Re: school librarian blues

[Gibbons - Deborah <dgibbons@UMD5.UMD.EDU>]

I, too, feel very needed in my school.  I do my own PR.  I never believed
in bragging but I found I need to "toot my own horn.'

The PTA newsletter always has an article written by me in it.  I let the
parents know what each grade level is doing and also try to include
upcoming events at the public library.

I notify teachers when new books come in.  I stay a little later one day
and come in early another to let the teachers have time to preview them
before I put them out.  Refreshments are sometimes offered, too.

A list is given to each teacher when new AV materials is received.
Of course, I have an onging folder of teacher-requested books.  Catalogs
are circulated to grade levels for AV suggestions.  I might say if your
grade level had $750 in AV tell me what you'd buy."  They are eager to
help on this.  Of course, the final decision is mine.

My one volunteer (Mon. a.m.) is also publicly thanked.

Sine I am responsible for a.m. announcements I have the chance to put in
an extra plug whenever I feel it is necessary.

I also work with the students on recycling aluminum cans.  This is
greatly appreciated by parents, faculty, and students.  The kids purchase
books THEY CHOOSE with the monies earned.  Last year we bought the entire
set of student-written Landmark edition books.  This year they are
replacing and adding to the set of Ed Ames drawing books.  They already
purchased lots of magic and cook books.  Each child who brings in at
least 30 CRUSHED cans in one day gets a homework pass.  THey hoard their
passes, rarely use them.  I have saved a few from homework "club",
though.  If they come in crushed all I need to do is empty them in a
bigger bag or get a 5th grader to do it.  I then borrow my husband's
truck at the end of each marking period and go to the center.  I might
look a little funny, Granny Clampett, but it is helping the kids and the
environment.  Both of my principals have let me leave after my last class
to do this and sometimes I get home a little earlier that day.  Good luck
in your centers-  I really enjoy mine!



Debbie Gibbons                          fax (410) 679-0131
Media Specialist                        e-mail dgibbons@umd5.umd.edu
William Paca-Old Post Rd. Elem. (INTER)
2706 Old Philadelphia Road              home (410) 679-8714
Abingdon, MD  21009
"Where life is NEVER dull.."