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I, too, have a large space that invites loud voices and running.  I really don't 
have too many problems though after 9 years in this space.  First let me say our 
program is flexible and I don't provide any planning time for teachers, however I 
don't have an assistant and very few volunteers.  Many times it's just me with 
students here to check out books.  I use my proximity most of the time to help 
student keep their own self-control.  I know which classes are most rowdy.  When 
they are in the library I make sure I am "shelving" and close to them circulating 
among the students.  When I look up and see 8 students from different grades and 
classes browsing, but getting louder and louder I move to their area, talk with 
them about books or something to keep them on task.
   
  That said, I have set the expectation of quiet, inside behavior.  I meet classes 
at the entrance and direct our beginning activity BEFORE they have a chance to ramp 
up.  I have "note days" sometimes when the school energy just gets too high (10 
days in a row of inside recess.)  I put up a sign and it's Note Day in the Library. 
 There is no speaking.  Have a question?  Write it down, and I will write the 
answer.
   
  An on going plan to keep students from behaving too roughly has developed an 
attitude of respect that keeps most students from too much excess.  Just yesterday 
I really got onto 3 boys though who got bored waiting in line I guess.  Our network 
went down so I had to check out with paper and pencil.  These 3 fifth grade boys 
just couldn't contain themselves and started a shouting, slapping match only two 
feet away from me.  I jumped to my feet, used my best Library Dragon voice (it is 
loud) and shamed them for such ridiculous behavior.  They stopped, apologized and 
quietly finished checking out books.

Anne Timbs <timbsa@K12TN.NET> wrote:
  I'm in a PreK-6 school and I have a problem with the noise level in my library. 
Don't get me wrong. I'm not one of those shushing librarians who won't let anyone 
talk. I don't have a problem with people talking in the library, but my students 
don't know the limits. They get extremely noisy and go as far as yelling at their 
friends across the room. My library is very well-lit and has high ceilings. It is a 
large room and they tend to run from one end to the other even though I've 
strategically placed furniture so they can't move in a straight line. When I have 
classes I put out magazines and use whisper phones. I use incentives and discipline 
to get them to be quiet, but I'm at my wits end. They talk in very loud voices so 
that those trying to read can't. I've even considered purchasing a Yacker Tracker. 
Does anyone out there have one?
I would appreciate any suggestions. Help!

Anne M. Timbs
Library Media Specialist
Roan Creek Elementary
Mountain City, TN
timbsa@k12tn.net

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        Lisa Hunt
  School Library Media Specialist
  National Board Certified Teacher
  Moore, OK





                
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