Vertical Files

[Janet Carmine <jcarmine@CFL.RR.COM>]

Hi, 'Netters,

During my years on LM_NET, I have read various comments about the pros and
cons of vertical files.  My former school was modern and did not have them.
Three years ago I came to an older school.  There were three vertical file
cabinets.

Only one teacher used anything from the vertical files during this
three-year period, so I decided to toss everything that would not be of use
with the current curriculum.  Before doing so, I offered the teachers the
opportunity to go through and take their old favorites for their classrooms.
That one teacher took her things.

Today was the first day of summer vacation, so I started this massive task.
I just had to come home and tell you all some of the things I found in these
files.  (By the way, I am less than half-way finished after one full day of
work.)
Booklet:  "Railroads at Work", 1954
Booklet:  "It's Fun to Write Letters", 1959
Magazine Article:  "O.J. Simpson.  A (football) Rookie to Watch", 1980
Booklet:  "10 Minute Self Instructor for the Tonette, Ocarina, Harmonica,
and Ukulele", 1943  (This was produced by the Army for the soldiers during
World War II.)  The most current item I found was dated 1990.

I learned a lesson from this, and perhaps it will make some folks think --
the importance of weeding the vertical file.  I have retained some of the
things and will share materials with grade levels to let them decide what
should be done with them.  The gems I mentioned above will be in the
showcase for the opening of school next year.

Sincerely,

Janet Carmine, Library Media Specialist
George Marks Elementary School
DeLand, Florida 32724
Home:  jcarmine@cfl.rr.com
Work:  jcarmine@geomarks.volusia.k12.fl.us

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