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LATENT LIBRARIANS RESPONSE

(MORE MESSAGES HAVE ARRIVED OVER NIGHT.  I WILL POST THOSE IN A PART TWO OF
THE LATENT LIBRARIAN.)

Like it or not, we are the future Library Legends of tomorrow.  Our actions
and attitudes contribute towards the perception of our profession.  We even
influence the careers of the latent librarian, our student helpers.

I posted a survey earlier to obtain a list of duties and activities student
helpers perform and are involved in.  It is my hope to present ideas that
are working for others so that we might be able to evaluate our "things to
do list" and alter what we do in order to lighten our load in hope to
become a more effective educator and productive professional.  The results
of the survey are as follows:


l.   DO YOUR STUDENT HELPERS RECEIVE GRADES?
        The responses were close to even.  Those that did not give grades were in
the              majority, however.  One school gave outstanding, satisfactory, and
                        unsatisfactory.

        Several use regular and special ed students as library helpers.  One
school as               20+ helpers throughout a 7 period day.

        No, they come from study hall.

2.  IF SO, HOW MANY CREDITS TO THEY EARN IN A YEAR?
        The range was from .5 a credit per semester.  However, some schools
require                 service hours and projects.  Working in the library fulfills
this requirement.
        One school requires 3 hours weekly of work service to graduate and 80
hours of        community service.

3.  WHAT DUTIES DO YOUR LIBRARY HELPERS PERFORM?
        Appear every day.  Attendance is an important issue.
        Assist students/staff with computers
        Check in/out
        Xerox
        Locate resources
        Get mail
        Answer phone
        Straighten tables, chairs, windows
        Clean tables
        Occasionally dust
        Straighten books
        Vacuum rug
        Help with processing
        Help with weeding
        Help with shelving
        Suggest ideas for displays and programs
        Help discuss and plan ideas for grants and special programs
        Help design library flyers, bookmarks, and brochures
        Programming
        Labeling
        Bar coding
        Library and archives and home page development
        Develop  multi media and HyperCard programs
        Research assistance to others
        Database maintenance
        Install CD-ROM programs
        Write, edit, and produce the library newsletter
        Process new books
        Have a section of books for which they are responsible for
        Fax requests
        File magazines
        Helping people use scanner
        Helping people use QuickTake
        Help with Internet
        Run Errands
        Duplicate materials for teachers
        Deliver AV equipment
        Message Taking
        Read at least book each 6 weeks and report it in the paper
        Make change for copier
        Read and report on a book
        Collect fines
        Refile and discharge microfiche
'       Assistants do not pay library fines
        Don't  pay for computer copies




Students are trained l:l, small groups, and returning  students train new
students.
4.  WHAT SPECIAL PROJECT DID YOU INVOLVE DO YOUR LIBRARY HELPERS IN THIS YEAR?
        AmeriCorps volunteer trained student helpers on multi media computers
prior to        putting computers into the library

        Developed the Integrated Science CD-ROM - to develop a ROM to share
statewide of multi media materials
        Developed the Real Science CD-ROM which was a totally student project.
the archives Home Page and access is totally student initiative

        Help public library to move into a new building

        Create a video that shows the library procedures.  Where to enter the
library, exit, return books

        Send to GS to read to little ones

        Book report article goes in newspaper.    Gives recondition, name in print
        Provide self-esteem by being  special enough to work in library

        Attend parties (2) a year
        Receive certificate

Read and review Rebecca Caudill books

5.  DO YOU HAVE A LIBRARY CLUB?  IF SO, WHAT WAS A FAVORITE ACTIVITY?
        End of the year field trip to a book store,etc  and eat.

6.  WHAT HAS BEEN A GOOD MONEY MAKER FOR YOU IN THE PAST?
        Sells computer disks for keyboard classes
        Coin operated photocopier
        Selling suckers
        Video tape graduation and sell afterward to parents
        Concession stand sales (parent sold as she had to be there with sone anyway)
        Sell computer discs (computer lab is part of the library)

7.  WHAT PERKS, POSITIVE REINFORCEMENTS, OR REWARDS DO YOU OFFER YOUR
STUDENT ASSISTANTS?
        Receive grades
        They can do homework when they need to
        Use of library resources during school time
        Read magazines first
        Receive snacks
        Receive small items (pencil, etc., on holidays)
        Treats on Friday
        Have food in the workroom any time of the day
        Receive positive reinforcement and a link to the future





Linda Reed
Springfield High School
101 S. Lewis
Springfield, IL  62704
217-525-3120


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