Lucy's Library Blast
August 7, 2017
Welcome!! (This is long. Get some coffee & get comfortable)
The 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, laptops, and 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. No food or drinks are allowed in the library. If students do not act respectfully of the new, comfy seating or try to move furniture, they will be asked to return to class. 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. We can print a few pages at a time for students but not for entire class handouts.
We can have research classes, small group and individual instruction, Maker Space, and of course, circulation, or if you just want a change of scenery 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.
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 and Inquirer Time. The library is closed during those times. Also on the occasional lunch period.
I can teach lessons in the library that are collaborative lessons designed to enhance what is being taught in the classroom. I will pull resources for you. I will also be happy to give lessons on library orientation, research techniques, banned books, etc. Just email me. I am all about collaboration and if I don't have what you need, I will find it.
There are a number of reading incentives during the year. Most of these are done along with the Nashville Public Library system. We are starting the year with the West End Summer Reading Program. The deadline for students logging their books has been extended to Friday, the 11th at 4:00. I feel that there are students who have not had access to computers this summer or have lost the log in info. Here is a quick link to the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfocErspokfiHRX9emCJ3ssR6oabACUJhm4zSDMM3jNu4ujUA/viewform?c=0&w=1
We also will transfer over to the School Year Reading Log starting on Monday the 14th. 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. Every semester one student who has entered the log at least once may win a Kindle Fire.
Contact me to schedule library orientation for your class!!
Things on the schedule for this year:
Maker Space
Book Club
Battle of the Books
More Things on the Schedule:
Author Skypes
Book Fair
Field Trips
- The students who logged in 5 or more books during the summer are going on a super duper, never before done, field trip. To be announced next week.
- Book Club will be going on TWO field trips (one in the Fall and one in the Spring). Destinations to be announced.
- The Book Club will also be going to the Nashville Children's Theater to see a performance of Mockingbird in March.
Library Hours & Circulation
The library is open from 8:40 - 4:10 but CLOSED for RTI and Inquirer Time. The library is available during the lunch period for teacher-led classes or groups. 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 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 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 name. We have a new circulation system that still have bugs in it. I am learning as I go with it so please be patient. The system, called CARL Connect, connects MNPS schools with Nashville Public Library. Every MNPS student's 190 number is also now their NPL library number.
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 Monday the 7th.
New Teachers, email me your employee number so I can set up your West End and Limitless Libraries accounts.
Limitless Libraries
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.
All educator pins are still 2016 until CARL is completely up and going. You can change it to whatever you want it to be.
Make sure your delivery location is correct. All educators will need to set your hold location to your school; 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. It will be available on August 7th.
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
For issues with your iPads, contact craig.parnell@mnps.org. He is out iPad guru. He will be here in the library on the 16th if you have any questions.
I will send out a tech checkout template for you 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. Thanks.
Surplus or Needs or Logins, Oh My!
If you have surplus tech items in your room, you are welcome to bring them to the library workroom. If you need any technology or help with technology, you may either contact me or send in a tech work order at: https://servicepro.mnps.org/ServicePROPortal/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2FServicePROPortal%2F
Remember, our awesome IT guy, William Wright, must have a Helpstar ticket. If you have several items that need to be seen, EACH ONE must have its own ticket.
If you need help with your login, you may call 615-269-5956 for the helpdesk. Neither William nor I have access to your login.
All student logins are specific to the student. All passwords should be their student ID#. Students should NEVER change their passwords!