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Here are the responses to my target for what to include in a newsletter for new faculty members at my school. Thanks to all who replied. I've also included a list of what I hope to put in the new teachers' goodie bags at the end of this e-mail. You are welcome to adopt anything from this column. I've attached it and it is also available at <http://www.doug-johnson.com/dougwri/baby.html> http://www.doug-johnson.com/dougwri/baby.html I get a shot at the new teachers during their first few days on campus, when I meet with them in the library. That gives me an opportunity to welcome them in person, and stress that they can come anytime for planning or help finding matierials.In my "new teacher packet" I start with a general letter of welcome, inviting them to come with (or e-mail) any requests they have as they begin their classes and a promise to touch base with them individually in a few weeks. I attach a copy of the library's mission which stresses service to both students and faculty, basic procedures (av and book checkout, bringing classes, etc), notice of desire to collaborate, including a sheet that I use when collaborating, a copy of the Big6sheet that I use with the kids, a list of our databases with access info and URL for our catalog. I also include the "Are you information literate?" page from Joyce Valenza's Power Tools, as I like to familiarize folks with the term. Hope this helps. This is a great idea and I've tried it at my school as a new LMS. The teachers weren't as responsive as I thought they would be, but I'm just going to keep on keepin' on. Anyway, as a new teacher, I'd want to know the following things: Checkout requirement/limitations for teachers What do you have? - professional resources, vertical files, curriculum units, kits How can you help me? - scheduling for classes, etc; research when needed When can I come browse? Do you ILL? If you do, explain the procedure briefly School website information if you are the web-master Any time limitations - if I need something by Friday, can you do it Friday a.m. or do you need it Wednesday? Information on any reading programs & my role in them - such as AR/Reading Counts I always like to include a few tried & true websites that pertain to what is going on - like a back-to-school checklist site or good clipart sites are always appreciated. Also, any incentive programs you offer teachers, special trainings, etc. would be great to include. I hope this helps - and is received well! I just finished one today for all my staff. I kept it short, but included the number of books checked out the last 2 years so they could see the increase, told about the mini-computer lab the library will have and mentioned the name of the tech/computer teacher who helped make it happen, talked about our new reading corner (we had furniture donated last spring), and mentioned a student of ours that was quoted in TIME magazine this summer for the Harry Potter article. Also located in their packet is a sheet listing examples of library services and a photocopy of the staff pages from the yearbook. I crossed out those not returning and labeled as many as possible with their academic subjects and key people like computers, etc. Good luck! Here are some ideas: 1. How about the times for your orientation? I always have an open house/orientation for new teachers. Show them around. Teach them about your policies and procedures. Many of them have no idea what services and colloboration you can provide them. This is your chance to nip misconceptions in the bud and gather new partners. 2. List of recommended first week of school read-alouds. 3. List hours of operation. 4. Preview of the Year ahead: Special Programs, dates of special events (Banned Book Week, Teen Read Week, etc.) 5. List of Suggested books for Adult readers- Check Sunday papers for best selling books... 6. Links to relevant web pages- yours, the school's, district... 7. Upcoming Cable in the Classroom broadcasts 8. Hours of operation, email of staff, phone numbers 9. Be helpful: List other contacts they may need to know- Human Resources, Personnel, Payroll, etc, Library policies, hours, special sections, procedures for bringing classes to the library. I would include information that you will offer a crash course in how to use the OPAC -- that will help all your teachers so they can look for materials, too. Also, give them the hours, what is available, new items/books purchased, etc. Let them know about reading promotions you have scheduled. Tell them you are always open to working together -- and offer some examples of past projects done with teachers. Hold a Books and Bagels (don't know if you have a place there that sells them) and invite the whole staff to see all the new things we've bought. It allows new people to mingle with others. I plan to post the newsletter I create on my professional sharing web site at <http://dogw.tripod.com/port_libraria/index.htm> http://dogw.tripod.com/port_libraria/index.htm when it is done. Goodie Bag: Small candies, individual bags of microwave popcorn, a bookmark, and some novelties from Oriental Trading Company ( <http://www.orientaltrading.com/> http://www.orientaltrading.com). The novelties will probably include a metal belt clip compass key chain (for when they feel lost in their new school), something in a fish or starfish motif to remind them of my BookSplash promotion, a plastic mug with a smiley face for when they need a friendly face, and some resin dogs with bone welcome signs. And, of course, the newsletter. Deb Waugh Librarian/Instructional Technologist The Emmett G. Shufflebarger Library at Graham High School Bluefield, Virginia debwaugh@frontiernet.net =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-=- All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL 3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation. 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