LM_NET: Library Media Networking

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We're in our first year of block scheduling and I'm noticing
some interesting (and scary) changes in library usage and
circulation. I'm trying to persuade our administration that we
need a second librarian, so it's a bad time for statistics to
crash! I wanted to know if anyone else had the same occurrences --

1) Class use is down, unless I count each class twice that uses
a full block.
2) Circulation is WAY down
3) Walk in traffic (students with passes but without classes)
is down.

However --

Teachers are telling me that the quality of their students'
papers is much better.

A few things I thought of that might explain some of the
changes are :
1) Classes are actually getting more research done in the block
time, and thus need less class periods in the library to
finish. Students also may be able to finish using the reference
books they need and don't have to lug them home.

2) I added SIRS to our network. Students seem enchanted with
the idea of a full text CD-ROM they can print from. I also
added Grolier's to the network. Do students use less books
when these other eresources are available or is it just the
novelty hasn't worn off yet?

3) We eliminated study halls this year, which accounted for
alot (too much) of my walk in traffic last year.


If anyone has had similar experiences or vastly dissimilar,
please let me know. I'll post a hit if there is interest.

Sandy Parks
Harrisonburg High School
Harrisonburg, VA
sparks@pen.k12.va.us


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