LM_NET: Library Media Networking
My principal asked me to form an advisory committee and suggested I give =
them a part of my budget so they could have real power. Most who responded =
to my message advised me not to give up any part of the budget (so I won't!=
). I ended up informing them about what I've done, what I want to do, and =
the problems I see so hopefully they spread the word. Then they worked on =
the selection policy including the book ban procedure because I thought =
they would make a good committee should someone have a consideration about =
a book. They will also be working on a promotional brochure for parents (=
their idea!)
Thanks for all the help; hope this helps others!
Corey Current, Media Specialist
So. St. Paul High School
700 N. 2nd St. =
So. St. Paul, MN 55075
651-457-9439
fax 651-457-9455
corey_current@sostpaul.k12.mn.us
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I just attended a conference featuring Doug Johnson of the Makato MN
school dist. and one of his recommendations is to have an "advisory
committee". His book the Indespensible Librarian talks about organizing
such an animal. I was really impressed by his practical and professional
reasons for his recommendations and his book clarifies and explains in
detail how to acomplish this. Buy or borrow it. I think you will be
pleased and will also be armed with a few good reasons to limit the power
of the committee to more of a steering role rather than a role that would
compare to having the school board micro manage your principal's building.
You might point that out softly to him. I am sure he has an advisory
committee, does he give them money to spend too? Just a few thoughts.
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* Update your Selection Policy, with input from the group.
* We have a Middle School Parent Reading Committee, actually composed
of parents, librarians, and middle school language teachers. We meet =
every
4-6 weeks to discuss the books we've read. Some of the books have =
potential
controversy, some are adult books that we would like to add for YA reading,=
some are award-winners that may or may not benefit our collection. These
discussions are wonderful. The decision to add to our collection is still
the librarians' call, but the different view points is so enlightening. =
The
library usually furnishes the books but others are encouraged to make
suggestions and bring in books for us to share.
* We have a Visiting Author program that is really strong. We have a
volunteer parent group that coordinates with me. They are such a =
tremendous
help and a valuable part of our library program.
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Why give them your budget? You're the professional. =
Have them create the want list, and let them check out
the reviews. As the professional librarian, you have
the final say based on curriculum and collection
needs. That sounds like something my principal would
say, and that isn't a compliment!
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I would prepare a packed of my policies, mission statement and 3 to 5 year =
long range plan, also copies of last accrediation report and =
recommendations from visiting committee. I would ask them what they feel =
the library should be like and programs held.
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Everyone should have a media advisory committee, but it should function =
with you as the leader. The members should have input on how the funds =
are spent, but I don't think it is a good idea to give them a separate =
budget. =
It is especially important to have the committee in place in case of a =
challenge. With that in mind you should give careful consideration when =
you select the members.
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I am in a middle school, but have a similar committee of students &
,occasionally, parents. I usually tell them about areas of need in the
library and then come with a list of materials (along with catalogs) so
they can see the ideas I have. Then I tell them we only have "X" amount =
to
spend (I give them about 2-3 times as many ideas as money available) and
have them decide. They can go to the online catalog and move around in =
the
library looking at what is already available in those genres or subjects. =
Then they decide how the money is to be spent. I have found you can't =
leave
it open-ended--they have no idea what to do. This way, no matter what they
decide, they have chosen something I want. I think they could also be =
used
to weed a section, such as 520's -- this would give them a picture of the
age of your collection.
Also--we plan library promotionals and contests to try to draw students
into reading. This is a lot of extra work, but, as you said, you have =
been
asked to form the committee.
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There is probably a better way to look at the charge you have been given
than what I've put below, however it provides a starting point...
The library advisory group should do just that, advise. Your principal
means well, however their real power should lie in their ability to keep =
you
abreast of current issues regarding the library and to assist you with
SUGGESTIONS as to how they might be addressed.
They might assist with public relations, organizing events, library
advocacy, etc.
You might wish to look at the functions of both public and academic =
library
advisory committees and amend to accomodate your own situation.
They are your sounding board, they are your eyes and ears in the wider
school community. They bring to your attention issues that mnght need to =
be
addressed.
Try this site. Francis Harvey Green Library, Library Advisory Committee
http://www.wcupa.edu/library.fhg/lac/lac.htm
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I have a similar committee but we are building a new library so a lot of =
discussion is about the new facility. Don't give them your budget to =
spend. Have them recommend that you need more money to spend.
Have an Agenda!!
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What an opportunity!
Some things you could try:
Do you have a reconsideration committee? Yes/No You could involve this
group in the recondsideration process. At least explain to them the
process, invite some of them to be on the committee, etc.
Something I am doing this year at the High School level is involving
students in selection of books. You could try this with a middle school
group I would think. I have introduced them to various selection sources,
Wilson's Catalogs, Booklist, School Library Journal, Amazon.com(be sure to
show difference between editor reviews and customer reviews) and others. =
I
then help them learn how to read reviews and choose titles that will be
appropriate to High Schol and of interest to them. I am only doing this
for fiction. They can submit suggestions along with a copy of the review.
I order the titles and ths person who submitted the title gets to read it
first. I have talked to them about the districts selection policy.
I should also think they would be a good source for bulletin board or
display ideas.
Perhaps they could form an Oprah type book club and all read/discuss the
same thing. Would be nice to have adults see just what the kids are
reading.
They could also be community liasons going to various community groups to
promote and inform the community about the library program.
The possibilities are endless. Go for it!
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