My Library Presentation... Important Info

Setting Up and Running a School Library
10 Steps to run an effective library:
1. Organize a library committee and decide on: Library rules, opening times, staffing, and the amount of time you need from library monitors.
2. Decide on the method of lending books and how to classify information (non-fictional) books
3. Prepare the library room, and make the bookshelves and organize equipment and stationary.
4. Check that the library is secure.
5. Get to know the different types of library stock and the parts of a book. If you already have a library you may want to remove damaged or inappropriate stock.
6. Make an ‘accession register’ to record the books that the library receives. Glue the school nameplate and depending on your lending method, a return date label in all the books.
7. Divide books into fiction and information (non-fiction). Divide information books into subject areas according to your chosen method of classification. Give each book a spine label.
8. Make a library catalogues. This will include a shelf list and title catalogue.
9. Put books onto shelves. Arrange information books by subject. Arrange fiction books in alphabetical order by the author’s last name.
10. Make shelf guides so that books can be found easily and check that your lending system is fully operational. Put up a subject index and posters on the walls to make the library more attractive and to remind students of any rules about using or borrowing books.
Library Activities:
— The book tour: identify parts of a book and the proper way to care for a book.
— “Get to know the library tour:” explain how the library works and how students can use it.
— Library/book clubs: a club for students who want to discuss books or a club for students who want to help manage the library.
— Making and using bookmarks: helps to not ruin books as easily.
— Using the noticeboard: fill board up each month with new ideas and decorations.
— My world newspaper: create a school library newspaper.
— A read-a-thon: a fun reading competition. How many books can the students read in a week?
— Story hour: sit comfortably and read to children
— Current events: read a passage from the news and then have a discussion.
— Display student’s work: make child feel special and part of the library.

Storytelling Ideas:
— Read alouds: traditional or interactive are great in a corner of a library.
— Student book reviews: students write short reviews and have it there for other children to read.
— Start a story: ask a student to summarize the first chapter of a book and have the rest of the children guess how the story ends.
— Top 10: students can vote on their favorite book.
— Make your own book: encourage students to be creative and improve literacy.

— Must have resource: Baird, Nicola. Setting up and running a school library. VSO London 1994.

Disclaimer
This website expresses the views of Grace Boswell, who is entirely responsible for its content. It does not express the views of the United States government, the Belize government, the Peace Corps or any other institutions named or linked to on these pages.