New Layout

During the Christmas break, shelves that were placed as a wall were moved to a different location. It really opened up the space. The picture shows an after shot. Now you are able to see the beautiful fireplace. It is a work in progress, but I am glad that I asked to move these shelves. The "Reference" sign still hangs where the shelves were located.

Books on Hold

Before Thanksgiving break, I showed my 3rd - 5th graders how to put a book on hold. There were certain rules they needed to follow in order to do this. I expected upon returning from a whole week off that I would need to review the steps. I was surprised to notice that 4 students had placed a book on hold, 3 of them successfully. When I called the students to come to the library to pick up their books, some of them were so excited that they half ran to me. Now, these 3 are my experts in these classes and I intend on finding at least one expert in each class.


*Putting a book on hold means that the student who places the hold will receive the book next when it is checked in. A pop-up message comes up if another student tries to check it out.

Book Ordering

I have a library committee that consists of one representative from each grade level and a volunteer parent. Anyone can join us at committee meetings, if time permits. Because this is my first year as a librarian, I am apprehensive about my first order. I have been getting to know the collection and what students' reading choices are these first few months. So I do have some idea of what books to order, but I would like some input. I sent out an email to my library committee members to talk to their grade level and create some suggestions. I asked for titles, topics, reading levels, and/ or genres that they would like to see in the library. I also asked that teachers ask their students if they have any requests. Hopefully I will receive responses from all grade levels by next Friday.

Mobile Librarian

The mobile librarian cart was out and about this past week again. This time I visited with 1st and 2nd graders. I have placed a purchase order for a new cart (to make less noise) and a shelf that is placed on top of it (for my computer). This way I don't have to borrow teacher's media carts. I also had to place an order for a new scanner, mine broke. Luckily, I was able to borrow one.

The most difficult part of being mobile is the lack of choice students have. But, since the 3rd - 5th graders were taking a practice test, it enabled the lower grades to check out new books without walking down the hallways.

RIF

Had my first RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) distribution on Friday. I had two guests come in and speak to the 1st - 3rd graders about Native American Month. They were from the Lipan Apache tribe of Texas.

I didn't realize how much had to go in to the distribution. My aide and I had to make certain that there was plenty to choose from for each class. The 1st - 3rd graders were the most difficult because we had several classes at one time in order to accommodate the speakers. The 4th - 5th graders were easier, but we still had to be quick. They came in every 15 minutes.

There are several things I learned from this experience.
1. Don't forget to confirm speakers.
2. Separating books ahead of time makes no sense.
3. Contact central office personnel to post in newsletter.
4. Provide music to tv studio for powerpoint presentation.
5. Wear comfortable shoes.
6. Inform office staff with plenty of time to provide gift.

Book Fair

I held my first book fair last week. I had to set the entire thing up by myself because my aide was out. I should have made arrangements to call someone for help. But, I didn't think it was going to be so very labor intensive. It took me a couple of days to recuperate. Next time, I will know better.

The fair itself went well. I need to figure out our profit to see how well.

During the fair, my aide returned....thank goodness. Because of this, I was able to introduce my Mobile Librarian Cart. Since the library was closed all week, students were unable to check out books. They could check them in, but we weren't able to shelve them. I took these books to classrooms, at prearranged times, with my laptop and scanner. Students and teachers loved the idea. Now, I need to shop for a better cart. Mine made too much noise and didn't have enough room.

I have started my new position as an Elementary School Librarian. I am still unsure what to call myself. I know that I am still a teacher, so Teacher Librarian is appropriate. We have a computer lab teacher on campus, so Media Specialist sounds too much like her position. I will decide when the school year is over.

We use the Destiny catalog system in our district. So far, I have printed library cards, added new students, and cataloged books. I am a little overwhelmed right now, but I still love it. After 16 years in the classroom, it is time for change.