Re: Library stats

[Joan Bennert <jbenner1@maine.rr.com>]

Happy vacation to everyone.
I agree with many of your comments, but as a former teacher and now a
library media specialist I am very concerned about the statistics as
well as what I observe.  In my last position in a school for 3rd, 4th,
and 5th graders, I was fortunate enough to have a library large enough
to accommodate two classes and a part-time aide plus volunteers to run
the circ desk. This allowed me to run a fixed schedule when teachers
brought classes for the purpose of choosing a book for quiet reading and
in some cases--an assignment. (no leaving kids for a prep) It allowed me
to use flexible scheduling for my time. As a result I was able to create
what I think libraries should look like--busy places where students are
working on research, self selecting books, and classes working on
projects, all at the same time. In my present position I see a middle
school where the library is empty a good deal of the time. I think we
need to look at all the issues that impact our school libraries for us
to remain viable entities in the future. Libraries and computer labs
should never be empty!!  There is too much money invested in these
wonderful, exciting places.

I don't know all the issues but here are some of my observations:
Teachers like fixed scheduling for planning purposes. Students are
required to at least come and browse when we allow fixed scheduling. (In
my opinion too many students do not go to the library and are proud that
they have never taken a book out.) The library should be such an
exciting place where student want to come even if they are not yet
readers. We need administrators who understand this is not a prep,
support sustained quiet reading and literacy. We need help such as
volunteers who can run the library and release us to teach.

Library media specialists should be teaching, co-teaching, and
consulting. Teachers have not always seen this model, and I am having a
tough time in my present school getting the library skills built into
their curriculum or learning results.  This is my mission.

We can change the fact that reading and books may no longer a priority
in many homes. There are many literacy models out there to help us. The
first step for me is to get books into homes and into the hands of
students. At first they may just carry them around, but they are
required to have a book in their desk! Then I can work to get them to
actually read, and some day maybe even enjoy reading.

Sorry about all the rambling, but I believe the statistics do tell us
something, and we have our work cut out for us --to make school
libraries the hub of our schools.  Joan
--
Joan N Bennert
Falmouth Middle School
52 Woodville Rd
Falmouth, ME 04105
H: 207-781-5640
mailto:jbenner1@maine.rr.com

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