Splitting a K-5 library

[Beth McCheyne <bmccheyn@lakenet.org>]

Joni,
        I do not envy your position.  I have K-6, split into 2 libraries which
are at either end of the (quite long) building.  I have decided that I
can't really justify a lot of duplication between the libraries, so I
have encouraged students and staff to make the trip to the other library
if they need to.  Last year we introduced our automated catalog, which
has helped tremendously because anyone can now find out what is where
and whether it's in or out before making the trip.  I believe that there
are some advantages to our set-up, which are probably the types of
things your principal is thinking of:
        -the libraries are geographically close to the classrooms, so students
can come independently to get what they need (even Kindergarteners).
        -each day, each library has no scheduled library classes for the half
day that I am not there - so teachers can bring classes in to use the
space, materials, etc. with their classes.  I need to prepare the
assistant to be able to show them the things they will need.

There are, of course, many considerations that don't seem to be ironed
out for you.
        - support staff - one assistant is not enough.  You will be trading
places all the time.  When will you ever be able to train this person?
How can this person possibly substitute for you if you don't have
regular time to spend teaching them how to do the job?  I have one
support staff in each library.  They can keep things consistent during
the day and provide communication between myself and the teachers and
students when I am not there.  I have a half day with each of them each
day so I can train and explain as situations arise.  They know to refer
questions to me, even if they can give the first part of what is needed
- i.e. they know that I am the librarian, and that I should be aware of
what's going on (and sometimes I can even provide assistance beyond what
they know how to do).  Both of the ladies that I work with are WONDERFUL
with all patrons.  I could not cover both places without them and the
time to communicate with each of them on a regular basis.

        -The actual splitting of resources is tremendously time-consuming.  How
will you mark them to be able to keep them where you designate after the
split?  Our libraries have been changed around a few times in the last
20+ years, and no matter what we do books end up on the shelf in the
wrong library.  Again, automated system helps with this at inventory
time, but meanwhile, support staff spend time on the phone
double-checking for items that are not where expected.  How will you
handle this without adequate support staff?
        - I don't know if you are automated, but without an automated system,
you will have a lot of confused staff who will get cranky about going
back and forth between the libraries looking for books.  I have set up a
system where they can search the catalog from their rooms, call on the
phone or send a note for what they want, and library club can deliver
books at the end of the day.  This, they love.  Walking back and forth
looking for books that were checked out anyway caused dangerous levels
of frustration at times among the staff.
        - You might want to give him copies of articles that declare the value
of a professional librarian.  No matter how well you manage to train
support staff, you are the professional librarian and teacher.  Each
library will lack this influence and level of assistance for half of
each day.  My principal believes I am doing my best, but has continued
to ask for the hire of an additional LMS.  I don't know if it will be
high enough priority in the forseeable future, but at least I know he
values my professional status.

Well, this is long enough, I guess.  However it goes, just remember you
are only one person and you can only do what you can do.  Good luck!
Beth McCheyne
South Seneca Elementary School
Interlaken, NY

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