as marked
2. Here's the calendar to sign up for using the space
3. Items may be displayed for 5 days
4. Please attach a copy of the assignment to the "currently on
display" poster.

I had one teacher who just went ahead and did his own thing. He found two
stacks of books (ones that I was waiting to repair) suddenly appeared in
the middle of his desk! When he came and questioned me about them, I just
told him, "Oh, I thought that since you were taking over my area, I'd take
over yours. You don't mind, do you?" He got the message.

Do make sure that your principal understands the frustrations and is
behind you -- mine is very supportive. Of course, after working with me
for 15 years, he just rolls his eyes when I do something kooky --
considers me a little wacky in problem solving, but knows it's effective.
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  In my previous place of employment, we would display only "final" and
"best" work (after following the writing process). It is up to the
discretion of the teachers, but we have had administrators walk through
buildings and pull work off walls that were incomplete or had errors.
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  I always try to include library materials in the
displays of student work. 

Maybe you could say something along the lines that
since this is becoming such a popular display area,
teachers will need to sign up for space - or will be
limited to a certain amount of space.
  
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  Is this your first year at the school? If it is then I would set the
policy for next year and let the faculty know the first day of school.
I would ask that each object have a card on it that has the student's
name, class, period, name of project and/or assignment. The items are
to be given to you so that you may put them where you would like to go.
Depending upon the display you may want to add books, etc. along with
the item. 

If this isn't your first year you may have a harder time getting the
teachers to follow the rules. Remind them that this is your classroom
and would they want you walking into their classroom to set up a display
without their knowledge. Also let them know that if the display isn't
"titled" with the information your want that the display will be
removed.
  
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  Student projects are on display in our library but only with my permission.
Teachers must also create a sign explaining the assignment/projects on
display.  I have found that teachers censor themselves and often only
display projects that merit display before the whole school.  I have not had
a problem with displays.
  
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  You might contact your local public library and ask them about their display 
policies.  Most institutions have policies to cover everything, and most public 
libraries invite patron displays of different types.  Their criteria might give you 
a jumping off point to create your own policy.
  
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  A simple policy stating that all work displayed in the library must be OKed
by the librarian. However, you could say you want to OK the material so you
can display books to go along with the project. This would give a reason
for talking to you before setting up displays. You could also require (ask)
that the displaying teacher also display a write up about the students'
work. Even a paragraph stating who did it, what they were studying, and how
this fits in. (Or create a form for them to fill in and you write the
paragraph.) Those that are not display worthy. Either have a reason why
they cannot be displayed or keep them a very short time. Telling people NO
is tough.
  
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  With the exception of the annual student art show, the only student work 
displayed in the library is what I put up from library activities.
 Btw, there are six sets of doors into our library.
  
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  There should be some communication with the librarian in charge of the
space. Encourage that necessary premise.
  
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  Joan Temple
Library Media Specialist
Grades 6-12
Shepaug Valley School
159 South Street
Washington, CT 06793

860-868-6232
templej@region-12.org

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