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Librarians responsibility
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From: bookslinger
Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 11:49:50 -0500
Shortly after I made a post, some kind soul said my remark was "brilliant" and invited me to sign it. While I responded directly I cannot find the email nor the remark. OOH, creepy!
I am more than uneasy. As a teacher facing tenure this year, yeah I'm nervous.
While parents groups do have power so do school librarians. We can (and should) be building our credibility with our school, students, staff and parents. We should be sending our newsletters, holding booktalks for families, going to PTA meetings, SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS, and pot luck dinners.Yes on our own time!
When people know you they will think twice about some off hand comment, "Our libraries are full of dirty books!" Nothing stops this rumor mill faster than a parent saying,
"Hey I know my school librarian. She's/He's great--you don't know what you're talking about!"
Even better to have that parent come and talk to you directly to question a book. The first words should be
"THANK YOU! Thank you for being aware and caring what your student is reading!" The second words should be "have you read the entire book?" The third is provide them your school's/district's challenge policy. Finally, it is: "I would never presume to be your student's parent, you are already doing a great job. Please discuss this with your student and tell them your wishes. If they are not to check out a certain book, I know you can make this clear to them.
Should one slip through the cracks, tell them to bring it back and we can find another one. As I always tell our students, books are like shoes when you get then home they don't always fit. Bring them back and we will find one that does."
Parents can and should monitor their kids. What they choose to do about it is their job. Our job is to help them make a enlighten/educated decision. To do that, our patrons need information. Librarians' job is have the information ready and to have built the bridge BEFORE so our patrons are ready and able to cross it.
Received on Wed 20 Jul 2005 11:49:50 AM CDT
Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2005 11:49:50 -0500
Shortly after I made a post, some kind soul said my remark was "brilliant" and invited me to sign it. While I responded directly I cannot find the email nor the remark. OOH, creepy!
I am more than uneasy. As a teacher facing tenure this year, yeah I'm nervous.
While parents groups do have power so do school librarians. We can (and should) be building our credibility with our school, students, staff and parents. We should be sending our newsletters, holding booktalks for families, going to PTA meetings, SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS, and pot luck dinners.Yes on our own time!
When people know you they will think twice about some off hand comment, "Our libraries are full of dirty books!" Nothing stops this rumor mill faster than a parent saying,
"Hey I know my school librarian. She's/He's great--you don't know what you're talking about!"
Even better to have that parent come and talk to you directly to question a book. The first words should be
"THANK YOU! Thank you for being aware and caring what your student is reading!" The second words should be "have you read the entire book?" The third is provide them your school's/district's challenge policy. Finally, it is: "I would never presume to be your student's parent, you are already doing a great job. Please discuss this with your student and tell them your wishes. If they are not to check out a certain book, I know you can make this clear to them.
Should one slip through the cracks, tell them to bring it back and we can find another one. As I always tell our students, books are like shoes when you get then home they don't always fit. Bring them back and we will find one that does."
Parents can and should monitor their kids. What they choose to do about it is their job. Our job is to help them make a enlighten/educated decision. To do that, our patrons need information. Librarians' job is have the information ready and to have built the bridge BEFORE so our patrons are ready and able to cross it.
Received on Wed 20 Jul 2005 11:49:50 AM CDT
