HIT>Vertical File in Elem. Libraries Part 2

[Debbie Pinckard <PINCKARDD@TEN-NASH.TEN.K12.TN.US>]

Sorry it took me so long to get back to posting the rest of this.  Here's
the rest of the comments:

* My 3rd, 4th and 5th graders love it, especially the ones who are
intimidated by books.  I don't have a lot of time to spend on it, but all
kinds of stuff come my way which I use.  Only a few clippings--mostly stuff
I see in the summer, because I'm lucky to skim through the paper the rest
of the year.

* It is useful for elementary as well.  When there are many state or
country reports, the vertical file is a nice resource to have.

*  I am in a K-5 school.  There was a vertical file that took up DRAWERS of
space in a large filing cabinet when I arrived.  Over the years I have
weeded and weeded, keeping only those things that can't seem to be found
anywhere else.  They are an ENORMOUS amount of work to keep up, and used
but rarely in my case.

* Funny, but reading the Vertical File postings has made me feel guilty
that I have NO desire to set up and maintain a vertical file.  I have an
Indiana History special collection shelf that has pamphlets and newsletters
of local interest, and the local library keeps the newspaper on
microfilm...a good field trip.  Notice that most who mention how useful
they are also mention volunteer hours spent to keep them current.  I would
rather spend instructional time using CD-ROM sources and working with
teachers to keep topics within the bounds of our collection.  (Not that it
works!)  Then again, our library didn't have a vertical file when I came
and I have instigated enough changes...no use asking for trouble!  ;-)
Then again, I like the idea of appealing to those who need less challenging
materials.  Would a vertical file help?


Many thanks to everyone who responded to my request for info. and opinions
on vertical files in elementary.  All of these comments are quite helpful.
are quite helpful.

Debbie Pinckard
Chattanooga, Tenn.
pinckardd@ten-nash.ten.k12.tn.us