[aisle] Did Covid Ruin Your Library Vibe?

Tue Apr 26 13:35:12 CDT 2022

Amanda-

I use the slide idea in my library too! I am in a K-5 school and I actually
got the idea from when I student taught, when my elementary co-op librarian
used a slide before each lesson. I literally have my slide up everytime a
class comes, even if I don't use my laptop for the lesson. My students know
my expectations and for the most part they listen. I have some classes here
and there that I have to remind them of the expectations, but the visuals
really help, especially in my school that has a huge EL population.

 Library Expectations Slide
<https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1zu-STsNU5J-bbOe-2JtEtKsb4XS462L9G77bUUslX60/edit?usp=drive_web>

On Tue, Apr 26, 2022 at 1:29 PM Mrs. Kuzminski via AISLE <
aisle at list.railslibraries.info> wrote:

> 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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>
> MAILMAN_MIMEDEFANG
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-- 
Mitch Berman, MLIS
Library Media Specialist
Family Book Club Co-Advisor
Home Elementary School (Lyons D103)
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