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.

Assessment Tasks & Library Services

In Term 2 of 2017,  I enjoyed a session with colleagues where the focus was on improving assessment tasks. One concept that was emphasised was the need to be explicit in assessment of learning.

There are many factors to consider when organising an assessment task like outcomes, task descriptions and marking criteria.

But one thing I have observed is that assessment tasks may require people to use a list of prescribed resources or sources e.g. primary sources in history.

When I was at university, an assessment task would include recommended readings or locations to source your information.

It made me think, should a school be required as part of an assessment policy suggest some resources to aid students in locating, selecting and utilising the right resources plus available library services?

Or at the very least (and helps develop independence with research) is to guide students as to what the library collections offer e.g. Sources on Medieval Europe are located on the 930's shelves in the library.

I have also had the idea too that it should be mandated that students utilise several printed resources as a requirement for an assessment task, given the dependence by many students on just internet sites for their research. It is good to suggest one printed source, but for a challenge, make it three sources.

It is something I would like to do in a full time appointment, work with Teachers and heads of Department to inform students of library services for the assessment task of available resources and support services.

Fees for lost and/or damaged library books

On the OZTL_NET forums this week, I have posted a survey on how school libraries charge fees for lost and/or damaged library books.

I have decided to review the process at my current school and want to examine how other schools may manage it.

Fifty Responses have been received so far:

45 % bill students the replacement fee as listed in the library management system.
35 % are billed through school fees and/or the school accounts department.

The remaining 20 % may ask students to provide a replacement, use a mix of provided options or the library would write off the costs.

What interested me (I have not come across it personally in schools that I have worked for) was that around 75% of respondents charge a processing fee on top of the lost item. Written responses tend to indicate a cost of $5.00. One has indicated 10% of the cost of the item.

I can understand why as well. Consider:

• The time spent by library staff ordering and cataloging the item.
• Delivery costs associated with Book Orders especially if it is for one book.
• Cost of buying a replacement may be higher due to inflation and availability.
• Tight Library Budgets

But there are limitations:

• Public Schools may not be allowed to charge additional levies/surcharges as schools are to be "not for profit" organisations.
• Socio economic factors. Can the student pay the replacement cost.

Thankyou to those who have responded. If you have not yet participated, please feel free to do so:

https://goo.gl/forms/NqdR3hM6JkgZYGF32

Special Needs Library Programs

This term has introduced me to library programs for Special Needs students which I have actually enjoyed more than standard library lessons.

It allows me to open up and relax a little and show that passion for reading!!!

And the time is so relaxing for them too. In fact its my number one priority because I have seen them participate actively and also become more settled.

Some people might think these classes are a burden, but they are not at all.

I have been lucky to be guided in how to organise the sessions in a casual/temporary capacity as there has been a well established routine that I (and them) would like to maintain.

There is a bit of work involved in planning, but if you approach it with gusto like you do in your day to day role, you wont have a problem. Embrace it, because I think its one of the great ways you can show off your passion for reading and libraries.

The students will certainly get involved and will want to read.

But if you need somewhere to start, this document by Toronto Public Library would be a good start as it has some great guidelines but also outlines of how you can organise a library session with your special needs students.

Self-Service Printing

Last year, I mentioned about getting a self-service printing and photocopying service while the Teacher Librarian (Acting) at Georges River College -Hurstville Boys' Campus with the focus on establishing learning habits.

What amazes me from reading various Teacher Librarian messageboards and from what I've seen at some schools is how some prefer that it would be preferable for students to see the library staff in their staffroom and do their printing there, whether or not they are charged for it.

My first concern is students being present in a staff area. Staff require their own workspaces to undertake their work, even library staff. It can be intrusive if a group of students are in there. If seeing a student, I aim to consult them on the floor of the library, where I can also supervise students. If the matter is more private, then I would only see one student at a time. Boundaries need to be maintained.

Some students just rush and sit at staff computers and desks and this then becomes a discipline matter as some think that they have entitlement to the facilities reserved for staff. I would remove a student from the library in that instance.

My second concern is that library resources or personal items can go missing. Someone might be there on the premise of "printing" but might want to help themselves to something that is not theirs

My biggest concern though is on productivity and provision of library services. If I am sitting at a desk printing work, then a student who needs to locate a book or seek assistance with an assignment, would have to wait. Also I would be unable to supervise students. If there was self-service printing, I can still assist with printing, but that would be on the main floor of the library and still can maintain an active presence.  If in classtime, I would then have to stop doing whatever task needs to be done.

I am an advocate for schools using self-service printing for the following:

• Allows library staff to be more productive in their work - We can attend to more complex matters or provide direct assistance in providing library resources.
• Keeps students out of staff areas. 
• Independent learning habits - Students assume responsibility for their learning especially in the process of publishing their information and adhering to deadlines. 
• Printing is a quicker process - A photocopier can process jobs with ease e.g. jobs are in a queue. Students just need to login to a computer available
• Less wastage of paper and resources. 
• Additional services e.g. scanning

While there is a financial cost in acquiring the photocopier and upkeep, it can pay for itself through charges for printing and photocopying. Through systems such as Papercut, printing can be monitored and linked to student accounts.Students can purchase credit for use and can be topped up.   Yes there is some administration involved in collecting funds, recording it on the system and paying fees for the software but the benefits outweigh it.

Library and Information Week (May 19-25)

This week is Library and Information week (May 19-25).

What is objective of the week? In simple terms, it is to promote the work of those involved in the information services profession but also for libraries to promote their services to the wider community

Find out more about what is happening click here.

GoodReads & Library Services

I applaud any school that has a Facebook page to promote their library and their services because it shows that you are engaging with your target group or demographic i.e. students and staff of the school and using the tools that they enjoy for viewing or sharing information. As this article  points out you can share photos, news and bring your clients together.

What about GoodReads? I've had the chance to create a group for the MLC School library during the past term as a means of promoting library services but to go a step further and provide an outlet for discussion of literature amongst the students.

I've included a screenshot of what our group page looks like if you want to remain here and not open another tab. 

It is only in its early days, but the teacher librarians act as the moderators. The "rules" feature allows you to create rules relating to use of the page. Generally we decided that school expectations would apply e.g. student code of conduct and IT use policy. Also we restricted it to students and staff with a school email address as to avoid outsiders from joining the group.

I've invited students during our Drop Everything And Read sessions to join the group in addition to signing up as a member. The response has been good and students have enjoyed it so far. Very straightforward and takes just minutes to do.

I started some discussion threads which actually gives GoodReads an advantage over Facebook because the information can be organised into individual feeds and the student or staff member can go a discussion or feed that suits them.

Like Facebook, photos can be posted to create a gallery.

The page itself can be used to promote books in the library collection. Featured Books can be added to the Books list. You can find out what students had thought of it and in our discussion threads, we can add the cover of the book to help promote it.

Another great feature is the poll feature. I've included one such poll below. You can also comment.

I had a motive for putting that poll up, because I had read that some schools were getting rid of their print collections from their libraries. The poll affirms my view that print is still in vogue amongst the students and will be for some time to come. What lesson does this have for me or a school if this question pops up, consult them. If a library is to be popular and successful it has to listen to its clients. If they want print items, we are then obliged to provide them. Otherwise they will not come and make use of our services.