FW: New Elementary Media Specialist: Questions 7-9 (very long)

["Endlich, Rebecca (OHE)" <EndlichR@EDMONDS.WEDNET.EDU>]

I am posting this to the group, also, because I have expressed an opinion
that I think needs to be considered when you enter a new school. I know many
of you come to schools where little weeding has been done and it is a
librarian's perennial problem that we tend to keep too much; however we need
to consider this issue carefully, ESPECIALLY when we are new to a building.
On another related note, If you do not already subscribe to the ChildLit
listserve I highly recommend it. There are many published authors (Julius
Lester springs to mind among many other names you will recognize),
publishers (the publisher of Horn Book is one), critics and teachers at all
levels who care deeply about literature, children and thoughtful approaches
to both who contribute regularly. They discuss such topics as the
reliability of historical fiction, racism and other -isms and how to select
or deselect; these discussions have had a great impact on my thinking about
those activities. The address is child_lit@email.rutgers.edu. Please read
on.........


> Tiffani, I am leaving my elementary after nine years and going to a high
> school, as you can see. Most of the advice you are getting is good - a lot
> to do over a summer! - but I must comment on one thing I hope you do NOT
> do. I suggest you do not do any heavy weeding, but just weed for condition
> or replacement until you see the use patterns of your school. I have been
> in three different elementaries and it was different in each one. Some
> books you will never understand why they do/do not get used but waiting
> and watching, even for several years if you can stand it, will pay off for
> you. It is a very delicate issue with many staff members as they see you
> "get rid of perfectly good books!" and you will win many allies if their
> favorites don't disappear when you get there. How to handle your weeding
> diplomatically is a whole 'nother topic, but believe me, it can be bad PR
> if not done well.....and I am not talking just about how you select your
> items to de-accession. When they come to trust your selection skills,
> professionalism, knowledge of their needs, knowledge of your collection;
> there will be much less grumbling. Good luck - you are embarking on a very
> rewarding job!!
>
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> Rebecca Endlich                             endlichr@edmonds.wednet.edu
> Librarian                                       Phone: 425-670-7311
> ext.6127
> Edmonds-Woodway High School     Fax: 425-670-7922
> 7600-212 St. SW
> Edmonds, WA 98026-7556
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> Tiffani De L'Eveille,Media Specialist
> Cascade Elementary School, Atlanta, GA
> stu7107@westga.edu
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