Library Without a LibraryPt.3

[Anna Russell <Alibrarian@AOL.COM>]

This is my third post in a month to the list concerning my unusual situation.
I want to thank everyone who has responded, I did get a few ideas as well as
a lot of support from the responses.

As I posted the last two times, next year due to overcrowding my library will
be a classroom.  So I will become the librarian without a library.  We have
asked the district for a temporary for the class (we are actually short 3
classrooms) but the answer so far has been no (seems we have a problem with
city requirements). So this is a reality.

Since my last posting I have had a meeting with the District Library
Consultant, the District Systems Management Coordinator (I am not sure
exactly her title - she runs our library server and our Dynix system) and my
principal.  At the meeting we discussed that we all knew this would not meet
state or district guidelines but it was going to happen.  I was able to
suggest that I go to the classroom and teach Big 6 research skill and
storytimes integrated into the curriculum.  We discussed book check out.  The
only way would be for my para and myself to load book carts and go to the
kids.  It was suggested that I use the hand held computer  to check out
books.  I voiced concerns about memory and battery problems.  I was able to
share an idea I received from the list --using a laptop and connecting
through the classroom  network.  The only problems were my library laptop
would not handle this and only half our building is networked.  Then yes good
news--the library and system consultants said that the library department
would purchase a laptop for me to use with PC reliance.  Ok so its not great
news but it means I will be able to at least scan the books.  And for the
area where there is no network I can use PC reliance and download the
information safely in my computer.  The other good news is I was told a new
library is in the bond election this summer---which means they could start
construction sometime next year.

I know some people are shaking their heads saying "oh my".  But I am trying
to be positive and thinking of the kids.

Now for the point of my post.  I am  working on a plan of action to present
to my principal.(This is something I am doing on my own) I have decided I
must present her with a sketchy outline of things we must do.  I am trying to
do this by weeks -- for example the first week or two of school we will need
to focus on inputting new students and with this new situation--meeting the
needs of teachers. I feel that I must be available the first week for
teachers to check out resources that they need.  I also am going to propose a
day when I will be available all day to consult with teachers on projects,
plans and to help pull materials.  I have stressed to the principal that we
must be as flexible as possible---as in not covering any conference periods.
I am looking for any and all suggestions of things I need to include in my
plan.

I am also looking for any research or literature enrichment activities that I
could use.  I am putting together a notebook so that I will have a large
resource to pull from when a teacher asks for a unit on a certain topic. If
you have any ideas you would like to share, suggestions for books or websites
I might visit, please email me.  At this point I have found my principal is
being very helpful and I am sure I could purchase any suggested resource
books from school money.

Please excuse my ramblings but right now I have lots of ideas and thoughts
about next year.  I am hoping that with the lists help I can prepare ahead of
time and be ready to make the best of a bad situation.

Once again thanks for all the responses and support I have received.  And
thanks for letting me share my problems and pick your brains.

Thanks

Anna Russell
Thompson Elem
Library Media Specialist (soon to be Mobile Library Media Specialist)
Aldine ISD
Houston Texas
alibrarian@aol.com

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