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Hello,

Here is the compilation of responses I received to my request for
information about training student volunteers and activities for a
media club.

Thanks to everyone who responded.  I am already using some of the
suggestions and realize that I just need to schedule more time for
one-on-one training with the students.

Deb
-----------------------
When starting a new group of library helpers, I use Popsicle sticks
with the same ranges that are marked on the shelves.  I explain to the
students that they are to go to the cart of books, find books that fit
that range and put them on the matching shelf.  After awhile, I drop
the Popsicle sticks and they do it on their own.  They do a pretty
decent job.  I have found some books in the wrong spot, but not many.
D.D.
----------------------
I use markers to increase the accuracy of shelving by student helpers.
I cut long, narrow strips of construction paper-maybe 1 ½ by 18" or
whatever works out evenly.

As a student shelves, he/she places a strip to the right of the book.
Because it's long, the strip sticks out and you can easily see it when
you later check the correct placement of the book.

Each student can use a different color or you can use one color if you
check the shelving right away.  By using the markers, you can easily
identify who is having problems and what shelving rules the student
doesn't understand.
N.L., California
--------------------
What I remember being done when I applied as a page eons ago was taking
a short test that showed that I could put things in alphabetical order
and numerical order. When I actually got the job, I was then instructed
to shelve the books turn down so that the librarian could check to see
if they were right. If not, I had to do it again with an explanation
from the librarian. Instead of turning the books down one could add a
strip of paper to the book so that book would stand out. Good luck with
whatever you come up with.
C.P, Washington, D.C.
---------------------
I have had some experience with working with student helpers. I first
had each student helper sort the books on the cart so I would know if
they had any idea of numerical order, author order, easy or fiction
order. This could take any amount of time - days, weeks, months. At
least they didn't put them on the shelf. After they had perfectly
completed one or two bookcarts perfectly [on different days] in
accurate order, they would then shelve the books with a "book place
marker" [ this was a piece of paper to mark the spot [long strips cut
from tag board]. I would then check their work, remove the bookmark if
correct and correct them if they shelved them in the incorrect place.
We ended up with some terrific workers and the ones who had NO clue as
to numbers, well.... I had them sort by E, FIC or number on the cart
and the kids who could sort, had an easier job because the other
pre-sorted for them and all they had to do was put them in numerical
order, or author order.So everyone had a job and no one was made to
feel bad. Hope this helps. If not, write for more details. Please let
me know if this works for you. Thanks!
C.M., Lockport, NY
--------------
When I am training helpers, I put a long colored strip of paper in the
books that they would shelve.  We would do a few together - the books
with the papers sticking out from the shelves - and then the person
would do some on their own after which I would check it with them.  It
is a bit time intensive but worthwhile if you want your books in the
correct places.

For my media "club", I teach the students how to operate the different
kinds of equipment (overhead, VCR, TV, computer, video camera, etc.)
and how to do simple upkeep (cleaning overheads, replacing bulbs,
simple – and safe - cleaning of keyboards and monitors, etc).  This
then becomes a bit of a service project as students can then go around
(usually in pairs) and help teachers replacing bulbs, cleaning
equipment, etc.  I have the students do some in the library stressing
safety before sending them out.
They can then also help the teachers (or themselves) in setting up
media for presentations.

One teacher in another school had students apply for a "job" in the
school computer lab.  Teachers would send forms with "work orders" for
the "hired" students to do on the computers - make a sign, worksheet,
flash cards (for math, spelling, etc), chart.  Again, this was service
oriented. The students then got "paid" for their efforts - I forgot the
details on that - a homework pass, something from the school store????
Good luck,
M.C., Kearny, NJ
----------------------
Put your media club to work creating a PowerPoint training presentation
for your 5th graders who will be shelving.  If you have a digital
camera, the club members can take pictures of various shelving
situations (locating the correct collection, tidying the shelves, etc.)
and import them into the presentation.  I used a PP presentation for my
library tour this year and found the kids watched attentively and I
wasn't as exhausted at the end of the day.  Hope this might work for
you.
J.W., Independence, MO
---------------------
Deb, I've found it helpful for all ages, even with adult volunteers, to
have them arrange books on a cart--one side fiction, the other
nonfiction. Provide plenty of variety in DD#s and mix in some Reference
or other call numbers/letters. You'll quickly spot any errors and can
seize the teachable moment, plus no harm done to shelves. Good luck!
J.A., St. Paul, MN
--------------------
I have 4th and 5th graders in our library working on a daily basis.
We couldn't function without them BUT, about 2 years ago, I had 5
troubled youth come to the library to "work".  We decided as a group to
collect license plates from all over the country!  It was a HUGE
success.  We are on a military post, so that got us some plates easily,
but the Grandparents and aunts and uncles who helped us were
unbelievable.  The kids had to write thank yous to all the people who
donated plates, even if they were duplicates.  In the end, they had to
write to governors and senators in an attempt to get all 50.  We did!!!
 Vermont is the hardest by far!!  The governor even turned down our
request!  We found one under a washer in New Hampshire.  It was a very
successful project, and what a great way to build the esteem of
children who had none.  The plates are displayed on the library wall
J.C., Ft. Carson, CO

=====
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Deb Christensen
librarian_deb@yahoo.com
Media specialist
Southwest Elementary School
Hickory, NC
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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