Hello Everyone!
In late October, I posted a TARGET asking you all to draw from your
beginning experiences as an LMS, and make a list of "If I Only Knew Then
What I Know Now" tips to make my own beginning experience a bit less hectic.
I received a wealth of very useful information and appreciate all of it. I'm
sorry it has taken me so long to post the HITS, but I have finally compiled
the list of hints in hopes that they may help other "newbies" like myself!
Thanks once again your time and generosity!
Betsy Korb
Teacher, but soon to be LMS
J. E. J. Moore Middle School
11455 Prince George Dr.
Disputanta, VA 23842
An Abbreviated List of Tips
1. Create a LMC informational notebook for each faculty member to be
collected at the end of the year.
2. You never finish anything! Learn to let go of the "little" things.
3. Ask permission to "shadow" another librarian in your district for a day.
4. Learn the 3 essentials of your library automation system: circulation,
reports, OPAC
5. Make friends with the school secretary.
6. Get copies and become familiar with the core and elective curriculms.
7. Maintain your LM_NET listserv and read it faithfully, but not at school.
8. Read some of Harry Wong's books on classroom management.
9. Helpful link: http://www.aliceinfo.org/YSGUIDES.html
10. Read, Read, Read! Offer booktalks on every subject and grade.
11. Prioritize tasks and go home at a reasonable hour.
12. Keep a list of things teachers ask for, and solicit teacher suggestions.
13. If asked for something in the collection, deliver it ASAP.
14. Get to know your faculty and students.
15. Put helpful and interesting articles in teachers' boxes.
16. Have bookmarks ready at the desk.
17. Publish a list of new books as soon as they are processed.
18. Wear interesting jewelry.
19. Relax and enjoy the students.
20. Ask for help and find a mentor.
21. Use the first year for experience. Keep track of what works, and make
changes the 2nd year.
22. Get to know your collection.
23. Decide what skills you will teach and prepare early.
24. Turn lessons into games.
25. Promote your program.
26. Welcome volunteers.
27. Become familiar with budget procedures and timetables.
28. Meet with the principal and find out his/her goals for the media
program.
29. Make friends with the custodians.
30. Plan and rehearse your orientation lesson. Allow at least 10 min. for
browsing/check out.
31. Learn how to use any equipment you are responsible for.
32. Don't skip lunch. Eat with various faculty to get to know them.
33. Keep a work log of what you do every day.
34. Don't cook the first week of school. You will be too pooped!
35. Keep a teacher interaction log.
36. Develop a good relationship with your clerk, and ask for her help.
37. Always have your plans ready to go.then have Plan B.
38. Ask students for suggestions when ordering new books.
39. Have lots of contests and prizes.
40. Treat your patrons as customers.
41. Don't weed the first year.
42. Check the LM_NET Archives for tips.
43. Be open for the students.
44. Buy comics! The kids love them!
45. Begin collaborating with interested teachers, a few at a time.
46. Be flexible!
47. The patrons come first so keep a list of other tasks to do at your desk.
Original Posting:
Date: Sat, 23 Oct 2004 18:48:42 -0400
From: Betsy <b.korb@VERIZON.NET>
Subject: TARGET: Tips for a Beginning LMS
Hello!
My name is Betsy Korb, and I am a graduate student in the =
Library Information Services program at Longwood University. In 2005, I =
will be starting a new career as a Library Media Specialist in a middle =
school. I know experience is the best teacher, but I would love to tap =
your knowledge and experience! Would you make me a list of: "If I Only =
Knew Then What I Know Now" tips? I could really use some valuable =
advice to get me started and make me less nervous. I will post them as =
a HIT for anyone out there like me! Thank-you in advance for all of =
your help and support!
Betsy Korb
Teacher, but soon to be LMS
J. E. J. Moore Middle School=20
11455 Prince George Dr.
Disputanta, VA 23842
b.korb@verizon.net
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