LM_NET: Library Media Networking
This is the Library Skills Curriculum that I teach to the 6th grades. I've
included a description of each unit and the activities used. Since there
is no text for this, I teach utilizing my own overhead transparencies,
handouts and booklets. I have 9 weeks of two-forty minute classes for each
sixth grade class.
Notebook: Students are asked to keep a notebook of all graded papers that
are returned during the quarter. At the end of the quarter, the librarian
will check their notebooks to see if they have kept their worksheets,
quizzes and test. A grade is given for their notebook.
1. On-line Card Catalog (one-class)
Instruction about how to use the computerized card catalog on the five
student computers.
2. Indexing Skills for Print (four-five classes)
a. Identifying "keywords" within a reference question. Five of the most
common type of reference questions. Worksheet: A list of varied questions;
identify the keyword of the number of answers expected to be found.
b. Physical format of an index: Subject heading (bold type, all
capitals), Subheadings, Hanging Indentions, Page/Vol. numbers
c. Additional features used in different indexes, which provide the
reader with supplemental information: Abbreviations for graphics, Phonetic
spellings, Locations of geographic places, Birth and Death years,
Definitions. Worksheet: Using a pre-made sheet (Sampler Sheet) with
samples from five different indexes, identify on a worksheet examples of
each of the five features as well as the subject heading each is under
d. Volume/Paging Numbering Schemes used by different publishers:
Worksheet: After viewing and discussing the different examples from
encyclopedias and books the students will rewrite examples in English
words.
e. Cross References: The purpose of Cross References (see and see also)
and the physical layout of each. Look at examples found in a booklet
provided. Worksheet: Write two new examples of each type of Cross
Reference found in the booklet provided.
f. Test: Most of the test involves answering questions using the
information from the Sampler Sheet. There is a section for identifying the
parts of an index (Guide words, Subject and Subheadings, Hanging
indentions, Volume and Page numbers.)
3. Reader's Guide and On-line indexes to periodicals (five classes)
a. What is a periodical index and why do readers need them for report
writing? A video tape is show. Quiz: 5 questions derived from the lesson
and the video tape.
b. Booklet: "How to use a Reader's Guide Index". Describes the format of
the Readers' Guide and the entries within it. Worksheet: Using a xeroxed
page from a Readers Guide Index, students identify the parts of the Reader
Guide (subject headings, subheadings, cross references, citations/entries,
date of magazine and title of magazine)
c. Practice locating citations/entries on a pre-selected subject, and
identifying the useful information in each entry. Worksheet with space for
identifying five different articles from a Reader Guide booklet. ID: title
of magazine, title of article, date of magazine, page numbers of article,
and if the article has a bibliography, map, portrait or illustrations.
d. MiddleSearch Plus. This is a monthly CD subscription to a periodical
index (similar to Readers' Guide). Using a LCD panel and the computer,
instruction is given on how to use the software.
e. Microfiche and Microfiche Reader. Periodical Microfiche is examined
and a demonstration is given, explaining how the microfiche readers and
printers work.
4. Bibliography Creation (four-five lessons)
a. Discussing the purpose of a bibliography. Listing twenty different
types of media that can have citations placed in a bibliography. Visually
looking at examples of different bibliographies. Discussing the rules
involving "the", "a" and "an" when alphabetizing citations in a
bibliography. Worksheet: Alphabetizing 16 citations, by circling the
first letter in the citation used for alphabetizing, then placing a number
in front of the citation for ordering.
b. Layout of three major types of citations (book, magazine,
encyclopedia). Also discuss Internet site citation. Emphasizing order and
punctuation. Also an example of an Internet citation will be discussed.
Worksheet: Given information about a resource, the student will create a
bibliographic citation for each major type. Three students are selected to
write their examples on an overhead transparency, and the class discusses
the accuracy of the citations.
c. Finer points of creating citations: A bibliographic "cheat sheet" is
given to each student. Examples of the five most popular citations are
given (book, magazine, encyclopedia, microfiche, and Internet). I will
explain what the decisions are to be considered when writing citations,
when the resource deviates from the simple citation format. Worksheet:
True/False; statements about the nature of bibliographies and the "finer
points" discussed.
d. Practice worksheet: Using the "cheat sheet" and four xeroxed pages
from two books, a magazine article and an encyclopedia article, students
will create a bibliographic citation for each.
5. Internet site evaluation (one-two lessons)
If time allows I try to fit in a two lesson unit on evaluation criteria
when selecting authoritative, internet sites. Discussing includes the URL
address format, types of domain sites, and the criteria for evaluating
(who, what, where, why, how, when). Printed booklets of web pages are
distributed to students for them. Each site-booklet will generate
discussing about how the criteria is applied to that particular site.
6. Something About the Author (one lesson)
Something About the Author is a one hundred and nine volumed encyclopedia
used to find report information about children's authors and illustrators.
After presenting the types of information found in each article, students
complete a worksheet. Each will select one living person from the volume
they have, and answer a series of questions about that author or
illustrator.
Claudia Mahlman, Librarian
William S. Cohen School (middle)
304 Garland St.
Bangor, ME 04401
cmahlman@fifth.bangor.k12.me.us
Comments reflect the opinions of the author, not the opinions of the
school or school department for which she works.
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