LM_NET: Library Media Networking
Certainly, the ideal would be that we could/would be able to read all the
new books before they go on the shelf...but even if it were
possible...that would mean a long delay for most of the books to get on
the shelf....and I know that my principals and supervisors ALWAYS have
considered it a high priority to get books on the shelf ASAP after
arrival. So this is what professional reviews are for.
The only librarian/media speicalist that can read "all" the books
that come in has a VERY small budget indeed! People who expect this, have
not thought their expections through in a logical manner. How many books
can one be expected to be read in a week...especially since most if not
all would have to be read on your own time...rare is the school schedule
that allows time to read the new books. What would that be ...3 books a
week? 5? 5 x 52 = 260 And most would not have time to read 5 a
week. If it were 3 x 52 = 156 (And this many would only be
possible at the lower level...h.s. especially, I'd be darned
pushed to read one a week...and don't forget most still have to
do lesson plans) ...still, is that really possible for a full time person
who must read these on their own time? And most have families to cherish
and care for. And even if they don't, they of all people also need a life
outside literature. It is not that unusual for a non-professional, or
non-librarian/media specialist to have not thought this through.
I think what we all ttry to do, is read as many as possible...and
certainly any of the ones that there are doubts about. And even farm out
the occassional book to a teacher that will help with the vetting
process. I know that I've often sought another opinion...either when I
wasn't sure...or I knew someone on the faculty had far more expertise in
the particular subject area. Lucky the Library Media person who has a
faculty member who is willing to read and appraise books on a regular
basis for the collection.
For myself, my goal has always been to read one a week...but of course it
varys, with the length of the book, my work load responiblities (lesson
plans, inventories, grant proposals and a host of of things often have to
come first)...and whether in the summer, I'm working, taking courses, or
coping with whatever life has to throw my way. Many people are
care-givers besides being full time librarians/media specialists.
In summation, Tina, you are not alone to have this issue voiced by someone
who doesn't have experience in our profession. Be patient with them,
gently explain the realities of the profession. I think in 25 years, I've
heard this voice at least 3 times by various people. Ask them to
volunteer to help. Hand them 5 books, and see how soon they get back to
you, or how many excuses they have on why they cannot handle such
expections because they too have a life! ;-)
Good luck,
Take care.
Let us know how it turns out.
Ann
On Mon, 9 Jul 2001, C Hudak wrote:
> This whole "Silent To the Bone" issue has brought to light the underlying
> difficulty for me. An adult at my school where I just completed my first
> year told me that Sr. Catherine, who was the librarian there back in the
> 1960's-70's, "read every book that came into the library." Well, as much
> as I wish I could do that, I find myself unable to even get through reading
> all the book reviews...and literature has changed so much since then also.
> I hate putting books into the library which I haven't read, especially with
> many being on the "edge" for our grades 5 and up. Also, what I like isn't
> the standard by which to chose a book either or they would all be funny
> ones! I know this is part of the professional decision making...Since the
> catholic schools do not have an "approved" list that I am aware of, it is
> all up to me...
>
> I am welcoming those opinions who have had experience with this type of
> issue...
>
> Tina
>
>
> *****************************************************
> Tina Hudak, SLMS
> St. Bernard's School K-8
> 5811 Riverdale Road
> Riverdale, MD 20737
> 301.864.3801
> tinahudak@hotmail.com
>
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