Lucy's Library Blast
August 1st, 2018
Welcome!! (This is long. Get some coffee & get comfortable)
First of all, the purpose of the Blast is to offer resources for your instruction, ideas for keeping things on an even keel, and to help you stay updated on all things library.
The West End library is a space for reading, research, creating, conversing, learning, collaborating. It is divided into three areas. One is for whole class lessons, complete with seating at tables with the option of using laptops and the Smart Board. Another is for individual soft seating to encourage students to feel welcome and comfortable. The third area is a long table for small groups. We have sections for fiction, nonfiction, biographies, graphic novels, professional, reference, quick reads (picture books), series, Playaways, and DVDs. We have two catalog computers and two desktops for quick access to the internet and printing. (We can print a few pages at a time for individual students, not whole class print job.) The library is also a good place for you to do some work, read, eat your lunch, or just get away from the madding crowd for a bit.
We can have research classes, small group and individual instruction, Maker Space, and of course, circulation, or if you just want a change of scene for your class. You may email me to reserve time in the library and I can put you on the calendar. Please always schedule ahead or call to make sure the library is available. Small groups are always welcome. You don't have to schedule those.
If you are interested in setting up a fixed schedule for bringing your class to the library for circulation, just email me and I'll add you to the calendar. Of course, I will also be available throughout the day for drop ins with the exception of PLT. The library is closed during those times. Also on the occasional lunch period (even I have to get out once in a while = mental health). Email me to schedule an orientation visit!
Collaboration is my middle name. Actually it's Jane but for your purposes, it is COLLABORATION. I will teach lessons in the library that are collaborative lessons designed to enhance what is being taught in the classroom. I will pull print resources and search for electronic resources for you. If I don't have what you need, I will find it. (Think Libguides)
I also will teach classes on library use, research skills, online competency, database use, etc. Just reach out to me to add you to the schedule.
We are starting the year with the Nashville Public Library Summer Reading Program. Students just need to hand in their paper reading log or show their online reading log to their homeroom teacher. Students who have participated will earn a very special treat. See Ms Lockert for details.
A new activity I am doing this year is the "Pop-in". This involves me stopping by your class at any time during the day (except for PLT or Inquirer Time) for a 3 - 5 minute book talk. These can be scheduled or impromptu. Just email and say that this is a good day for a pop-in and what time I should be there. If there is a particular subject you'd like me to book talk, just let me know. Book talks are the BEST way for kids to learn about new books. Also if you can't make it to the library but would like me to roll a selection of books to your class to check out, just give me a holler and we can schedule a time.
I have Ladybug projectors for checkout for the year and the remote to your overhead projector.
Maker Space
Maker Space is for use by students who have finished work early or earned extra time out of class. I supply the resources and they supply the creativity. Students must have their agenda signed with teacher permission. The cost is one Birdy Bill. We have limited space so only send ONE or TWO students at a time. The student-led activities include a 3D printer, 3D pens, circuitry, sewing and art supplies, games, Legos and a Lego column, a piano keyboard, virtual reality goggles, robots, Launchpads, and much more.
Book Club
Battle of the Books
Reading incentives and challenges work!
Scholastic Book Fair
Reading Log
The School Year Reading Log will start on Monday the 13th. Students are directed to the log (found on the library catalog site, which Internet Explorer defaults to on all school computers, and on the West End Library webpage found here: http://lucydixon7.wixsite.com/westendlibrary ). A $25 Amazon gift card is awarded monthly to the reader with the most pages read!
Library Hours & Circulation
The library is open from 8:40 - 4:10 but CLOSED for PLT. And of course, the library is available before and after school for school sponsored clubs. Please be aware that the Library may be closed during lunch time (remember the mental health?) and if I am out for PD.
Students are able to check out 4 items at a time. The only exception to this is that only one DVD and one Playaway may be checked out at a time. Books and Playaways may be checked out for two weeks and DVDs for one. Of course, unless an item is on hold, it can be renewed.
Students will use their student ID's to check out materials. Until the IDs are issued, I can look them up by student ID number or name.
I do not charge late fees but we do have replacement costs for damaged or missing books.
You may begin sending 5th grade students to the library after orientation or, if they are older students, on the first day of school.
Limitless Library
Limitless Libraries is a great resource for all staff and students. You may order materials from the Nashville Public Library and they will be delivered to the West End library. Everyone is automatically enrolled in LL. Teachers may check out up to 100 items at a time, including Book Club in a Bag. Just remember to allow about a week for items to be delivered.
All educator account numbers is their 6 digit employee number. Password is 2018. You can change it to whatever you want it to be after you log in.
Make sure your delivery location is correct. All educators will need to set your hold location to West End; it will not default to your school location
Activation is no longer required
PLEASE add your email address to your account
For students, their login is their student ID#, and their password is their birth month, month, day, day. For instance - May 27 would be 0527.
You can access Limitless Libraries by clicking on Internet Explorer. It should default to our West End library catalog. Click on the LL icon (open book) on the left. Your login is your employee ID. This is an AMAZING resource for you and your students.
Questions? Just see me and I'm happy to get you started.
Limitless Libraries offers much more on their website. Take a moment and explore.
Your Computer and iPad Carts
These are your responsibility. Please do not share with other classes. Every class should have a cart by now. Our IT guy is working to repair laptops that have not gone out yet. Here is the link to putting in help tickets: https://servicepro.mnps.org/ServicePROPortal/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2FServicePROPortal%2F This can also be found under MyMNPS on your desktop.
For issues with your iPads, contact craig.parnell@mnps.org. He is out iPad guru. He comes by the library a few times a year so let him or me know if you have any issues that would need his in-house attention. He will be here August 10th.
Please create a checkout form to use with your students. It is best to check out the same devices to the same students in each class. That keeps their information current and makes tracking down damage easier.
We had a great deal of damage done to electronics last year. Sadly, the Lenovos and Acers and (and the iPads at this point) will not be replaced if they are damaged.
Laminating
I am your go-to gal for all things lamination. If you know how to run the laminator, you're welcome to stop by any time. OR you can drop things off in the library. I will try to get your items laminated in a timely manner. I will email you when they are ready for pick up or grab a student to make a delivery.
Social Media
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @WEreads and check out the library website at: http://lucydixon7.wixsite.com/westendlibrary
I know this has been a long Blast and I also know I'm forgetting something so don't hesitate to email, call (my extension is 770321), or stop by if I can help you with anything. Don't forget to bookmark all the above links.