[aisle] Library Handbooks

[Smith, Jill]

Hi Sara,

I just finished the first draft of my library policy & procedure manual and have found as a district librarian covering multiple libraries I needed to include more than I originally thought. I have added job descriptions, building schedules, library schedules, check out policy/limits, floor plans of each library, reporting absences, hours of operation, handling requests for using library spaces after hours, definitions and usage of library spaces (workrooms, storage rooms, etc.), interlibrary loan procedures, overdue policy, challenge procedure, processing, collection descriptions, and any other policies about how things should be done. I included a brief description of each library, school, and student body along with our library mission statement and how it supports our district mission.

I used situations I have run into over the years as a guide for what needed to be included. For instance, I have found that if it is not nailed down it’s fair game for people to take/use without asking or if you have empty spaces others will find a way to use them to their benefit without asking. When your schedule doesn’t work for some, they will just change it without asking. This library handbook/policy and procedure manual has been a great way to set professional boundaries with all who want to use the library. What does a para have the power to say yes or no to and when do they need to say, “You will need to ask the certified library media specialist.” I have found being in multiple buildings means my paras are approached by building administrators/teachers/etc. about library things, decisions are made, and I am never consulted or often the last person to be informed, even though I am the certified staff member. Sometimes the paras are not even consulted, they are told what is going to happen and they assume I already know. Not saying these moments are purposeful in nature, I truly think we get forgotten because we are not the staff member in those buildings every day. Being the certified and qualified person tasked with running the libraries, lessons, and programs doesn’t always seem to matter and it can be easily overlooked.

My library paras and I did a run through of the first draft last week and I wasn’t sure how it would go, but they really appreciated the “boundaries” and knowing when they could remove themselves from “making the decision”. They pointed out things I had forgotten or places that needed to be more or less specific. My new administrator and I are planning on submitting the manual to the school board for approval. I am sure it will take a bit to reach a “final” copy, but I am hopeful it will help define the role of the school library, the district librarian, the library media specialist and the paras that work in the libraries as well as the importance of those roles. I think we work in a very misunderstood position/department and administrators and even teachers don’t know how to utilize our skills because we are spread across multiple buildings and not always available. I want to believe that having a library handbook, that is “board approved”, will carry a little weight, give more definition to what we do, and create more respect for our department???

I apologize for the long-winded answer and I hope the information is helpful to you in some way. 😊

Jill M. Smith
District Librarian
Jsmith1 at byron226.org<mailto:Jsmith1 at byron226.org>
815-234-5491 ext 270

“The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.”
-                                           Albert Einstein



From: AISLE <aisle-bounces at list.railslibraries.info> On Behalf Of Sara Bell via AISLE
Sent: Wednesday, August 17, 2022 12:31 PM
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Cc: Sara Bell <sbell at dunlapcusd.net>
Subject: [aisle] Library Handbooks

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Hi Hive Mind-

For those of you with paraprofessional staff, or larger districts, what things have you found useful to include in a library worker handbook for reference?

I have some processing reference guides, the district policy, challenge procedure...

I am wrapping mine up and I am sure I am missing something useful. If you have tips or a guide to share, I would appreciate the notes to compare.

Thanks!!



--
Sara Bell
District Media Specialist
Dunlap CUSD 323

Currently Reading: From Behaving to Belonging by Julie Causton and Kate MacLeod
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