Volunteering in the Library
Please email hsnively@mbusd.org if you are interested in volunteering in the library in 2014-15. You will be contacted once the class assignments are released in August to see if the class visit time works with your schedule. Training on library procedures and operations is required for those new to helping in the library. Training date/time TBD. Experienced library volunteers are not required to attend training, but are encouraged to stop by to practice procedures prior to coming to help with the class visit.
Introduction
The Grand View Library is a wonderful, busy place with excellent resources for students, staff, and parents to share. Volunteers assist with routine circulation desk tasks, help students locate materials, shelve books, and help with light cleaning. Thank you for your interest in helping our students in the library! Your active participation shows your children how much you value libraries, books, and reading -- a powerful message!
Library Mission
Three Bears Philosophy
The goal is for children to have a positive experience in the library. This is where YES happens! The library is the place to foster a love of reading to complement directed classroom reading and language arts instruction. In the library our learners exercise personal choice.
I subscribe to The Three Bears Philosophy when it comes to reading: sometimes a student will choose a difficult book because he or she is fascinated by the subject, and it feels good to have a “big kid book" about what he or she is interested in. Other times a student will choose an easy book because a little relaxation is needed after stretching the brain muscle all day. Of course, sometimes the student needs to be paired with the book that is just right for a research project or for reading practice, and that guidance will be provided by the teacher.
I subscribe to The Three Bears Philosophy when it comes to reading: sometimes a student will choose a difficult book because he or she is fascinated by the subject, and it feels good to have a “big kid book" about what he or she is interested in. Other times a student will choose an easy book because a little relaxation is needed after stretching the brain muscle all day. Of course, sometimes the student needs to be paired with the book that is just right for a research project or for reading practice, and that guidance will be provided by the teacher.
General Procedures
Volunteers perform routine circulation desk tasks, assist students with locating materials using the Destiny Catalog, shelve books, and help with light cleaning.
Prior to volunteering in the library, all volunteers must have a recent TB test on file in the school health office and attendance at a training session is mandatory for new volunteers. General information is below. Please do not feel you have to know everything right away. Over time you will grow to be comfortable with our school library operations and services.
Students visit the library with their class once a week for 30 or 45 minutes. As they enter they return their books for check in or for renewal, then they sit on the rug for a read-aloud experience, information skills activity, or other presentation. During this time the volunteer checks in or renews materials and shelves returned items. Check out books once the children have made their selections. Straighten shelves, check that books are in exact order, and dust as time permits. Other tasks may be offered on an as needed basis.
Prior to volunteering in the library, all volunteers must have a recent TB test on file in the school health office and attendance at a training session is mandatory for new volunteers. General information is below. Please do not feel you have to know everything right away. Over time you will grow to be comfortable with our school library operations and services.
Students visit the library with their class once a week for 30 or 45 minutes. As they enter they return their books for check in or for renewal, then they sit on the rug for a read-aloud experience, information skills activity, or other presentation. During this time the volunteer checks in or renews materials and shelves returned items. Check out books once the children have made their selections. Straighten shelves, check that books are in exact order, and dust as time permits. Other tasks may be offered on an as needed basis.
Shelving Guidelines
Take your time
It is imperative to shelve items correctly. When shelving, scan the shelf for misfiled books and put the shelf in order. If a book is in the wrong place, it's as good as lost! Ask for help if you are not sure where something goes.
Library Map.
Shelving guidelines.
Dewey Decimal Chart.
The Caveman's Guide to the Dewey Decimal System. (Thank you Mount Erie Elementary, Anacortes, Washington!)
Library Map.
Shelving guidelines.
Dewey Decimal Chart.
The Caveman's Guide to the Dewey Decimal System. (Thank you Mount Erie Elementary, Anacortes, Washington!)
The Circulation Desk: Where ACCURACY Is More Important than SPEDE
Check in or renew all items before checking out new materials. Watch the screen during the transaction for accuracy and messages.
Students may check out the number of items that corresponds to the grade they are in: first graders get one item, second graders get two items, and so on. Kindergarten students check out one book per child to be kept in the classroom, not taken home. Student materials are given a one-week due date using the black ink pad and its stamp. Students are allowed one bookmark per visit, not one per book, or the bookmarks will end up as litter on campus.
Teachers may check out an unlimited number of items. Use the red ink pad and its stamp to indicate a two-week due date.
Audiovisual materials are for staff use only.
Students may check out the number of items that corresponds to the grade they are in: first graders get one item, second graders get two items, and so on. Kindergarten students check out one book per child to be kept in the classroom, not taken home. Student materials are given a one-week due date using the black ink pad and its stamp. Students are allowed one bookmark per visit, not one per book, or the bookmarks will end up as litter on campus.
Teachers may check out an unlimited number of items. Use the red ink pad and its stamp to indicate a two-week due date.
Audiovisual materials are for staff use only.
This and That
Queens of Clean
Be present in the moment for the kids... "be here, now." While checking out books engage the student in a conversation about his or her choice, or make a positive statement about the choice. Talk to the student rather than to the parent working alongside you.
If there is no action at the circulation desk and all the books are shelved, then it's time to straighten, organize, and clean. Straightening means to make sure the books are lined up at the front edge of the shelf for an overall neater appearance. Organizing means to make sure each book is shelved exactly by it's call number. A daily organizing chart is posted so all areas will benefit from this service. Cleaning means to dust the shelves, even behind the books. Dusting is not any more fun here than it is at home, but it is an important task. Supplies are under the sink.
If there is no action at the circulation desk and all the books are shelved, then it's time to straighten, organize, and clean. Straightening means to make sure the books are lined up at the front edge of the shelf for an overall neater appearance. Organizing means to make sure each book is shelved exactly by it's call number. A daily organizing chart is posted so all areas will benefit from this service. Cleaning means to dust the shelves, even behind the books. Dusting is not any more fun here than it is at home, but it is an important task. Supplies are under the sink.
But Wait, There's More!
Please turn off your cell while volunteering at school.
Please respect privacy and confidentiality.
The time spent helping at school should not be used to talk to the teacher about your child. Please make arrangements for a conference.
Please respect privacy and confidentiality.
The time spent helping at school should not be used to talk to the teacher about your child. Please make arrangements for a conference.
Your Time is Valuable!
Thank You for Spending It In the Library!
Three cheers for volunteers!
