TARGET: Automated circulation and teaching

[Meg Schimmels <mschimmels@KSCABLE.COM>]

Oh, most helpful ones, I come seeking your wise counsel!

Most of the elementary librarians in our district are running a
"one-librarian" show with no clerical and little parent volunteer
assistance. In addition to being program administrators, they are also
primarily teacher-librarians, instructional partners, and information
specialists (ala Info Power).

We are looking at practical solutions that allow open, independent student
checkout during those times when we are teaching classes and can't stop to
run to the circulation desk. We want to allow open access, regardless of
immediate LMS availability.

If you are involved with such a situation and have devised workable,
student-centered, student-friendly solutions to this problem, I will gather
the responses and post a HIT.

For example, I have run an "open" circulation system using 32 selected
fourth and fifth graders who are trained to work on our SIRSI Workflows
program. They work in pairs at the circ desk at various times throughout the
week. In addition, whenever they happen to be in the LMC either with a
class, small group or by themselves, they are trained to "pop up" and assist
the younger ones (or anyone for that matter) with checkout. They were also
available to come as needed. BTW, I averaged a circulation of around 5000
items a month. Classes were semi-flexed, with no checkout built in.
Circulation was always at the point of need, and boy, did those kids need
books! (And our test scores showed the largest gains in the district).
Student barcodes were stored in the classroom and carried to the LMC with a
special "bracelet" which indicated teacher permission. All and all, this
worked very well, with some glitches, all of which were manageable.

But, we're looking for a broader base of ideas, because one size does not
fit all.

TIA,
Meg Schimmels
Campus Support
Library Media Services
Wichita (KS) Public Schools
mschimmels@kscable.com

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