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Okay, I'm now middle school, but I can tell you that after 19 years in the 
elementary, I was only able to checkout on day 1 one time with a computer system. 
The computers were never correct with student names. I would end up writing down 
1/3 to 1/2 the students. That wasn't as big a problem as what came next....they all 
wanted to return them and get new ones before I'd typed in all those handwritten 
records. Sometimes I pity my assistants. They were all very sweet and willing to 
let me "own that problem." We did it. The teachers loved it. The students loved it. 
The parents loved it. The administration told me to wait next time because I kept 
putting such pressure on them to get the records loaded.

I am passionate about being involved with the students from day one. Maybe that's 
circulating, booktalking, teaching, or just morale-building. This year I was 
visible in the hallways. I slipped in and out of classrooms to say "Hello." Since 
we begin with only a half day with a break for brunch, the principals suggest our 
students don't leave the classrooms the first day. Even with that, I saw 6 classes 
come tour and I was able to give the inspirational speeches about it being THEIR 
library plus share some of my quick picks. I also was called upon to help with 
textbooks the last hour of that half day and met nearly all the 6th graders that 
way. Then when they came to the library, I was able to connect names and faces 
again. They feel we have a special bond. 

We waited until the second day to check out, but don't tell my district 
administration. They were having trouble getting records loaded from one school to 
another so advised us to wait. I had seen the teachers' printouts of student 
barcodes for textbooks and realized they'd work just fine for library checkout. 
Yes, the students weren't listed as from my school, but I made sure they knew I was 
willing to take the extra steps to go find their records at previous schools just 
so they couild check out. It helped the faculty for every student to have a book to 
read during Advisory period. 

We have had several lessons and are planning more. In the midst of the chaos of 
moving into that building, we still managed to circulate over 2,000 items in the 
first two weeks for our middle school. This is great considering last year's total 
was just under 7,000. Begin as you intend to continue? Is that the phrase? I began 
this year letting everyone know they were welcome and EXPECTED to be active in the 
library. Students responded and they feel more ownership. 

Why wait? You can simply scale back so you don't see as many classes the first 
week, but still let everyone know circulating books is important to you. 

--
Diane R. Chen, Library Information Specialist 
John F Kennedy Middle School 
2087 Hobson Pike 
Antioch, TN 37013 
Personal Email: dianerchen@comcast.net 
Blog: "Practically Paradise" at www.slj.com 
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/practicallyparadise

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