[LM_NET] Target: 2 libraries, 1 building

[Stephanie Hodkinson <shodkins@WPCSD.ORG>]

Due mainly to declining enrollment, our district will be merging the Intermediate 
(grades 4-5) and Middle (grades 6-8) Schools for next fall. Neither library is big 
enough to house both collections, so until the renovation project is complete 
(maybe 2012?), I'll be traveling between libraries, working a flexible schedule 
with all grades.  It's not too bad, since the total student population will be 
under 600, and the two buildings are attached; it will only take about 90 seconds 
to run between libraries.  On the other hand, I'd like to minimize the running, so 
I'm trying to think of a way to merge the collections now, in a useful, user 
friendly way. 

I'm thinking of merging all the non-fiction and reference and shelving it in my 
current MS library, which has a 22-computer lab, and calling it The Research 
Center.  Then I'd take all the fiction and shelve it in the current Intermediate 
library, calling it The Reading Room (or something similar).  When I schedule 
classes, we would be either in the Reading Room or Research Center, depending on 
our objective for that class.  The other room will be staffed by an aide, and still 
available for use.  One obvious problem is that I'd be excluding those who choose 
non-fiction for pleasure reading in the Reading Room, but I think I can manage that 
by keeping a small non-fiction group there.  Can you spot other problems that I'm 
not seeing?  Has anyone tried this, with either success or failure?  Any other 
advice for running two libraries in the same building?

Thanks so much!

Stephanie Hodkinson, Librarian
Whitney Point Middle School
Whitney Point, NY
shodkins@wpcsd.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------
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://lm-net.info/
 * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
 * LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------------