Searching the Library OPAC

I have observed in recent times that secondary school students can easily fall into a habit of merely browsing the shelves and picking the first book that they see. They then read the book and may or may not borrow it. This is a missed opportunity to find a book that really interests them.

Recommended Reads brochures that I have created can stop this habit, but only to an extent because it lists some books. Some books cannot be included because of space or simply are overlooked. 
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I am working with one school to put a stop to this habit altogether.

All stage 4 students at the school have a fortnightly wide reading session which commenced this week. I am working on the soft skills that students need for using a school library.

I created a step by step guide for students to undertake a basic search on OLIVER. They were not even aware that the school library has an OPAC and that they can access it at home. Given their academic ability, I've had to keep it simple. Federated searches are too complex for them at this point. As part of the session, I asked students to type either a title of a book or a subject that interests them. I then guided them through reading the search results and then attempting to locate its availability and location. For some students, this helped them locate a book of interest, which they then borrowed. Some had bought in their own book and as such did not need to locate it on the shelf.

Library Brochures

I am in the process of creating a library services brochure for my current school. At this point in time, I do not wish to disclose it, but it is an interesting time to work there as their library moves forward. I will only be with them until Christmas, but will be a good opportunity to "make a mark".

Why make a brochure? I think of public libraries and how they use brochures as a tool to market their library services. School Libraries need to do the same as well. Some schools have embraced the initiative.

A new staff member for instance may find it daunting to ask the Teacher Librarian or colleague but a brochure can provide what they need to know about the library and what it can provide for them.

New students also need to know what collections and services are there. They may be unsure about how many items they can borrow and for how long.

It can be fantastic too to promote the services that they may not know e.g. scanning items to email.

This is a work in process.