Task One
Use the following criteria to write a brief description (bullet points) of your library users’ needs.
characteristics of the school and community
cultural and ethnic groupings
attitudes to education, books and reading within the school community current use of the library by teachers and curriculum topics taught
reading needs of students
special needs of students
Task Two
Following the information given in the course on workplace organisation see if you can make any changes in your workplace to improve organisation.
If you access to a digital camera take photos of your workplace and save onto your computer. Then go to www.blogger.com and use your user name and password to sign in. You will see a page with ‘Dashboard’ in the heading. Click on the green cross next to the ‘Introduction to School Library management “link. Type whatever you would like to say in the box. You use the icons along the top to upload pictures. click on the picture icon on the top right of the posting box. You will be asked where you would like to upload the photo from – choose the drive on your computer where you store your digital photographs. Once you have located the photo, click on “upload image” then click on “done”. Finally, click on ‘Publish post’ to upload the posting onto the blog for other people to read.
If you do not have access to a camera then draw a plan of your workplace to bring back and share with your group.
Task Three
Following the example of the orientation exercise at the National Library your task is to create and orientation exercise for your library for students and /or teachers. Must include a map and some searching activities on your OPAC.
Bring a copy to Day Two.
Task Four
Education Gazette Article
Click on the line Education Gazette. We are looking for articles on excellent library pracitise in the 9 October 2006 Gazette. They are not all under one keyword so you will need 2 searches.
1. In the search box on the home page click on articles .
2. This will take you to the article search. Type in “Library excellence”
3. For the second part of the article type in “heart of learning”
4. There is a third part of the article about Whangarei Boys High School so secondary participants may like to look at this article as well. Keywords :” boys reading”
Click on the comments below and list at least two points the articles make about schools with good libraries or good librarian practise.
Task Five
Bring a book you have weeded or are debating about weeding to Day Two
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21 comments:
Hi Pauline
I will bring a library plan and our orientation activity. I am writing this comment to check I have have correctly opened a google account.
Sharda
Well done Sharda, you are the first person for 2008 to comment on the blog. Perhaps that means a chocolate fish should be presented?!
Hi Pauline
I have taken some photos of my school library and will attempt to "upload" on to the blog! (Never done this before!)
Cheers!
Rosie
Hi Pauline, Sorry about the delay but hopefully I shall be on track from now on. I haven't done a thing yet so it is back to square one. Do I answer all the questions on "Tasks to complete for Day 2" on here, or is that something that I do alone and keep for the next lecture?
I have taken the photos of the "before" work room (Eeeeeekkkk didn't know it looked so awful!) and am in the process of cleaning it up so that I can take the second stage and see an improvement!
I have just read the task 4 articles on excellent library practices Ed. Gazette. They were so inspiring.
The getting boys to read section was encouraging. Graphic Novels have caught the imagination of quite a few of our boys, I would like to build that part of the library up. We also have non-reading boys who are crazy about sports. We are looking into a good sports magazine (any ideas?) and find that they read the non-fiction biographies on sports stars.
Although I read a lot of kids books, I hadn't thought to systematically read all the books on offer. It makes great sense and is now a no 1 goal for me.
Found the first article of library excellence so good that I tagged it to favorites, but don't know how to refer to it as I type here!!! Need to hone my tech skills!
Well done Susan joining the blog. Post your comments here and planning to spend money on Graphic Novels for a boys library will be worth every dollar you can get from your budget.
Like Susan, I had also been reading books, but randomly as the mood took me! I too will be reading systematically from now on. I have also started to buy graphic novels. I have a weekly spot at school assembly where I share a little something from a new book. This has had a great response from students. I also 'mentioned' that i would create a BOYZONE and have been approached by many students as to when. Including some irate girls wanting their own space too! It was great to see that i was having a positive effect on students reading and use of the new Library.
Very happy to see people being so proactive. Graphic novels are a real hook to get boys reading and there a lots of titles that appeal to girls as well.
Love the idea of a Boy and Girl Zone! Sugar and spice vs slugs 'n snails and puppy dogs tails!!!
They are going to love it!!
Hi Pauline
Finally had a moments space to get blog friendly, soooooo exciting. Just wanted to say thank you for all your wonderful knowledge, experience and encouragement. The KI library is really starting to take shape and we went on another book buying trip on Tuesday so it is like Christmas in the office. Miss seeing your gorgeous self out west but all your suggestions are being put to the test and working out well.
Hi, I agree with the Seatoun School regarding teacher resources in the library. I have recently integrated some social studies and science book resources into the library collection. There are 2 main benefits; the first is access, the library database searching is easy to use and familiar. the second is budget, the main reason that I started this integration is that I had doubled up on some books that we already had multiple copies of in the resource room. The next stage will be encouraging teachers to search the OPAC for resources. I have atttached the curriculum area as a key word to help them in their search.
The Library Excellence article highlighted for us how a committed librarian, who is both enthusiastic and knowleable, is crucial for inspiring children to read.
The heart of learning article has inspired us to ask our BOT for funds to visit Seatoun school! The library is also critical to our school's vision and having a fulltime librarian is abolutely essential.
-Sherryl & Brigid
I enjoyed reading the articles - they have got me thinking about how I can make some improvements to keep students inspired with reading and motivated to use the library regularly.
A librarian's passion for books is vital, as demonstrated by Gerri Judkins, Southwell Sch. Reading all her new fiction books as well as introducing a range of activities in the library to attract the more reluctant readers is an inspiration.
Targeting reluctant readers by developing a varied collection of graphic novels makes the library far more attractive to boys.
A good library is a place where all students should feel they want to spend time. A good selection of graphic novels really contributes to that.
I guess it's not surprising that having a full-time librarian is going to make a huge difference to running a good school library, along with the support of its Principal.
I job-share in my school library and find it a challenge keeping 'up to speed' with everything going on each week!
Hi, I have just read the first article, 'Library Excellence Rewarded'. As SLANZA president, Johnann Williams says in the article, many principals have acknowledged the importance of the school library and school-wide information literacy development. Information literacy is becoming more important and I believe teacher-support(PD) is essential to guide students to become information literate. This year, all the teaching staff and librarians at my school are taking 'infolink' paper. This have encouraged our staff members and students to use the school library more effectively (i.e. Many teachers have taught their students about our library, many different ways to find books, dewey decimal system and so on.) Although this infolink paper is a bit stressful at times because it is something new that we have not tried before, it is good to see students using the library effectively and more actively.
Library Procedures: Donna at Glendene School
At the moment, I am training up librarians by working through some basic library responsibilities, such as tidying and ordering books on shelves, keeping things orderly and tidy, sorting out books for mending, reading to younger students and the general upkeep of library rules, such as no eating in the library.
Another area I am working on is the re-arrangement of classroom students and allocating bar codes to new students accordingly. I have added a class list to our issue folder, and I am checking off the names in each room. I also have new staff to arrange bar codes for as well. I am finding this a bit frustrating as I am struggling to remove or delete old names from the scanner, and reallocate the barcodes to new students. I did manage to do this earlier, but now can’t seem to repeat the procedure. L
Although this may not sound a large job, I guess I thought it was one that automatically got done (maybe by the library fairy) so I have had to learn how to delete names, add new ones and re-allocate issue codes. In fact, I am quite excited at being able to do this!!! It is taking a while, but I am enthused about it.
I am changing the displays in the library, and recently put up one featuring some of our students in the school pool having a great time! The children really enjoy seeing their peers in photographs.
I have also had some simple quizzes going, as fun and an incentive to get students using the library. This included the introduction of a new children’s magazine called Kidz Mag, which is a New Zealand publication. It is an amazing magazine, and I certainly prefer it to the Kidzone and Hot Wheels ones as it highly features New Zealand interests, but in a really appealing way for our children.
One of the other procedures which I have attempted is …. The BLOG!! How come something so simple, can be so hard!!! I have tried repeatedly, got a google account (followed the instructions for this) . and then wrote on the BLOG! Unfortunately, my partner was able to point out that I was sending the BLOG … get this…- MYSELF! And when I did put in the correct recipient, the note came up saying I could not do this on that account! Something to do with “cookies”, but I fail to see how I have to change or alter all the computer settings to et onto the BLOG!! Oh well, will keep on trying I suppose!
We are a small school of currently 144 students, however, there is a need to cater for the many diversities which I suppose are evident in all schools, sometimes however, it seems that there are so many needs pooled into our one small school. We have many special needs students and to many, the library is a haven for learning and a safe area to play in as well. I have provided a spot which has building blocks and lego type activities to cater for these students. We recently had a computer installed with access to the internet. The older students including the librarians are role modeling to the younger students how to use the computer effectively for research, and there is also a range of CD’s available for use at the lunch break.
There are many Pacifica students at our school, so there is an emphasis on displays that reflect this. We recently had a visit from staff at Robert Louis Stevenson School, and there is a display in the library featuring this. There is also often Pasifica books on display.
I really liked the photographs from one of the schools that featured an outdoor Summer reading area which is something that our principal is working towards.
Library Procedures: Donna at Glendene School
At the moment, I am training up librarians by working through some basic library responsibilities, such as tidying and ordering books on shelves, keeping things orderly and tidy, sorting out books for mending, reading to younger students and the general upkeep of library rules, such as no eating in the library.
Another area I am working on is the re-arrangement of classroom students and allocating bar codes to new students accordingly. I have added a class list to our issue folder, and I am checking off the names in each room. I also have new staff to arrange bar codes for as well. I am finding this a bit frustrating as I am struggling to remove or delete old names from the scanner, and reallocate the barcodes to new students. I did manage to do this earlier, but now can’t seem to repeat the procedure. L
Although this may not sound a large job, I guess I thought it was one that automatically got done (maybe by the library fairy) so I have had to learn how to delete names, add new ones and re-allocate issue codes. In fact, I am quite excited at being able to do this!!! It is taking a while, but I am enthused about it.
I am changing the displays in the library, and recently put up one featuring some of our students in the school pool having a great time! The children really enjoy seeing their peers in photographs.
I have also had some simple quizzes going, as fun and an incentive to get students using the library. This included the introduction of a new children’s magazine called Kidz Mag, which is a New Zealand publication. It is an amazing magazine, and I certainly prefer it to the Kidzone and Hot Wheels ones as it highly features New Zealand interests, but in a really appealing way for our children.
One of the other procedures which I have attempted is …. The BLOG!! How come something so simple, can be so hard!!! I have tried repeatedly, got a google account (followed the instructions for this) . and then wrote on the BLOG! Unfortunately, my partner was able to point out that I was sending the BLOG … get this…- MYSELF! And when I did put in the correct recipient, the note came up saying I could not do this on that account! Something to do with “cookies”, but I fail to see how I have to change or alter all the computer settings to et onto the BLOG!! Oh well, will keep on trying I suppose!
We are a small school of currently 144 students, however, there is a need to cater for the many diversities which I suppose are evident in all schools, sometimes however, it seems that there are so many needs pooled into our one small school. We have many special needs students and to many, the library is a haven for learning and a safe area to play in as well. I have provided a spot which has building blocks and lego type activities to cater for these students. We recently had a computer installed with access to the internet. The older students including the librarians are role modeling to the younger students how to use the computer effectively for research, and there is also a range of CD’s available for use at the lunch break.
There are many Pacifica students at our school, so there is an emphasis on displays that reflect this. We recently had a visit from staff at Robert Louis Stevenson School, and there is a display in the library featuring this. There is also often Pasifica books on display.
I really liked the photographs from one of the schools that featured an outdoor Summer reading area which is something that our principal is working towards.
Hiya
We have just finished reading the articles again and gotten around to posting. There were so many great ideas but the two things that stood out the most to us were the passion that the library staff had and the time factor. The more hours that the librarian has the better and more effectively the library runs. We will definitely be putting our hands up for more hours. Our library has 25 hours a week and the librarian also oversees the Resource Room so there is not alot of time really. We are fortunate to have a newish library, it opened mid year 2007. The students were keen to get in during their class time and even in break times too. They are even reading!! We did have a "Books for boys" display area but that has our Duffy books on it at the moment. We are currently trying to get in as many Graphic novels as the budget will allow and have subscribed to a UPstart magazine. With the help of Fiona from the National Library we will be putting in an ASB grant for new shelving, computers and books. There are some great comments posted on here and we will be borrowing a few ideas so thanks heaps.
Leanne and Liz
What great articles to read and so many inspiring ideas.
What a asset these librarians are to their schools. I especially found the way Gerri at Southwell School uses so many different initiatives to get as many children interested in reading as possible, especially important for those boys who need lots of encouragement to keep on reading.
I was impressed how she reads all the new fiction books that come into the library. Also, with such diverse cultures it is wonderful that everyone is catered for in the library.
After reading the "heart of learning" article, having a full-time librarian and the support from the principal has certainly made Seatoun School's library the heart of the school and it's learning. This has inspired me to ask for more hours. Librarians have so much to offer to their school !
Hi Everyone.
Here are my comments on the three articles.
I would like to start by summarising the 3 articles, I found all 3 to be interesting, inspirational and most of all common sense. I was particularly interested in the article ‘The Heart of Learning’ this article offered many answers to the problems and challenges I face daily in my roll at Avondale College Library. Although facing different problems and challenges I could quickly see the sense and practicality of the solutions offered in the article and their application in our situation.
I also liked the article ‘Library Excellence Rewarded’. Paramount to the success of any School Library is having a committed Principle and staff, who both support and promote the library and its activities as an integrated part of the school life. The SLANZA Principles Award serves to encourage this participation and utilisation through recognition, and promotion of competitiveness.
The ability to open of the library at lunchtimes and after school supported by a dedicated, enthused person who provides variety, interest and support through the running of quizzes, surveys and interactive activities, all of which we provide at Avondale College has helped to raise the positive profile of the Library and encourage student utilisation.
The article ‘Switching Boys on to Reading’ highlighting the initiatives of Dee Brooker was very encouraging. Avondale College’s Library Manager continues to focus on enlarging our graphic novel section, designed to encourage boys’ participation in reading. Graphic novels have been selected with both a focus and an appeal to all students for example for boys ‘Ghost Rider’, ‘Spiderman’, ‘Ironman’ and classics like ‘Tom Sawyer’. Key to the success of this initiative has been the availability of these items for loan and not just reference.
Avondale College has recently reorganised its magazine and news section, with the aim of increasing and encouraging non readers. The Library Manager has expanded our portfolio by offering a varied subscription, featuring such topical magazines as ‘Girlfriend’ ‘Crème’ and New Zealand Autocar’. The basis of this initiative is the introduction of topical reading matter as an incentive to expose non readers to both Library facilities and light weight reading.
Being new to a school library I have not read many children’s books, so I will take a tip from the article ‘Switching Boys on to Reading’ by compiling a personal reading list, designed to enable me to “recommend a good book”.
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