From: Hendon, Alison <A.Hendon>
Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2004 10:30:44 -0400

Maia Cheli-Colando wrote:


:Yes, but...in so many public libraries the paperwork involved in getting
:a card is surprisingly complicated. When I tried that field trip I
:found that the children (who don't customarily carry photo ids or,
:indeed, any sort of identification) were unable to use this wealth of
:resources. A teacher could not sign or vouch for them; only a parent.
:Although it is nice to demonstrate the existence of large collections,
:it is ultimately a frustrating experience for the child.
:And you cannot even enter some academic libraries in Maryland without a
:student id.
:What a shame!

:Kathy Isaacs

Before visiting a public library, it's a good idea to check to see how children obtain library cards. When I did class visits some years ago, our policy was to send stacks of application forms to the teacher. Every child who was getting a card had the form filled out and signed by a parent. The forms were returned at least a week before the visit. That way children could get their library cards at the visit. I'm sure most libraries would like to know that your class is coming - the librarian could prepare activities, etc. in advance for the 20_at_ students!

Alison
Received on Thu 14 Oct 2004 09:30:44 AM CDT