Why do I inventory? (Topic on LM-NET, thought I would post for OEMA at the same
time.)
1. Because my students expect that when the OPAC says the computer is in, it is.
Allows me to clean up the records of Lost/Missing items.
--One of my schools transferred from Winnebago to Alexandria. I am on my
2nd year of "ghost" books. It is confusing to me and to the students. This year
with the 2nd inventory, I will have a record of what books will need to be deleted
from the
records. It seems that when we transfered the data, that many of the weeded books
over YEARS of time were re-entered into the new system.
2. I can honestly tell parents "no, your child's book has NOT been turned in,
because we did an inventory." This is the MAJOR reason that I do it every year.
3. I can look over the reports and see where I need to weed, purchase, etc.
4. I can mark which books need re-classification (if and when I get to it--I use a
paper bookmark that sticks out the top.)
5. Let's my principal know that I KNOW when I say I need money for XXXXX that I
have made an accurate assessment through many different methods.
6. Let's me get ready for the following year, and have items in place. I do shelf
reading at the same time. Also, I borrow a handheld for the books/textbooks that
are outside of the nonfiction/fiction. I like to put a computer on a cart to
inventory so that I can see the titles and the authors. I can do SEVERAL jobs at
one time this way.
7. I am a professional, not a clerk. I am split between the teaching person and
the librarian person. As I am doing inventory, my mind is able to think on other
things, so I keep a pad of paper nearby to jot down thoughts. A clerk would only
shelf read and inventory (count) the books. A librarian is assessing the book and
the approprateness of the material.
8. Does it need to be done at the end of the year, no. But I prefer it because of
#2.
9. Is it hard and needs to shut down the library? No. Make it work for you.
10. I give my principal reports of circulation, missing books, books lost, and #
order to replace. My principals DO NOT ask for these reports, but I give them to
show that the library IS vital and functioning to meet my staff and students needs.
ONE more reason NOT to cut my position. ONE more way to make sure the library is
before the principal and showing that it is "the heart of the curriculum and
reading programs".
But, we all come from different thoughts of how and why we do things. Just because
one person sees the purpose of inventory and the other does not, is not a judgement
against one thought or the other. It just is.
JaKay Greer
Teacher-Librarian
Damascus MS & McCarty MS
website: http://damascus.gresham.k12.or.us/~greer
Gresham, OR
jakay_greer@gbsd.gresham.k12.or.us
This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended
solely for the use of the individual or entity to which they are addressed. If you
have received this message in error, please notify the original sender immediately
by
telephone or by return email and delete this message, along with any attachments,
from your computer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation.
* LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
* LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
* EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/
* LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------
LM_NET
Mailing List Home