I am sad, and some what upset, thinking about a high school library that
wants to slim down. I would KILL (and it's come close!) for additional
staff our library. We are a high school of about 1600 students - 1 SLMS, 1
Teaching Assistant and 1 Secretary. We have 32 PC workstations, about
19000 bound materials, 60 periodicals, and several databases. Our
circulation has risen since I started here, and is up around 8000, with
many more resources used in house. With our five blocks, I teach anywhere
between 0-10 classes a day, with an average of 5 or 6.
As for reference materials - encyclopedias, almanacs, atlases and every
other book in the reference area - we use them consistenly every day.
I also use inter-library loan almost every day. We do not have all the
print sources we need - I actually borrow some from other libraries.
This year I have had entire grade levels come down to check out a book to
read for 'pleasure.' AMAZING! I have seniors working on a comprehensive
project for graduation who spend MONTHS collecting and analyzing
information. Some do work at the public library, but we have a huge number
who use our facility. In addition to classes, we see about 300 students a
day from study halls and lunches.
I publish a monthly newsletter that focuses on resources and ways to
collaborate. I put out a new materials list when appropriate. I send
resource ideas to teachers on a regular basis when I come across some good
stuff.
This year I hauled in couches and chairs for reading - the number of
readers I see on a daily basis has skyrocketed.
My SLMS colleague at our district's other high school and I are working
together to create some video tutorials on using our resources and other
videos on skills like searching.
I don't ever see a reason for teacher to be without reason to use the
library. Many teachers use us for their personal reading, some for
professional reading. MOST use us for materials in their classes. Even if
teachers cannot bring their classes to use, I often go teach in their
classroom (another reason for more staff in the library). There is no
reason for a schedule to get in the way of getting resources to students.
If I do not physically see the teachers or students, I still reach them
with my publications, book groups, e-mails, and chatting in the lunch line.
Why do we need libraries? Some one (ME) has to keep the pot boiling on the
burner. When students are assigned a research project, or if they have an
authentic question they want answered, how cool is it that I am in the
building with them. How about the teacher that doesn't understand that
research has steps? I can collaborate with him or her. How about the
principal that needs research about behavior management or block
scheduling? I'm there. How about a teacher who wants to read the newest
science fiction? Just ask me. What about the student who wants to know if
members of congress have children of voting age? We looked it up. The
list goes on and on!!!!
Okay, there's my response. I hope I am not alone.
Erin
Erin Ells
School Library Media Specialist
Schroeder High School
875 Ridge Road
Webster, NY 14580
(585) 670-5006
erin_ells@websterschools.org
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