Actually, the library should not be a "baby-sitter" for students. However,
the reality is that many schools do send groups of students to the library
during a study hall. In my school that is what happens. However, I talked
to the principal. We agreed that limiting the number of students from study
halls would allow me freedom to help those other students who come in for
quick research, etc. So... I have a limit of 16 students per study hall
period. If there are two study halls scheduled that period, that means only
8 from each.
While in the library it is to be treated as the same as if they were in the
study hall room- no talking, only working independently. Once here they may
not leave- just as in the study hall room they cannot leave. I have a slip
that the study hall teacher must fill out with the names of the students
being sent to the library- I use that to take attendance and keep for fire
drills, etc. - which is what I also explain to the students- that we need to
be able to know where they are in emergencies.
It works out OK. If I have scheduled research classes, I notify the study
hall teachers that I will not accept study hall students that day - or
periods- The past three years I also made sure to have those research days
as part of the morning school announcements.
Putting it on the morning announcements also has had a neat side effect- the
principal noted that I have been having a lot more research classes, so he
told the faculty that next year I may not be taking study hall students
every day, only if there is an overflow (for example, an especially large
number doing study hall during a specific period and not all will fit into
a classroom easily) or a need for a sub.
So- talk to your principal and see if you can come up with a workable
plan...after all, you are a paid professional and it seems a waste of money
to pay you to baby-sit. ( part of my conversation with my principal <gr>)
Also, you need to be able to help those students sent to you for research
and other help as well as do your other administrative and professional
duties ( shelf maintenance, book cataloging, etc.)
Toni Koontz
Librarian
St. Charles Preparatory School
Columbus, Ohio
akoontz@cdeducation.org
Carpe Diem
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jennie" <jennieteacher@GMAIL.COM>
To: <LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU>
Sent: Monday, September 08, 2008 3:44 AM
Subject: TAR: Study Hall time in Library?
> At my new high school they schedule "Study Hall" - a time when students
> come
> to the library to do homework, read, research or otherwise...it is usually
> otherwise. It is over-crowded and I feel like a policewoman or babysitter;
> not a facilitator for information.
>
> Is this the best way to utilize what the library/media center has to
> offer?
> I can already see students feeling trapped because they are not allowed to
> go anywhere else.
>
> Anyone know how to avoid going down this slippery slope?
>
>
> --
> Jennie Scott-McKenzie
> EY-12 Library Media Specialist
> International School of Belgrade, Serbia
> IB World School
> jennieteacher@gmail.com
> jmckenzie@isb.rs
>
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