SEC. Staff access to media center

[Karen Reuter <CJ1Karen@AOL.COM>]

Dear LM_NET;
I have a problem and because I am the only media specialist in our building I
feel nobody understands my position on this issue.  Here is the situation,
how would you settle this?
Five or six years ago the media center was remodeled to include a much needed
"drop-in" computer lab for our High School students.  We are a 9-12 H.S. of
approx. 320 students with 26 staff members.  When the remodeling was
undertaken it resulted in creating an access door from the media center into
the staff room (against my protests).  You guessed it, the media center has
now become a hallway for staff.  It has become a constant frustration for me
to have this ongoing parade of staff members (8-10 times per day for each
person) with coffee cups and chatter through the m.s.  Of course, with little
or no regard for instruction that I may be conducting , or classes that are
in the library doing research.  I don't expect the center to be a "whisper
quiet" place, quite to the contrary. I have worked hard to make it a pleasant
place to be and the center of the school.  I do expect it to be an
alternative to the noisy student commons area and the staff lounge, however.
 I have addressed my concerns about this "traffic route" problem numerous
times to the staff. My administrator supports me on this issue (although he
uses it as a hallway also!).  The "short-cut" really only saves staff members
20 or 25 ft and I suspect it is used as much as a social stroll as a
shortcut.
"Fuel for the Fire"...... Two and a half years ago, because of serious budget
cuts throughout our state, my position as the full-time H.S. media specialist
was cut to 3/4 time so that the elementary M.S. and I could cover the
mid-school media center with the help of an adult library assistant.  This
change has resulted in the H.S. Media Center being closed during 2 lunch
periods per week and 1/2 hr. of instructional time per week.  This is not my
choosing and of course many of the staff members don't like it either, but
this arrangement will probably continue for at least another 2 years.
When I am not at the H.S. and when my assistant closes the library for her
lunch, on those days we cannot cover for each other, the "hallway" is only
available  as a one-way route for staff coming from the lounge (they must
take the long way to get to the lounge (25 extra ft.).   Because of this
access my desk has been taken over, my supplies used, items taken and not
returned and the media center materials taken without being checked out.
The problem of limited access through the media center was presented at our
last site council meeting (I am a member) and the request was made and
supported by the site council that all staff members be issued a key to the
library (on a 1 month trial basis beginning after Christmas)  so it can be
accessible to them at all times. Their reasons are: to give them access to
help prepare their lesson plans, access to the newspapers and magazines, and
some admitted it would be more convenient for them.
I wish they would direct this energy toward increasing my hours to full-time
at the H.S. and encouraging the administration and board to hire a much
needed middle school media specialist.
All teachers have often told me they wish I were more available to their
students and them like it was in the past.  I thought they understood my
difficulties with 2 schools but now I'm not so sure, maybe they were only
concerned with their own inconvenience.
How do I maintain control of equipment, materials, my own personal supplies,
and regain the atmosphere of a academic media center? My  administrator is
willing to do battle on this issue but if it is an item for the site council
then his control is limited.  The school superintendent also does not approve
of the idea of issuing all those keys to an area he wants secure when there
is no supervision.  But, he is not famous for his strength of backbone and
frequently backs down when confronted.  I don't think this issue will go away
and I feel I will be left to defend my position alone (my assistant will of
course support me and my building administrator will also voice his
objections, the custodians understand my concerns because they deal with
staff carelessness all the time).
HELP!! what can I do?  Or, should I just give in and live with it?  How do I
deal with the frustration? Maybe I could find a padded room (wrestling room
would work) to let off steam!
my e-mail address: CJ1Karen@AOL.com
                               Karen Reuter
                               Jefferson H.S.
                               Jefferson, OR