use-less library

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Home : 2002 : September : 5

use-less library
By Peggy

A lot of what the librarian does depends on each individual situation. In Texas, the librarian is considered as much a teacher as any other, and is involved in planning curriculum and promoting learning, especially in the
library, in every way. The library I work in is one huge library centrally located, and we serve grades K thru 12 -- Yes, that's Kindergarten thru 12th grade -- in a school that has just over 800 students. Our elementary students come in once a week as a class. We have them for 30 minutes at a time during which we do orientation at the beginning of school such as library procedures, and

later begin to teach about things like the Dewey system, what a spine lable is, the difference between fiction and non-fiction, etc. In middle school we try to schedule at least one class per semester to teach specific library skills such as research methods using books, perodicals, the internet, etc. We do all this in addition to ordering books and supplies, processing and cataloging, general house keeping, and anything else that needs doing. As the aide, I take care of many of the daily chores while the librarian and I both read and teach the students. We also have an open library policy and have students from all grade levels dropping in the library at any given time. It is a rather unique situation.

If your librarian isn't allowing you a designated time to check out books then you definately need to check with the principal about this. At the very least, if the librarian can't be there because she divides time between libraries in different buildings, an aide could check out books to students who would come with their teacher at a scheduled time.Perhaps you and other teacher who work at your school should request that an aide be hired to help.

At any rate, the library in any school is a valuable tool to be used in educating our children in a wide variety of ways. Good luck with your situation. I hope things get better for you!