Educating Principals...

[Mary Ludwick <ludwick@SWBELL.NET>]

I agree with Barbara that we should not have to do this, but the reality is
that  no one else does (educate about our position) so we must do it.  I
think subtle ways work.
I have a flex schedule.  At the end of each month I write a letter to my
principal (it is very informal) and let her know what has happened in the
library.  Consequently a few years ago she came to my defense when 3-4 went
to her and wanted me back in the rotation (providing preparation time).
Thanks to another librarian, I have devised a way to report how many
children came into the library alone. ..This is an attempt to make her aware
that I have a constant stream of children exchanging books.
          On my desk I have a schedule form upon which teachers can schedule
lessons with me, circulation times etc.  On the back of this page I make a
notation if I pull materials for a teacher.  This gives me the data for my
report.
        I have taped a 4 x6 card to the circulation computer.  When students
come WITHOUT the class, I make a tally mark.  Now, at the end of the month I
have a count of how many students came alone to exchange books.
         I include a paragraph or two telling the principal that I spent
some hours cataloging, or preparing books for circulation or writing orders.
This lets her know I am not reading the comics all day long......
         It is reported to me that I replaced someone who had "books stacked
everywhere" and seldom did reshelving.   Whether this is fact or fiction I
don't know but I try to never have more than 2 carts awaiting shelving.
          No one told us EVERYTHING about our job.  I am sure this is true
for principals.  It is up to us to make them aware, IMHO.



Mary Ludwick, Librarian         K-5 Elementary
Owen Elementary, The Colony, Texas (near Dallas)
ludwickm@lisd.net  (school address)
ludwick@swbell.net (home address)
Little known fact: "Don't Mess With Texas" is an
anti-litter campaign slogan.

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