Re: [LM_NET] 6-8 crowd control?

[Thomas Kaun <tomkaun@GMAIL.COM>]

Hi LM_NETters.

That's right--in high school kids are all very industrious and never use the
library to socialize or play games or ... NOT!

My library seats 134 (legal limit) and most mornings and lunch times there
are over 100 kids in the library. Fortunately, we rarely have problems. It
can get a bit noisy but we've got some areas where it is relatively quieter
and that does help. My assistant opens the library at 7:30 and I get to
school at about 7:40 so the kids have about a half-hour to do work, chat,
socialize, etc. The (cold) cafeteria is open in the morning, but the library
is about it for hanging out in a warm spot.

I will say that discipline problems tend to come in cycles and if we can
figure out a potential source of trouble and nip it in the bud we can go a
long way to prevent a general lack of order.

In another library, the librarian who preceded me maintained silence at
lunch. Her justification was that students who didn't have a quiet place to
study at home had  one at school. I discovered that it took more energy to
maintain order in that situation than it did if we allowed a natural level
of conversation to take place. And kids seemed to be able to get just as
much work done.

I feel fortunate that students and staff seem comfortable with the level of
chaos in our library in those times when the library is at full capacity but
I also know how easily it can spiral out of control so I am thankful for all
the help I get from my staff--and the students. ;<)

Tom Kaun

On Feb 3, 2008 4:10 PM, Connie Williams <chwms@mac.com> wrote:

> This is the hardest thing about library service in schools!  I'm the only
> adult in my school library in the a.m. and I will sometimes have well over
> 75+ students! They are, indeed there to socialize and to stay out of the
> cold. I have, however, decided that the way I work it is to allow mornings
> to be socialization time,[they get to play games on the computers,hang out
> in small groups etc.]  and break, lunch and after school to be school work,
> quiet study and homework time. It works for me.  Mostly. On cold days it's
> still full at lunch, but I try to keep the numbers down, don't let kids
> stand in groups and all the regular things that we do to keep some sense of
> order.  By having the morning 'open', it seems to take away from the 'mean
> lady' approach.  I  always say: "lunch is for quiet work, before school is
> for socializing. Many kids want to get their homework done before school is
> out, so we're quiet"  Again, mostly.  It's never really quiet in a middle
> school library. And I always hope for sun.
> What I'd like to know, along with this question is how do the folks who
> provide food [ala SLJ's article about library cafes] keep the numbers down
> and the place quiet?  Maybe it's better at a high school.  Thanks for asking
> this question, Sandra. I too, would like to hear how others do it. Anyone
> successful?
>
> Connie
>
> Connie Williams
> Teacher Librarian
> National Board Certified
> Kenilworth Jr High
> Petaluma, CA
>
> chwms@mac.com
>

-- 
Thomas T. Kaun
Teacher Librarian
Bessie Chin Library @ Redwood High School
395 Doherty Drive, Larkspur, CA 94939
tomkaun@gmail.com | Library Web site: http://rhsweb.org/library |
Professional development blog: http://tomlmt2.blogspot.com/ | Library news
blog: http://libraryleaves.blogspot.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
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.
 * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
 * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
 * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://lm-net.info/
 * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
 * LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------------