I think the procedure should depend on the guidelines set by the school
librarian (No one knows all of our hidden duties. We all know that we "just sit
around and stamp books.") or the library advisory committee. The guidelines
should consider the needs of the student population. My situation is as
follows: Our middle school has approximately 680 students, 41% of which receive
special education services, 97% low-income, at-risk, and less than 10%
enrolled in the gifted and talented program. More than half of the students are
below grade level. They come to me from the elementary schools with very little
information literacy skills. I have no clerk.
For book check-out our 8th graders come on their own, in small groups, or
as whole classes. When they come as whole classes, the teacher must remain
with the class. That way, off-task behavior is the responsibility of the
teacher and students. Sometimes the classes prefer to remain in the library to
read silently, share (not so silently), and do more browsing after they have
checked out books. They prefer the sofa, soft chairs, and tables in the
library to their classroom desks. Since at my campus, collaboration is a low
priority for the teachers, I welcome students staying in the library, even if IS
just to read until the bell sounds. As long as the behavior is appropriate,
the classes can remain. The teachers understand that if the students get
off-task the class is asked to return to their classroom. As long as the
students are guided by their classroom teacher , I can continue to complete my
work.
It would be interesting to read what works for others. Please post replies.
Thanks!
Velda Hunter
Librarian
Ryan MS
2610 Elgin, Houston ISD
_vhunter1@houstonisd.org_ (mailto:vhunter1@houstonisd.org)
veldah6@aol.com
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