LM_NET: Library Media Networking
From: Beth McCheyne <bmccheyn@onondaga.bitnet>
I would like to hear how other school libraries operate regarding the use of
the library when library staff cannot be present. Our K-3, and 4-6 libraries
have in the past been unlocked by maintenance so that teachers can get the
materials they need when it is convenient for them. For many years, this
worked fairly well, but this past year it became a problem. Teachers have
gotten into the habits of sharing materials checked out in their name with
several others w/o checking them back in, taking books without signing them
out, letting students sign their teacher's name on book cards, and taking
materials from the return cart that are still signed out to someone else.
The result of all this confusion was that at the end of last June, there
were approx. 180 items that were checked out by staff that were not returned,
even after two notices asking them to return the materials or at least verify
that they were still using them. Another problem that occurred was that
many teachers were allowing students to go to the library, even when they
knew it was unsupervised due to our cafeteria duties or lunches.
Today at our first staff mtg. I reviewed the problem and announced that the
library will now be locked unless library staff is present. I told them
that we would sign the cards for them if they were in a hurry, and that we
would provide as much service as we can, but that the loss of materials
must stop. What I want to know from you folks is whether this sounds
reasonable, whether there might be another solution, whether you leave your
libraries unlocked when you're not there, and how much of a loss would you
find acceptable? I'm not sure if the principal is going to continue to back
me up on this or not. I did meet with him before making this decision, and
he seemed quite supportive. I suspect that he may let people in when I'm
not around anyway, but that is based on rumor that I can't be sure of. If the
problem continues, should I go higher up? Does anyone send bills to staff for
lost items? Any other suggestions?
Please respond to me directly - due to a storage problem, I have had to set
my mail to nomail for a couple of days. I will be back on soon and will
post a hit if it seems warranted (and if I figure out how to do it..._).
Thank you so much for your time and advice.
Beth McCheyne
K-6 Library Media Specialist
Interlaken, NY
bmccheyn@onondaga.bitnet
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