Does anyone else feel like we took off this year at a run and the pace has not slowed down yet? If only we were more like the little “EverReady Bunny”!
Fitting it all in, Keeping a balance…
With the Accelerated Reader program dominating the landscape of our Library, it has forced the issue of how we apportion the resource of time and services in our LMC.
On the upside, students are not coming in groups of 20 or 37 to check out ‘A’ book. They are coming, sometimes several times a week to checkout ‘THE’ book. Choosing books at their ‘just right’ reading level and reading frequently will definately help them to grow as readers and we all agree that is one of the best services a library can offer.
On the downside, finding ‘THE’ book is a little more involved than just finding ‘A’ book. Increased circulation means getting all the books back onto the shelves quickly and in their proper location so they can be easily located. With limited staffing, and intermittant volunteer service, how can we best manage to help our staff and administrators understand the physical time involved during the school day to keep it all flowing. After 40 second graders in 50 minutes and upper grade recess, this place needs a makeover every day. We have a few teachers that want to send most of their students every day for new books and to take quizzes all day long without a courtesy call. The complaint goes straight to the top when it just isn’t possible because every class needs access to the library resources of materials and service. We are working harder than ever, but the perception is we are unwelcoming. Hard to be so popular.
So ladies, not just a complaint forum, although articulating our concerns is a way to develop workable solutions… How about some Holy Cow ideas about striking a balance and delivering exceptional customer service. Please help me to create a success story…
Sometimes at the beginning of the year when we have so many responsibilities in our libraries, checking out textbooks, getting to know new students and teachers, getting our bulletin boards and shelves looking welcoming, etc. I wonder why I’m here. It seems like I’m never able to complete a project before a new one is on my plate. I sometimes feel frustrated and overwhelmed. However it seems like whenever I am just about ready to “throw in the towel,” something happens that reminds me of why I’m here. The other day I had a parent come in and hand me a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers. I have been trying for over a year to find just the right series of books that her daughter (a reluctant reader) would be able to read and also enjoy. I did it!! The student couldn’t wait to read the next book in the series and we’ve since found several other books that she is looking forward to reading. The parent and I were both in tears and had a nice hug. I know the district reports, the purchase orders, the Book Fair details, etc. are all important, but what happened the other day reminded me of the real reason I love what I do. I get to turn kids on to reading and books. What a joy and a privilege!
Well I agree with Georgie but have yet to see any bunnies in the library. And I also agree with Leisa when it comes to making everyone happy with me and the services I offer in the library. I finally found that I will NEVER make everyone happy that I can try and if I don’t it is not because I didn’t try to. My biggest problem right now is before and after school when the parents are in here with their kids to AR test. They are loud, disrespectful and let their younger kids run wild throughout and I don’t know what to do to make them understand that this affects the kids that are testing and makes them unable to concentrate and that sometimes it is their kids that are the ones testing. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Here at Mountain View we were able to get off to a good start.
The first week we concentrated on textbook check out-quite an accomplishment since we had students coming and going.
The second week we were able to STAR test all of second thru sixth grade to update students as to their reading range.
The third week was orientation week, it seems we couldn’t get books in students hands quick enough! Oh well next year we will switch the order of week two and three.
We are now on our set schedules and my carts are overflowing with books to put away, thankfully our Library Media Monitors are now coming in to assist in
making the Library a pleasant place to come.
We hit the floor running this year already. With 300 less kids here at Dry Creek, I thought we would just be briskly walking! Keeping an eye out for our student readers is a tough job. One for instance is a fourth grader who was struggling and was just going too fast and trying to keep up with the other kids and therefore wasn’t retaining or shall I say “enjoying” the stories she was reading. She was just worried about having to go to “lunch detention” to get her AR points. So I slowed her down and we enjoyed many stories together and now she’s off and running! AR puts alot of pressure on kids from teachers and parents. I just remind students and parents they should slow down and enjoy the adventure in every book!
Georgi said
Does anyone else feel like we took off this year at a run and the pace has not slowed down yet? If only we were more like the little “EverReady Bunny”!
leisadonley said
Fitting it all in, Keeping a balance…
With the Accelerated Reader program dominating the landscape of our Library, it has forced the issue of how we apportion the resource of time and services in our LMC.
On the upside, students are not coming in groups of 20 or 37 to check out ‘A’ book. They are coming, sometimes several times a week to checkout ‘THE’ book. Choosing books at their ‘just right’ reading level and reading frequently will definately help them to grow as readers and we all agree that is one of the best services a library can offer.
On the downside, finding ‘THE’ book is a little more involved than just finding ‘A’ book. Increased circulation means getting all the books back onto the shelves quickly and in their proper location so they can be easily located. With limited staffing, and intermittant volunteer service, how can we best manage to help our staff and administrators understand the physical time involved during the school day to keep it all flowing. After 40 second graders in 50 minutes and upper grade recess, this place needs a makeover every day. We have a few teachers that want to send most of their students every day for new books and to take quizzes all day long without a courtesy call. The complaint goes straight to the top when it just isn’t possible because every class needs access to the library resources of materials and service. We are working harder than ever, but the perception is we are unwelcoming. Hard to be so popular.
So ladies, not just a complaint forum, although articulating our concerns is a way to develop workable solutions… How about some Holy Cow ideas about striking a balance and delivering exceptional customer service. Please help me to create a success story…
Sue DeFranco said
Sometimes at the beginning of the year when we have so many responsibilities in our libraries, checking out textbooks, getting to know new students and teachers, getting our bulletin boards and shelves looking welcoming, etc. I wonder why I’m here. It seems like I’m never able to complete a project before a new one is on my plate. I sometimes feel frustrated and overwhelmed. However it seems like whenever I am just about ready to “throw in the towel,” something happens that reminds me of why I’m here. The other day I had a parent come in and hand me a beautiful bouquet of sunflowers. I have been trying for over a year to find just the right series of books that her daughter (a reluctant reader) would be able to read and also enjoy. I did it!! The student couldn’t wait to read the next book in the series and we’ve since found several other books that she is looking forward to reading. The parent and I were both in tears and had a nice hug. I know the district reports, the purchase orders, the Book Fair details, etc. are all important, but what happened the other day reminded me of the real reason I love what I do. I get to turn kids on to reading and books. What a joy and a privilege!
Stephanie Pizana said
Well I agree with Georgie but have yet to see any bunnies in the library. And I also agree with Leisa when it comes to making everyone happy with me and the services I offer in the library. I finally found that I will NEVER make everyone happy that I can try and if I don’t it is not because I didn’t try to. My biggest problem right now is before and after school when the parents are in here with their kids to AR test. They are loud, disrespectful and let their younger kids run wild throughout and I don’t know what to do to make them understand that this affects the kids that are testing and makes them unable to concentrate and that sometimes it is their kids that are the ones testing. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
ET said
Here at Mountain View we were able to get off to a good start.
The first week we concentrated on textbook check out-quite an accomplishment since we had students coming and going.
The second week we were able to STAR test all of second thru sixth grade to update students as to their reading range.
The third week was orientation week, it seems we couldn’t get books in students hands quick enough! Oh well next year we will switch the order of week two and three.
We are now on our set schedules and my carts are overflowing with books to put away, thankfully our Library Media Monitors are now coming in to assist in
making the Library a pleasant place to come.
Marian the Librarian said
We hit the floor running this year already. With 300 less kids here at Dry Creek, I thought we would just be briskly walking! Keeping an eye out for our student readers is a tough job. One for instance is a fourth grader who was struggling and was just going too fast and trying to keep up with the other kids and therefore wasn’t retaining or shall I say “enjoying” the stories she was reading. She was just worried about having to go to “lunch detention” to get her AR points. So I slowed her down and we enjoyed many stories together and now she’s off and running! AR puts alot of pressure on kids from teachers and parents. I just remind students and parents they should slow down and enjoy the adventure in every book!