[LM_NET] Book Talking in a One Copy Library

[Shonda Brisco <sbrisco@GMAIL.COM>]

I've discovered that many of my students have really missed some of
the best children's and YA literature that is currently available
because, in the past, only one copy of a really great book has been
purchased for our library (which can mean for a population of 650
students, you really never get to read the book!)

An example of this problem occurred when over 400 students needed to
read the 20 titles that were listed on our Bluebonnet nominee list
(the state's reading award) this year.  Many never had the opportunity
to read 5 titles (which was required in order to vote) because only 2
copies of each title were purchased for grades 3-6.  Even with an
early start in the year on the reading program, the books were never
available to some students.

All of this comes back to the budget (which is extremely low), but
that won't change immediately.  So.....with Spring Break coming up
next week, I feel the need to book talk some of our great titles to
interest our students in reading them.  With only one copy of some
titles even available, and 300 students (in grades 4-6) wanting to
read a book, I would need several copies (or be able to book talk
several hundred titles) in order to allow the majority of our students
a chance of even getting a book!

I have some ideas of how this might work...but I wondered if anyone
else has any solutions of how to "book talk in a one copy library"
(much like the problem of teaching technology in a one-computer
classroom).  My kids are excited about book talking and will absorb
this enthusiasm for a book like a sponge....(as I have been able to
"sell" any book that I excitedly share with an individual at the
shelf) but I don't want to disappoint 300 kids who must wait for one
title to arrive before they are able to read it too!

You can't build excitement for reading if you don't have the books
available to read....these kids need options and I need solutions.

Any ideas offered will be shared....I know there are others that need
this info too!

Thanks!

~Shonda



-- 
Shonda Brisco, MLIS
Library Media Specialist
sbrisco@gmail.com

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