HIT->ELEM:TIME ALLOWED FOR CIRCULATION

[Robyn Young <robyn.young5@GTE.NET>]

I asked if a separate circulation-only time of 15 minutes is a good
idea.  This would free up the classes' scheduled rotation period for
instruction only.
Of all responses I've received (thanks to everyone), the Ayes have
it.

There were 21 who said 15 minutes is enough or more than enough time.
Some comments were:
"I've found that 10 minutes is actually enough."
"Most students will know where  the books they are interested in are
located and can get them.  I've found that if they're taking longer
it's because they're talking to friends."
"The minutes after fifteen are usually not very productive. This
knowledge comes after many years of
experience."

5 people said NO. They recommended at least 1/2 hour and added:
"I don't think it can be done.  Of course some students are really
fast at choosing books, but others need time to browse."
"Have you ever gone to the library and browsed for ONLY 20-15
minutes to find your books?  'nuff said."

Some of the tips I received:
-Once every other week is not enough. (I will allow students to come
in before or after school to exchange, and they will check out 2
books.)
-Let slow, browsing children come back later.
-Don't let this turn into extra free time for the teachers. Make sure
they are there to spur the students on and help them find books at
their reading level.
-Younger students might benefit from having a preselected group of
books at the beginning of the year.
-Have something planned for students who have overdues or who finish
check out early.
-Have assigned seats to make passing out library cards (barcodes)
easier.  One adult can pass them out by tables and keep the kids
moving while the other is at the circulation desk.

Robyn A. Young
Library Media Specialist
J. T. Saldivar Elementary School
Dallas, TX
robyn.young5@gte.net

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