HMS Library Quarterly Report
August-October 2012
Life in the library...
Students read...
Another observation from the chart is that there is a definite emphasis on fiction over nonfiction reading at HMS. I believe one reason for this might be because there are not as many nonfiction books that have RC quizzes written for them. However, more nonfiction books in our collection have RC quizzes than what are marked on the books. We are working to update the section so that as students browse they can plainly see the books that have RC quizzes available.
Teachers Collaborate...
I am always on the look out for ways I can collaborate with other teachers, whether it is assisting them as they help their students with print and online resources in the library or helping them find ways to use technology as a process in or product of learning.
Book Fair...
- rearranged the library to make the space work,
- put up signs and created information for the marquee and newspaper,
- worked with the PTO treasurer regarding funds and with the PTO to coordinate volunteers,
- set up the fair itself,
- managed students using the library while also helping students buy books before and after school,
- worked as cashier during conferences for parents and students buying books,
- and reconciled money over the weekend.
This year, sales totaled $1529.45 which is slightly less than last year. Total sales have been declining the past three years. We earn 40% of total sales, or $611.78 this year. $207.27 has already been used to purchase books for the library, as well as to buy items for a give-away bag and for thank-you gifts for students who helped pack up the bookfair.
As Anne and I have talked, we would like to look at both if and when the middle school continues to have a book fair. Especially considering how successful the elementary school book fair is, having the library staff run the book fair during parent/teacher conferences feels like a lot of work for not a lot of pay off in the end. This is a conversation we would like to continue.
What's Next?
- As previously stated, we are working on adding Lexile and RC stickers to nonfiction books to more accurately reflect quizzes that are available.
- At some point, I need to begin a massive weeding project in both the fiction and nonfiction sections. This needs to be done for several reasons. First, I am literally running out of room on the shelves. Getting rid of old and outdated books will help to make space for new, current books. Also, having so many books on the shelves creates the false impression that the collection is updated and current. Even though there will be fewer books, circulation numbers may actually continue to go up when students can more easily see the books they are interested in reading.
- I would like to make a priority on making the library's online presence more relevant and user-friendly. I envision the library's online site a place students can go to find good books to read and to use resources that will help them with homework and other assignments.
- I would like to see a school-wide reading event happen. It could be related to one particular book, or books by a particular author if we can bring that author to HMS.
- I am also interested in creating a lunch book club at the MS. I am still working out the details of what that would look like, but I think it would create another opportunity for students to talk about books they like reading.
It is obvious the library at HMS has a good foundation in terms of how resources are used. I am looking forward to continue to work towards making it even more relevant and part of the day-to-day lives of students and staff here.
Rachel Yoder
Email: rachel.yoder@usd460.org