Guest Blogger - Stacy Barry

As promised in a previous post, here are the thoughts from one of the Lighthouse School librarians that came to visit.

Greetings all from Libraryland! My name is Stacy Barry and I am the LMS at Rodger’s Forge E.S. I have been in the library at RFES for 3 years and loving every minute of it. This year has been a year of a lot of change, as we are 1 of the 10 BCPS Lighthouse Schools. The changes have been so exciting and the way that my library looks and feels is completely different from the last 2 years – from furniture, management, technology integration, and the circulation of materials (just to name a few!). Well with all this change, great things have come and I am looking for more ways to improve the library experience for all the RFES students. With that in mind, the opportunity came around for me to visit Sandy Bixby’s library. I felt so lucky to have the opportunity to talk with her about the organization of her collection! From the very beginning, I felt the urge to run over and start browsing books. The student friendly signs, interactive props, and “undeweyed” shelves made it so easy for me to find books in different genres. I immediately started searching for fairy tales and pets, topics I had just finished talking about with the kindergartners that day! I loved the idea of students being able to find books based on interest – with biographies, science, social studies, and literature all being merged in to “genred” areas. I thought about the excitement the kids would feel looking through ocean books, unexpectedly stumbling upon distinguished ocean explorer biographies to share with families. I couldn’t help but see how circulation statistics could only go up and students could find so many books that they never knew existed! Additionally, with each moment there, I felt increasingly excited about the possibility of shelving books so much faster too –whew! I left the visit feeling a sense of awe for the amount of work that was put in to create such a student-centered collection. I also left asking myself – where and when can I start!?!? I may have to get a cup of coffee before I answer those questions just yet, but once the caffeine hits – let the fun begin! Thanks Sandy for an AMAZING experience!

Out of My Mind

Every so often a book comes around that makes you question what you know, think about how you think and reevaluate yourself and adjust how you will think in the future.  A few years ago, our Language Arts department added the book Wonder by R. J. Palacio to the 4th grade curriculum.  It created such a buzz with the students that the library copies are constantly checked out and the book is being read and reread all the time.  I enjoyed the book as much as my students did.

As I read through the new books on my book order, I couldn't help but stop and share the following book with you all because I know it is going to make a big impact in my library.  That book is Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper. WOW!

Here's the Amazon summary:
Melody is not like most people. She cannot walk or talk, but she has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She is smarter than most of the adults who try to diagnose her and smarter than her classmates in her integrated classroom—the very same classmates who dismiss her as mentally challenged, because she cannot tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by cerebral palsy. And she’s determined to let everyone know it…somehow.

In this breakthrough story—reminiscent of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly—from multiple Coretta Scott King Award-winner Sharon Draper, readers will come to know a brilliant mind and a brave spirit who will change forever how they look at anyone with a disability.

This book is so well written and so relatable to all.  As a parent, I want to hug Melody's parents who are not portrayed as perfect. I want to give Melody's neighbor the "Neighbor of the Year" award. (And isn't it the wish of everyone to make that kind of difference in the life of a child?) As an educator, I want to cringe at the many professionals who share Melody's world but don't try to make it a better place and I want to high five the ones that do make a difference - even the imperfect ones. 

I cannot imagine being trapped within myself like Melody has been.  But I have had the wonderful pleasure of meeting my very own Melody.  Her name is Kenzi.  Look how beautiful that smile is:

During the summer of 2013, I met Kenzi as I did a photography internship at Studio Gagliano.  Her mother April and I became friends.  Occasionally, April would bring Kenzie to the studio while we were there working together.  Kenzi, much like Melody, loves music and TV and her face lights up to show her joy and you certainly can tell if she does NOT like something--much like any other young teen in America.  Kenzi's face is the one I think of when I read about Melody.

I want make everyone read this book and think a bit differently about the misconceptions that surround special needs students.  I want my students to read this and think about how they treat each other.  I want us to all look inside and see that we all have something that challenges us.  But those challenges don't DEFINE us.  That's what we all can learn from Melody and Kenzi.

Location, Location, Location

 

What to do when the books are neatly tucked into their genrefied shelves and all is well in libraryland?  Begin Phase 2.  In this case, Phase 2 involves assigning a location to each and every fiction and nonfiction book.  The reason we have to do this is because Destiny searches completed by students will still default to the Dewey classifications.  Therefore, we need to have some way to direct students to the correct genrefied classification.  Enter the location field.  Kelly, with research, discovered the location field in the Destiny records.  We were able to create locations specific to our genrefication categories.  While time consuming, it is going to be immensely helpful to students, teachers and anyone accessing our library catalog. 

So far I have completed the Science Fiction, Graphic Novels and Sports Fiction categories all with the help of my cell phone!  I took photos of the shelves and then from the luxury of my own home, in the comfort of my own pajamas, I was able to enter the titles and set the location field.  I know--how clever am I?

Here's a peek at what the location fields look like in classic Destiny.

Unfortunately, in Destiny Quest, the student will need to fully open the Title Detail page to see the location.  Maybe as more libraries across the country embrace the genrefication of their collections we will see changes in Destiny Quest that allow for locations to be seen from the search page. (HINT HINT)

 Because book check out is still ongoing, I have post-its (yes my beloved post-its) reminding me to grab these books as the are returned for the next few weeks to make sure the titles have had their location fields entered BEFORE they are reshelved.  Extra work? Yes but very worth it to make sure that the titles don't get missed.  I may just employ to old cell phone trick once again so I can get those titles back on the shelves in a timely manner.

I also learned that some special helpers from the Office of Digital Learning are swooping in to help speed up setting the location fields.  Woo Hoo!

Barkley is excited.  Can't you just see his enthusiasm on this warm sunny Sunday? 

The Visitors Came

This is the first moment I have had to catch up. It seems as if the calendar items are all conspiring to occur at the same time.

 Kelly and I met about our Common Ground presentation and we both ended up with a long list of to-do's.  It's scary and daunting, and to be honest, a little bit exciting!  We have a plan and intend to work it. Priority on my to-do list is getting location fields set up for the fiction section. I am starting with the fiction section because there are a fewer amount of records to manipulate. Good news!  The Sports Fiction is finished.  It took about 1-1/2 hrs. to complete.  Bad news!  It is one of the smallest genres and there are 8 more genres to go in fiction.  I am simply refusing to think about Nonfiction section.  To quote that plucky little lady from the south,





When we finished, 3 librarians from our school system's Lighthouse schools came to visit.  (Can I just stop right here and geek out for a minute?  I just love company!  I am so proud of this project and the results we have seen.  So I get super excited when I know someone is coming.) These three ladies came to see my library set up and just to visit and ask a few questions.  They looked excited when they left.  (Hopefully you can read all about it when they send me some guest posts to share.)

And it turns out that Kelly and I will get a chance to present our Common Ground presentation to a group of BCPS librarians prior to the actual presentation in Ocean City.  I really am quite thankful for the opportunities that I have been able to experience and the ones that keep presenting themselves.

Out of the Mouths of Students

I have a few minutes before I head back into PARCC testing so I thought I would dash off a quick post of a few funny moments that happened last week.

My 5th graders have been exploring MOOD during their author study of Chris Van Allsburg.  Last week's lesson was to create a tweet as if they were the author.  They also had to create a Twitter username for Chris Van Allsburg.  They were super creative but I think my favorite had to be @chrisvanmoody. 

I am teaching first grade students about being good readers and that good readers make connections.  I asked them to give me some examples of connections at the beginning of the lesson so that I could make sure they knew what a connection was so they could apply that to reading.  A lot of answers were things I would expect: a plug and a socket, Legos and pencil in a sharpener. 

But one lovely young lady raised her hand and said, "My aunt makes connections because she is on Match.com and she goes on lots of dates because she wants a husband."

 

 

So off to test with that chuckle in my mind!  Tomorrow Kelly and I meet to work on the Common Ground presentation and I also have some Lighthouse School Librarians coming to visit.  Look for some upcoming special guest blogger posts.



Flotsam

As you enter the library, I have a door full of quotes and comics and other funny business.  This is the second year I have done this.  Originally, it was just a place for me to "lighten up" the library and appeal to some students' funny bones as they waited in line for their teacher.  But, like all good intentions, this was usually thwarted by the time crunch that comes from being locked into a 50 minute special area schedule. I call it my FLOTSAM door. (Yes, I technically know it should be jetsam because flotsam is unintentional and jetsam is on purpose but how can I start a conversation about the word and steer them to David Wiesner's book with jetsam.)

I add things as I find them and like them.  This morning I added a few more and a 5th grade student , let's call him Joe,  actually stopped on his way to the office to see what I was hanging up today.  I asked which one was his favorite (the Garfield one) and he looked at the new ones and decided he likes the "curling up a new book" the best.  I told him to have a good day and smiled at the little things that make an impact. 

Lest you think I work in a land of wonderful children who love the library and everything about it, let me share the reality check that occur just mere minutes (dare I say - seconds, afterwards) as Joe proceeded up the steps.  He passed another 5th grader, let's call him Tim, on the way to take attendance to the office. Here is the conversation that ensued:

Joe: Mrs. Bixby is putting new jokes up on the door.
Tim: So?
Joe: I just read them.
Tim: They're stupid.
Joe: See you in Math.

Ahhh, the joys and sorrows of being an elementary school librarian.   Moral of this story:

One librarian's flotsam is another person's junk!

Spring Forward

Daylight Savings time arrived on Sunday morning and with it beautiful, hinting at Spring, weather arrived as well!  Not only is the clock springing forward but so am I.

I arrived back to work this morning armed with a notepad, post-its, pen and first period planning.  Time to get some serious Spring cleaning done in the library, my office and desk before I begin meetings with Kelly about Common Ground next week.  I also just found out that some visitors are coming next week to see the library so look for some future posts (hopefully) sharing some of their reflections after they visit.

Barkley and I are also going to take advantage of the nicer weather and start walking together.  (I hope that, by writing it publically, I actually follow through and do it!) I am looking forward to seeing some signs of Spring.

Did You Save Any New Library Books For Us?

Today was the first day in many weeks that I have gotten the opportunity to teach Mrs. Grosso's 5th grade class.  It seems as if every delayed opening or inclement weather closing has occurred on a Tuesday!

When they came in and sat down, first I remarked at how tall they all were and then I asked if anyone had gotten married since I last had seen them.  After some laughter, one student raised her hand.  I said, "Congratulations!" and she giggled and said, "No, I didn't get married.  I just have a question."  And what do you think her question was?

"Did you save any new library books for us?"

This caused a bigger reaction than my marriage joke as the all began chattering at once. You see, they had heard from their friends in other classes that I had started putting out new books and they were not very happy that they had not gotten an opportunity to check any out yet. (I have morning and afternoon duties so the library is not available for check outs then.  Sigh!  I wish it were but it isn't.)

When I get new library books, I dole them out a few each day so that everyone has a shot at getting something new.  I also try to keep my eye out for when they are returned and try to put them aside for the next day's classes.  I don't do this forever but the kids have come to learn that I will do this for the first month or so to try to be fair.

My short answer, not well received, was no.  I had not set any aside for their class.  BUT I am still working on labeling some and I will be sharing some fiction booktalks and I promised to let their class have first pick of some of those.  They seemed happy enough. 

I did show them the Powerpoint I had created about the new nonfiction books. (This was running as classes arrived the week I initially put the books out.)  I asked for final questions before we moved on to the lesson and another hand shot up.  "What about those books where you get to read the stories lots of ways? "  I must have looked perplexed because he said, "You know, the little white books."  Ahhhh, realization dawning, the Choose Your Own Adventure books.  I explained that they were all checked out. (EVERY SINGLE ON OF THEM!) and explained how to read one and promised to hold some for their class next week. 

We went on to our lesson and the day progressed. 

So on this cold and icy, early dismissal due to weather day, I am feeling good.  This small exchange today told me that my kiddos like library.  They miss it when they can not come and, more importantly, they are talking to one another about the books they are choosing.  They aren't just talking to me and to kids in their homeroom.  They are talking to their friends in other classes and other grades. 

Now if we could just get a whole week with no delays, early closings or full snow days off, I might actually be able to get back in a routine and get some units finished!  I am ready for old man Winter to pack his bags and go!



Marching On!

Today is the first day of March and the temperature outside is a balmy 31 degrees with sleet falling from the sky.  It is a great day for a hot drink and reading some of the new fiction titles in our library. But first some work! I decided to run some reports to see if the genrefication project is still creating an upward trend in book circulation.

Because it is such a gray day, let me spread some sunshine.

	11/18/2013-3/1/2014	11/18/2014-3/1/15	+/-  change
Fiction	2072	2334	+262
NonFiction	1192	1971	+779
Total Checkouts (minus Everybody)	3819	4958	+1139

Looking more closely to the Nonfiction section, here is a breakdown by Dewey 100's.

Dewey 100’s	11/18/13-3/1/14	11/18/14-3/1/15	+/- change
000-099	15	37	+22
100-199	13	10	-3
200-299	23	10	-13
300-399	116	165	+49
400-499	16	10	-6
500-599	348	418	+70
600-699	300	364	+64
700-799	238	451	+213
800-899	61	172	+111
900-999	62	334	+272

Looking even closer still, there are some MAJOR upward trends in the 700-999 Dewey classifications.  But why?  I wish I could get more detailed data.  I wonder if, when we are able to set location fields for all of the titles, we will be able to get data detailed to the location field.  I hope so because I think that will help define the checkout trends.

So at this point, I can only hypothesize.  In the 700's, perhaps this is due to the weeding of unappealing titles and greater visibility of the "What Can I Make?" section.  The books were relocated to vertical bookcases. Vertical shelves seem to attract more visitors but I am not sure why. Moving on to the 800's, I am even more baffled.  I know that I am not seeing poetry books flying off the shelves.  My joke books are constantly checked out so that accounts for some of the increase.  But I don't have an abundance of joke books.  But, perhaps, over a period of months of the shelf being continuously bare, the joke books are more of a factor than I realize.  The 900's are the Dewey grouping that I feel most confident hypothesizing about.  I think this is attributed to the biographies being moved into the subject areas.  I have seen more sports biographies, technology biographies, military biographies and biographies of performing artists checked out than ever.  This makes me want to take a harder look at the "Who Is?" category to see if more can be recategorized (assuming my hypothesis is true).  There has also been an upward trend in the "Where In The U.S.A Is" and "American History" collections.

I think it may be time for some discussions with the library office, and maybe Follett, about teasing out the data and getting the location fields in place.