Monday, September 9, 2013

September provides us with a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the routines we use in  our school libraries.   It's a fantastic time to seek student and staff input about what routines are working, which ones need revised and which ones may need to be introduced (or eliminated).  As you think about "what makes this library work?" you may wish to consider:


Aspects of Routine Questions to Consider
 Student Voice and Choice
  •  In what additional ways can student voice and choice be part of the development and adherence to routines?
  • What routines make sense to each division?  What routines might be better suited for a particular group of learners?
  • How can all adults support routines being followed in the library?
 Entry and Exit
  •  How can we use a double-door entrance to our advantage?  (e.g. might a specific entry and specific exit door help students move safely and efficiently to and from the space?)
  • What routines at the beginning and end of time in the library make sense given the space (e.g. book return, checkouts, line-ups, etc.)?
 Circulation of Materials
  •  How do we determine how many items a library patron can sign out?
  • What routines are used for signing out books that might be further streamlined and/or changed (e.g. students allowed to sign out YA books have a small checkmark on the library patron card)
  • How might the process of checking in books be made more efficient (e.g. checking for damaged materials; reshelving) 
 Layout of the Space
  • How are the different collections (e.g. picture books) laid out?  
  • How does or might this layout supporting ease of access, while at the same time honouring a variety of learners?
 Building Independence
  •  What skills can each library patron develop over time, given the appropriate instruction and support?

What other routines have you thought about and chatted about with staff, students and the school community?  I'd love you to share your thoughts below by clicking on the "Comments" button!

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