LM_NET: Library Media Networking
Original message:
I'm moving to the high school next year after 24 years in a middle
school. I've researched the archives of LM_NET but I'd still like to
hear from many of you! If you took another job, what program would you
tell your replacement that above all---do this!!! If you don't do
anything else--this works with high school kids??? I'm also interested
in if any of you do staggered hours to keep the media center open in
evenings. I will be going from one professional and one secretary to
two professionals and two secretaries and student assistants. Have you
found a management tool that works ideal?? My goal will be USER
FRIENDLY and weekly staff meetings. Any specific displays work well?
Any decorations work better? Any contests/giveaways? I'm not worried
about the resources. They're great. In-services, training programs?
Any hints, tidbits, words of advice are most welcome!
Thanks!
Here's the hits! Thanks to all who responded!
Forget the weekley meetings, I have them here and HATE it, once a
month maybe, if at all, good luck
I made the move from K-8 to high school two years ago. I had a lot of
the same ideas that you have. One of the main things I wanted to
accomplish were extended hours. However, I am starting to get cold
feet. We (there are two librarians at my school) are worried about
security issues. Fairhope is a small community with very little
violence. But these days who knows... Anyway I'm starting to back
away from the idea of being in the library before or after school
without administration on campus for back-up. What are your thoughts?
Must be part of the program.
Flexible schedule
A research model, implemented through the entire school (with a clear
understanding of major project schedules for all courses), publicized
strongly within the media center.
a networked Internet-access computer lab that adjoins the media
center, for full-class lessons and independent research
regular communication with administration - I use a weekly goals
statement media center attendance at teacher department meetings
whenever possible
Highly recommended
Battle of the books or some other high-school friendly book incentive
activity
Student book recommendations, heavily publicized within the media
center Internet webpage dedicated to the media center
The most successfully thing I've found (and I stumbled on it by
accident) I have chess boards in the library for students to use.
Chess is a quiet game, the students love it, and it encourages
thinking skills. Above all, high school students need a flexible
environment in the library. I try not to be too rigid in setting up
my rules. The rules I have are designed to make the situation fair to
all involved.
One suggestion I heard recently (and will try next year)--make all of
your books due at the end of each marking period. Students will be
using your books a lot more for long research projects.
Lots of magazines is a must--they love magazines. If they're stealing
one in particular, just order two. Also, I try to order what they
tell me to order. As a result, we get a ton of car/truck magazines.
The thing I like most about working with high school students is they
are just as likely as your peers to suggest a novel you're guaranteed
to love. It shouldn't surprise me, but I love it when students share
that type of info with me, and it does still surprise me.
Good luck! but your level of enthusiasm sounds perfect--don't worry
about juvenile displays etc in the library--they won't care. And,
they prob. miss those types of things from elementary school.
Sit back and see what already works; don't change too many things
right away. I found some things that didn't make sense to me, but
after I saw how they worked decided to leave them alone.
In 21 years I've had a hard time getting major participation in
contests or anything like it. It might just be me or the area.
The students do appreciate you giving them extra help on projects. I
had late hours for several years and could predict the nights that I
would be busy, because some big project was due. I'm usually here 1
hour after dismissal anyway and it seem to work well.
Good luck.
Thanks to all who replied!!
Donna Walters
Media Specialist
Ben Franklin Middle School
605 N. Campbell St.
Valparaiso, IN 46385
PH: 219-531-3024 x210
Fax: 219-531-3026
dwatlers@imail.valpo.k12.in.us
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