Okay, I'm now middle school, but I can tell you that after 19 years in the
elementary, I was only able to checkout on day 1 one time with a computer system.
The computers were never correct with student names. I would end up writing down
1/3 to 1/2 the students. That wasn't as big a problem as what came next....they all
wanted to return them and get new ones before I'd typed in all those handwritten
records. Sometimes I pity my assistants. They were all very sweet and willing to
let me "own that problem." We did it. The teachers loved it. The students loved it.
The parents loved it. The administration told me to wait next time because I kept
putting such pressure on them to get the records loaded.
I am passionate about being involved with the students from day one. Maybe that's
circulating, booktalking, teaching, or just morale-building. This year I was
visible in the hallways. I slipped in and out of classrooms to say "Hello." Since
we begin with only a half day with a break for brunch, the principals suggest our
students don't leave the classrooms the first day. Even with that, I saw 6 classes
come tour and I was able to give the inspirational speeches about it being THEIR
library plus share some of my quick picks. I also was called upon to help with
textbooks the last hour of that half day and met nearly all the 6th graders that
way. Then when they came to the library, I was able to connect names and faces
again. They feel we have a special bond.
We waited until the second day to check out, but don't tell my district
administration. They were having trouble getting records loaded from one school to
another so advised us to wait. I had seen the teachers' printouts of student
barcodes for textbooks and realized they'd work just fine for library checkout.
Yes, the students weren't listed as from my school, but I made sure they knew I was
willing to take the extra steps to go find their records at previous schools just
so they couild check out. It helped the faculty for every student to have a book to
read during Advisory period.
We have had several lessons and are planning more. In the midst of the chaos of
moving into that building, we still managed to circulate over 2,000 items in the
first two weeks for our middle school. This is great considering last year's total
was just under 7,000. Begin as you intend to continue? Is that the phrase? I began
this year letting everyone know they were welcome and EXPECTED to be active in the
library. Students responded and they feel more ownership.
Why wait? You can simply scale back so you don't see as many classes the first
week, but still let everyone know circulating books is important to you.
--
Diane R. Chen, Library Information Specialist
John F Kennedy Middle School
2087 Hobson Pike
Antioch, TN 37013
Personal Email: dianerchen@comcast.net
Blog: "Practically Paradise" at www.slj.com
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/practicallyparadise
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