New Librarian’s Information 2013/2014
Please contact your area library coordinator for more information
Dorsey Chambers (773) 553-6218
Lisa Perez (773) 553—6212
Cleaning up and weeding the library space: Weeding is an important part of keeping a library collection up to date and relevant. Weeding is the process of discarding outdated materials from a library. Use the weeding rubric to make decisions about discarding materials. If you have an automated library catalog, you will need to remove the records for discarded books from your automated system before discarding materials. If you do not have an automated system, mark weeded materials in such a way that they are not returned to the library in the future. It is vital that you keep floppy discs or CDs of library records that you come across, in a safe place. They can be important for restoring or automating a cataloging system. If materials will not be effectively used in the library, it’s important to disseminate them to classrooms or other collections where they will be used. There are two types of weeded materials: that which should be discarded and that which can be given away. Inaccurate or biased books should be discarded, while older copies of relevant fiction may be given away.
Library Organization: It is important to maintain the integrity of the Dewey Decimal system (000-999) in CPS school libraries. New materials must be ordered with CPS processing specifications – spine labels, barcodes, etc. Automated systems use the information from the processing specifications to allow patrons to search in a variety of ways. The Dewey Decimal System groups non-fiction materials by type, transportation books are together, biographies are together, careers, animals, etc. Fiction books are divided into two types: E Fiction (picture books) and F Fiction (chapter books). These two sections house books in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. Therefore, all the Dr. Seuss books are together in the E section and all of the Beverly Cleary books are together in the F section. Some libraries maintain separate Reference collections, Professional sections, Parent sections, etc.
Automated Circulation Systems: The CPS Dept. of Libraries supports the S.O.A.R. automation system. Contact Christie Thomas at (773) 553-6213 and Joe Horning at (773) 553-6221 for more information. If you have an automated system other than S.O.A.R., it may be necessary to pay a yearly fee to the automation company for technical support and upgrades. It is important to keep tech. support contracts up to date. Several automated systems offer a variety of online training optionsfor using the system effectively.
SOAR automation
Where can I get more information about the S.O.A.R. automation system?
http://cpslibraries.wikispaces.com/SOARIntegratedLibrarySystem
Barcodes and spine labels
Will books come with spine labels, pockets and barcodes?
Books ordered from CPS strategic source vendors will arrive at your school with barcodes and processing specifications determined by the CPS Dept. of Libraries. Book that are donated or come from other sources will not come processed. http://www.oism.cps.k12.il.us/pdf/Barcode%20Specifications.pdf
Donations to the library
Someone donated a box of books to our school library. How do I enter them into the system? First the books need to meet particular criteria to be accepted as part of the library.
http://policy.cps.k12.il.us/documents/604.7.pdf
Uploading student data into an automated circulation system
Is there a quick way to upload student data in my automated circulation system? Yes, http://www.cps.k12.il.us/StaffResources/Libraries/docs/Importing_Student_Data.pdf
Standards and Lesson Plans: Each school principal determines the requirements for lesson plans. The CPS Dept. of Libraries uses the national American Association of School Libraries (AASL) Standards for the 21st Century Learner http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslproftools/learningstandards/AASL_LearningStandards.pdf A matrix of grade level lessons is available at http://cpslibraries.wikispaces.com/Standards
Sample Lesson plans
Where can I see sample library lesson plans?
http://cpslibraries.wikispaces.com/Lessons+and+Standards
Library Grading: In order to enter grades into the automated GradeBook CPS program, the scheduler of the school must assign the librarian for the classes he or she will need to access in GradeBook. The scheduler must also assign the librarian to the librarian role in ODA (Online Data Acquisition, a part of IMPACT). Grades on assessments must be entered in a timely manner, into GradeBook, which can be accessed by families from home. Principals may select for students to receive Pass/Fail library grades or A-F library grades or a combination (Grades PreK-2 Pass/Fail, Grades 4/8 A-F. Students in jeopardy of failing must receive midterm progress reports with adequate documentation of assessments in GradeBook, to alert them prior to receiving a failing grade.
Is there a CPS Department of Libraries policy on giving grades?
http://www.cps.k12.il.us/StaffResources/Libraries/docs/LibraryGradesPostionStatement.pdf
Where can I access a sample of the CPS Grading System “Gradebook”?
http://cpslibraries.wikispaces.com/Gradebook
Collection Development Policy: The Chicago Public Schools has a collection development policy to specify criteria for library selection. Please make sure that you and your school principal are familiar with the CPS Collection Development Policy. http://policy.cps.k12.il.us/documents/604.7.pdf
Ordering Library Resources: The Chicago Public Schools has contracts with strategic source vendors for library books and furniture. These vendors give deep discounts to CPS schools libraries. Please see your school clerk for ordering instructions. http://www.cps.k12.il.us/StaffResources/Libraries/docs/new_library_vendorlist.pdf
Are there recommended lists of books I can use for placing orders in a hurry? http://www.cps.k12.il.us/StaffResources/Libraries/books.shtml
Is there a Professional Library I can visit to preview and borrow books? http://cpsproflib.wikispaces.com/
There’s a new box of books in the library. How do I get them ready to be checked out? http://www.oism.cps.k12.il.us/pdf/Book_check_in_process.pdf
What should I do if someone complains about a book in the school library?
When such concerns are not resolved quickly and informally, provide the complaining party with the form below and contact your area library coordinator in the Department of Libraries.
http://www.cps.k12.il.us/StaffResources/Libraries/docs/Challenge_Form.pdf
Librarian Responsibilities - In addition to fulfilling responsibilities set forth by the administrative team at your school, most librarians are responsible for the following functions:
· Preparing a library mission statement with long term and short term goals
· Regularly circulating library books and resources to staff and students
· Collaborating with classroom teachers to plan, implement and assess lessons in the library that support the school curriculum
· Planning and maintaining a library program that promotes literacy at school and at home
· Planning collection development that enriches the school curriculum
· Uses technology tools to supplement school resources
· Integrates technologies as a means for effective and creative learning
· Connects the school with the global learning community
· Provide 24/7 access to library services
· Information literacy / research instruction
· Leading professional development
Databases: The CPS Dept. of Libraries provides a range of subscription databases for free to CPS students and faculty members. They can be used from school or from home for authoritative, accurate responses free from viruses and advertisements. http://www.cps.k12.il.us/StaffResources/Libraries/
Professional Development: How can I register for Library related events? CPS University is the Professional Development registration portal. When searching the wealth of professional development opportunities, type LIB in the search box to narrow your search to Dept. of Libraries’ events. http://www.cps-humanresources.org/newhire/CPS-University.html
Assistance: Is there anyone available to help a new librarian? Yes, phone (773) 553-6210 to speak with your area library coordinator.
Chicago Public Library Collaboration: Your school’s branch of the Chicago Public Library is eager to work with you. To find the public library closest to your school, go to this site, http://schoollocator.cps.k12.il.us/ and type in your school’s name. Select elementary schools and libraries. Though the Chicago Public Library has recently cancelled their annual library card campaign, it is still possible for you to assist with applications for cards for first time library users. Please contact your public librarian for more information. http://www.chipublib.org/forkids/kidspages/eventprog.php
Local Decision-Making
Library Media Center Routines and Procedures
School librarians will need to determine the following for their school library:
1. Who will check out books and how frequently? Will kdg. students check out books? Faculty? Parents? Community members? How often? ______
2. How many books can each group check out at a time?
______
3. How will students check books out?
Do all students go to the shelves at the same time? If not, what will the other students be doing?
______
4. What will be your procedure for book and media returns and checking them in?
______
5. How will overdue notices be supplied to teachers, to students, how frequently?
______
6. How will students enter and exit the Library Media Center?
______
7. What will be the policy and procedure for lost or damaged books?
______
8. How will books be re-shelved each day? ______
9. What reading incentive programs will you coordinate, promote or conduct?
______
10. How will you ensure that your lessons align with your school’s curriculum?
______
11. How will you find opportunities to collaborate with classroom teachers?
______
12. How will you assess students and enter grades into the CPS “Grade Book” program?
______