[aisle] Did Covid Ruin Your Library Vibe?

[Mrs. Kuzminski]

I hear ya!  You are not alone!  The behavior, apathy, and disrespect are at
a level I've never seen before.  Like Todd Freer mentioned in this thread,
they are socially and emotionally behind, so my 8th graders are not
thinking and acting like 8th graders, and our 6th graders are just now
*finally* advancing out of 4th grade mode.   In my district it didn't help
that we were using our libraries as alternative socially-distanced lunch
locations, so there was that whole screaming, laughing, goofing-around food
mess.   Talk about kids not knowing what a library is anymore!!

When we were finally able to get the lunch periods out of here in March, I
had to start from scratch with library expectations.  I made a new slide
that I project when each class comes in and verbally remind them
constantly.  It's like library boot camp.  I attached my slide here if
anyone would like to personalize it for your building/library.  I do have
to say it's getting better, but I'm sure I'll have to start stern
(friendly-stern) in August.  They need the structure after two years of
loosey-goosey.

I've attached a PDF of my slide if you'd like to do something similar. Feel
free to use it however you like.
Here's what I did with the slide...
- Pretty much every rule you can think of falls under one or more of the
bullet points
- With each class that came in, we discussed what each of the bullet
points means to them.  I had them give examples of what it means for the
library to a safe space, a shared space, and a happy/comfortable space.
(Note: We also discussed "safe space" from the standpoint of feeling safe
to read anything we like without judgement or fear.)
- I had them give examples of what it means to be respectful of the space,
items, and people in the library.
- The conversation all came from them (with some prompting from time to
time) so everything was in their own words.
So now when I start each class with the slide on the screen, I only have to
point at it and say, "Welcome to our safe, happy learning and reading
space!"

I keep telling myself that next year will be better!  I need that dream.
LOL!

*Amanda Kuzminski*
*Library Media Specialist*
Orland Junior High School
Orland Park, IL
708-364-4214


*The single clenched fist lifted and ready, or the open asking hand held
out and waiting. Choose: for we meet by one or the other.*

*    - Carl Sandburg*


On Tue, Apr 26, 2022 at 12:39 PM Brooke Nelson via AISLE <
aisle at list.railslibraries.info> wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> This is more of a subjective question, but I'm wondering if others are
> going through what I am over here. I'm a high school librarian at a school
> of just under 1000. Prior to Covid, we were a hopping, joyful place, with
> significant use and circulation. After Covid granted everyone Chromebooks,
> and then students got used to not using the library, I have had a terrible
> time getting kids back in here and getting books into hands. We are no
> longer the place to be in the school. We have also had significant (likely
> record) behavior issues, insane student apathy, and issues that are a
> direct result of the trauma and disorder of the last two years. Is anyone
> else dealing with this? If so, how are you addressing it and trying to
> climb back into the previous "normalcy," or finding some new way to get
> kids back in? This is just making me sad.
>
> Thanks,
> Brooke Nelson
>
> --
> Brooke Nelson
> Library Media Specialist
> East Peoria Community High School
> 309.694.8338
>
> MAILMAN_MIMEDEFANG
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