MLK Library Policies

CALL THE LIBRARY: 3033 (Teacher Librarian’s desk)

Here are a few guidelines and tips for making the best use of the library and its resources:

LIBRARY USE: Teachers can check out an unlimited number of books and videos (though please remember to return them)! I can also put together a cart of books on a particular topic (volcanoes, World War I, science projects) for your class to use in your classroom.

I am also happy to assist you with any research, grant writing, or other projects you may have, and with computers and software to the best of my ability.

LIBRARY SECURITY: The library is open most of the day, but may be locked during lunch or if I am away for a meeting. If you need to use the computers and someone lets you in, PLEASE make sure the door is closed and locked when you leave. In the past I have returned to find the door unlocked and students unsupervised in the library, a dangerous situation. Thank you for your help with this.

LIBRARY SIGN-UP: The sign-up sheet is on the Teacher Librarian’s desk. Please talk to me when you sign up so that we can plan for the visit. Be sure to note the purpose of the visit and/or the topic to be researched on the library sign-up sheet (just a few words is fine -- "check out books" or "research earthquakes," for example. Teachers are always expected to accompany their classes to the library.

If you’re bringing students to check out books, please have students enter the library and immediately sit at the round tables, so that I can go over library rules, announce any new clubs or events, and share new books with them (booktalks).

If you’re doing research or an assignment on the computers, let’s talk about how I can help. I can create lists of good Web sites that students can access from the library’s home page. I can also offer brief lessons on evaluating information, using databases, finding books, Internet searching, citing sources, using PowerPoint, etc. that tie in to your curriculum. In addition, I can help you plan major research projects that incorporate library skills – for example, I can design a Webquest that guides students through the project.

The library and library lab are intended to be used for strengthening research skills and promoting literacy, so research projects and book check out take priority over other uses of the library. Please do not book the library in order to give your students free time on the computers, for example, and if at all possible find other places to hold staff meetings during class time. This way, we leave the library open for student learning.

If you need to cancel your library time, please be considerate of your colleagues and do so as soon as possible so that they may sign up instead.

SENDING STUDENTS DURING CLASS TIME: I am happy to accommodate individual students or small groups of students (up to about 4) during class time, as long as they do not interrupt classes I may be teaching. If I can’t accommodate them – for example, they need a computer and all computers are in use – or if they are not behaving well, I will send them back to class.

If you plan to send small groups of students all day, please check with me first to see what the library schedule looks like for that day.

Please send students with a purpose – NOT for free time, except by prior arrangement with me. For example, they may come in to sit and read, to finish a test (though I cannot promise to monitor test takers), to type or research on the computer, to check out a book and take it back to class, etc.

Students MUST have passes to the library during class time. You may put several names on one pass. Please write “library” and indicate the purpose of their library visit (research the Civil War, check out a book and return to class. . ..) on the pass.

Available Technology

MOBILE LAB: We have a cart with 20 Mac laptops and a wireless Internet router. Sign up in the same binder where you book the other computer labs. Please come to get the cart in the morning of the first day you are using it, and return it on Friday or when you are finished so that it can be locked up in the library dark room.

TVs/VCRS: Five TVs with VCR/DVD players are available. Book them for the day by signing up in the binder in the Xerox room. Please return them at the end of the day, unless you are signed up for the same TV the next day. Be sure you take the correct TV – the one you signed up for (they are numbered 1-5). If your TV is not in the Xerox room, please check the binder to see who had it the day before, as they probably forgot to return it.

Please do not send students to the Teacher Librarian during class time to get a TV/VCR. I will probably be teaching a class or supervising students in the library, and students coming in to ask for TVs can be disruptive. It is best if you get the TV yourself at the beginning of the day.

VIDEOS: The library has a small video collection next to my desk. Please have me check them out from me when you borrow them. Unfortunately, we do not have any DVDs available at the moment.

STREAMING VIDEO: We have access to a wonderful collection of educational video (Discovery Channel, etc.) through United Streaming. Go to unitedstreaming.com and get a password from me to sign up for your account. I can also help you sign up. You can “stream” videos or download them to your computer, then show them using a computer and projector. I can also “burn” DVDs for you to play in a regular DVD player -- this is allowed by the site as long as the DVD is for one teacher's classroom use and is not added to the library collection.

DVD BURNER: If you want to make your own CDs or DVDs for use in class, you can borrow the DVD burner from me.

LCD PROJECTORS: Sign one out from me at the beginning of the year. First come, first served.

OVERHEAD PROJECTORS: Same as above. If you need new bulbs, please ask Nancy or Maria to order them, and be sure to provide them with the bulb number.

SCHOOL WIFI: If you get a signal but need the password, see me.

EASY GRADE PRO: We have a site license for this grading software. Borrow it from Ms. Doyle (or I can help you install it on your computer). Mr. Moore is an expert if you need help using it! I can help you put your grades online, too. Students have a password and they or their parents can log in to see what work they are missing. It is also compatible with School Loop.

ACCELERATED READER: Students can read books then take computerized quizzes. Students get points for each quiz passed. We have about 1,000 quizzes, so students must select books from a fairly limited list. If you are interested, I can enter your class lists so that students can use this program.

The library is open to students before and after school on most days. There is a schedule in the library window and at the front door of the school (we are closed on mornings when there are faculty meetings, etc.).

Mornings: Students line up at the front door. Ms. Doyle will take them upstairs at 8:30. Students are not to come to the library before 8:30. After 8:30, they may come to the library only if escorted by a staff member, so please don’t open the door for students unless you want to bring them up to the library personally and tell me that you have done so.

Lunch: The library is open only for occasional book club meetings. The librarian needs a break!

Afternoon: The library is open from 3:30 until 4. Students may come in to study, use the computers, check out books, etc.

Questions? Please come and talk to me!