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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 -------------------------------------------------------------------- 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/ --------------------------------------------------------------------