GEN/ELEM: Parent Volunteers

[Holly Smith <ac2091@WAYNE.EDU>]

Good morning LM_NETTERS...

Since this issue woke me up early on my day off with thinking about it, I
thought I'd go to those who know best...

I am in a new position at a K-4 grade school. I guess the most appropriate
way to classify the parents in the community would be to say that they are
extremely kind, friendly, interested in the media center and it's
program, and willing and wanting to help...  wanting to rather
intensely. I am interested in working with them and I recognize parents as
a strong and important resource for the media program, but as the "new kid
in town" I am anxious about finding the most tactful way to set some
"ground rules" for their involvement.

For example, I am a bit uncomfortable with parents processing books... it
takes time from the SLMS's schedule to train them, more mistakes are
likely to be made (which means more time out to correct them), and from
what I've heard from other collegues, it's more trouble than it is
worth...  (besides, why did I pay and sit through a cataloging class if
someone can just walk off the street and do it? :) Yet, it is my
understanding that this group of parents expects to do this among other
activities.

Because it appears that I am expected to involve parents on all levels,
I am seeking any comments, suggestions, etc. any of you might have
regarding:

Being in a new position and setting some "ground rules" with parents
regarding the level of their involvement with the media program

Arranging a volunteer schedule

Having parents process library materials

Etc... etc... basically anything related to parent volunteers in the media
center. It seems that this is a touchy subject in general, and it is quite
SPECIFICALLY a touchy subject at my new location, and I want to be sure
that I address it fairly and professionally so that something can be
worked out to the satisfaction of everyone involved (because, as you know,
we were all hired to "please all of the people all of the time" right? :)

Thank you ahead of time for any input, now maybe I'll get some sleep!

Holly Smith
Media Specialist
Avondale School District
Oakland County, MI
ac2091@wayne.edu

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