A Year in the Library

1
A Year in the Library

• by L. Marie Carlson
• SHS Teacher-Librarian

2
Welcome
The idea for using the space in the library foyer
didn't hit me until May, although I had thought
about someway to spruce up this area.
3
A bit barren
At first I wasn't sure what exactly would fit.
Newly purchased reading motivational posters
filled some of the spaces, but it wasn't enough.
4
Adding more
Eventually, I found inspiration from other
librarians and what they do to get their
"message" across to students and staff.
5
Information Center
I've filled the spaces with lots of information
involving students, school and, of course, all
things library.
6
Backtracking to earlier this year...
In August, I entered the SHS Library for the
first time as its new librarian. I wanted to
spend time here, in this space, to try to
familiarize myself with the surroundings...and to
find inspiration for creating a student-oriented,
learning environment that brought kids in.
7
Organization frenzy
I started by reorganizing, updating the
cataloging and weeding the REFERENCE section. I
learned that the age of the collection ("the
books") was well over 30 years, and that many
sections carried a majority of books published
well over 40 years ago!
8
Not always better with age
Many books like this one, although having some
historical value to individuals, do not belong in
a growing, thriving, school library. Their
information is outdated, and in many cases,
inaccurate, their condition is mildewed or moldy,
and the context fails to "speak" to students.
9
Some just gotta go
It is best to removed such materials and replace
them with up-to-date ones. Librarian resources,
such as Sunlink and Wilson's guides, assist in
this "weeding" process.
10
A step at a time
The Dewey Generalities (000) contained very
outdated materials, particularly in relation to
computers, media, journalism and bibliographic
resources. Removing them left the shelves bare...
11
Little improvements, great results
but replacements were purchased to increase and
improve this small section. Just this section
cost nearly 2,000 to upgrade.
12
Removing the weeds...
Since October 2004, six major sections of the
library have been weeded, including the 300s
(Social Sciences), 500s (Mathematics and Natural
Science), 600s (Technology), 700s (The Arts) and
Fiction.
13
helps the garden grow
Although the shelves are emptier, the materials
are easier to access, and more importantly, have
greater currency and relevance.
14
Getting them "dressed"
Books purchased need varying degrees of
"processing" depending on whether the book
company offers such services and for how much.
The more that is left for the librarian, the
longer it takes to get books into circulation.
15
Bibliophile's dream
Many of the newest books purchased for the
library this year included Young Adult
literature, books geared for lower level and
reluctant readers, replacements for Dewey 000s
(Generalities), a dozen or so art books, and
plenty of genre fiction, as well as a few new
books in other Dewey sections.
16
Attracted by the smell of new books
Displaying new books prominently aided in
circulation. Fiction books were constantly
moving off this table, and after some
encouragement, much of the new non-fiction began
to attract attention.
17
Encouraging looking
Displaying books near the check-out area gets
students (and sometimes staff) to "browse".
18
The old and new
As old or older than some of the books, these
paperback racks were put to good use as feature
displays for new paperbacks.
19
Reader's Spotlight
Getting students and teachers to "show off" their
favorite books is sometimes tricky, but once
people started "appearing" in the spotlight,
others followed. Many of the books from the
spotlight have been added to the collection.
20
Reading is COOL
Thanks to Brianna Cummings, this "Read, Rock and
Roll" display attracted a number of students to
check out the books within, as did a later
display featuring genre fiction.
21
Library Advisory Board
This group of staff and students has made a
difference in the SHS Library. Among the board's
accomplishments is the design and plan to
reorganize the library space into a more student
and class friendly environment. If only we could
get some new comfy furniture...
22
"Caught Reading"
It's difficult to motivate students to read--but
with some comfy chairs and new books it can
become "cool" to be "caught" reading in the
library.
23
Believe it...
Teachers are also "caught reading" in the library.
24
or not
And sometimes they are asked to pose for a
picture--all in good fun.
25
Students making a difference
Anita Zelinsky was both a TA and a student
volunteer at the SHS Library this year. She
became as familiar with the cataloging system as
myself and save me numerous hours looking up
records for books.
26
The artistic touch
Without Bri Cummings the display cases, wall
displays, foyer displays and many of the other
visuals in the library would not have been
possible.
27
Student patrons
Running start students who needed a place to
study before on-campus classes were always
welcome. Many became regular users of the
library resources.
28
and readers
Other students, like Chelsea Wright, read
voraciously and were continuously asking for "the
next good book". It was often hard to keep up!
Many good discussions came from books we read in
common.
29
A place to hang out
Other students just liked being in the library.
Getting to know students like Misty has been one
of the best parts of being a librarian.
30
More than just books. . .
Students use the library for many activities such
as projects, research, discussions and
presentations. Group discussions as well as
collaboration on projects is not uncommon.
31
and computers
Regardless of the "top billing" access to
computers seems to receive, students also have
been known to use more "solid state"
technologies.
32
Library attracts teachers
From September through June there was a 60
increase in the number of classes that used the
library specifically for class activities. This
does not include drop-in classes, half classes
(or significant groups), students working with
EAs or WASL make up testing.
33
Comparatively speaking
Nearly 30 more students visited the library in
May than in October, from book check-out to
study, from surfing the web to research.
34
Bringing it all together
Each class and student brought its own unique
"piece" to the library--together an information
access and usage mosaic was formed.
35
Showing off
Teachers were encouraged to use wall spaces in
the library to showcase student work that was
accomplished in part in the library.
36
Attracting attention
Featured student projects often gained some
attention by staff and other students. It was a
successful use of space that will definitely be
repeated next year.
37
Graduation
The year has sped by without much pause. I've
become more familiar with my surroundings in the
SHS Library and am glad to call it my "home".
Now to "commence" with next year...