SURVEY: Teachers checking out Reference books

[Jan Birney <stmark6614@YAHOO.COM>]

I am a new middle school Library Media Specialist and
I would like all of your opinions about teachers
checking out books from the Reference section. Our
Reference books don't circulate, of course, but I have
had several teachers ask if they could take out a
volume of an encyclopedia for a few days, or check out
one of the Art reference books overnight. I hate to
say no, but on the other hand, I know from experience
that many times a well-intentioned individual will
inadvertently forget to return the book or misplace it
somewhere and I am loathe to lose parts of our
valuable resources. On the other hand, I understand
that teachers have limited time to use the resources
in the library and I should be providing a
service--access to our library's collection.
What is your policy on circulating Reference materials
among the faculty and staff?  So far I have caved in
and allowed one or two teachers to check out a volume
for 24 hours--I feel like the book gestapo when I act
reluctant!
Thanks for your input.
Jan Birney

=====
Jan Birney, Library Media Specialist
Jockey Hollow Middle School
Monroe, Connecticut 06468
stmark6614@yahoo.com

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