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LATENT LIBRARIANS RESPONSE Like it or not, we are the future Library Legends of tomorrow. Our actions and attitudes contribute towards the perception of our profession. We even influence the careers of the latent librarian, our student helpers. I posted a survey earlier to obtain a list of duties and activities student helpers perform and are involved in. It is my hope to present ideas that are working for others so that we might be able to evaluate our "things to do list" and alter what we do in order to lighten our load in hope to become a more effective educator and productive professional. The results of the survey are as follows: l. DO YOUR STUDENT HELPERS RECEIVE GRADES? The responses were close to even. Those that did not give grades were in the majority, however. One school gave outstanding, satisfactory, and unsatisfactory. Several use regular and special ed students as library helpers. One school as 20+ helpers throughout a 7 period day. No, they come from study hall. 2. IF SO, HOW MANY CREDITS TO THEY EARN IN A YEAR? The range was from .5 a credit per semester. However, some schools require service hours and projects. Working in the library fulfills this requirement. One school requires 3 hours weekly of work service to graduate and 80 hours of community service. 3. WHAT DUTIES DO YOUR LIBRARY HELPERS PERFORM? Appear every day. Attendance is an important issue. Assist students/staff with computers Check in/out Xerox Locate resources Get mail Answer phone Straighten tables, chairs, windows Clean tables Occasionally dust Straighten books Vacuum rug Help with processing Help with weeding Help with shelving Suggest ideas for displays and programs Help discuss and plan ideas for grants and special programs Help design library flyers, bookmarks, and brochures Programming Labeling Bar coding Library and archives and home page development Develop multi media and HyperCard programs Research assistance to others Database maintenance Install CD-ROM programs Write, edit, and produce the library newsletter Process new books Have a section of books for which they are responsible for Fax requests File magazines Helping people use scanner Helping people use QuickTake Help with Internet Run Errands Duplicate materials for teachers Deliver AV equipment Message Taking Read at least book each 6 weeks and report it in the paper Make change for copier Read and report on a book Collect fines Refile and discharge microfiche ' Assistants do not pay library fines Don't pay for computer copies Students are trained l:l, small groups, and returning students train new students. 4. WHAT SPECIAL PROJECT DID YOU INVOLVE DO YOUR LIBRARY HELPERS IN THIS YEAR? AmeriCorps volunteer trained student helpers on multi media computers prior to putting computers into the library Developed the Integrated Science CD-ROM - to develop a ROM to share statewide of multi media materials Developed the Real Science CD-ROM which was a totally student project. The archives Home Page and access is totally student initiative Help public library to move into a new building Create a video that shows the library procedures. Where to enter the library, exit, return books Send to GS to read to little ones Book report article goes in newspaper. Gives recondition, name in print Provide self-esteem by being special enough to work in library Attend parties (2) a year Receive certificate Read and review Rebecca Caudill books 5. DO YOU HAVE A LIBRARY CLUB? IF SO, WHAT WAS A FAVORITE ACTIVITY? End of the year field trip to a book store,etc and eat. 6. WHAT HAS BEEN A GOOD MONEY MAKER FOR YOU IN THE PAST? Sells computer disks for keyboard classes Coin operated photocopier Selling suckers Video tape graduation and sell afterward to parents Concession stand sales (parent sold as she had to be there with son anyway) Sell computer discs (computer lab is part of the library) 7. WHAT PERKS, POSITIVE REINFORCEMENTS, OR REWARDS DO YOU OFFER YOUR STUDENT ASSISTANTS? Receive grades They can do homework when they need to Use of library resources during school time Read magazines first Receive snacks Receive small items (pencil, etc., on holidays) Treats on Friday Have food in the workroom any time of the day Receive positive reinforcement and a link to the future Linda Reed Springfield High School 101 S. Lewis Springfield, IL 62704 217-525-3120