Chapter 12 - Use of the Library More Effectively by William Allan Kritsonis, PhD See: www.nationalforum.com - Dr. William Allan Kritsonis

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Chapter 12 – William Allan Kritsonis, PhD
Use the Library Media Center More Effectively
The elementary school library media center contains a wealth of information that
supplements and enriches classroom curriculum. But this wealth, if untapped, remains
ineffectual. The responsibility of teaching students how to use the library effectively
rests upon the shoulders of the elementary teacher. If students learn during their
formative years that library visits can be fun and interesting, chances are they will
continue using the library in later years.
For many children, reading is a drudgery. This attitude issues a challenge to
teachers - a challenge that must be answered with positive action. One positive step is
to obtain books and other media from the school system’s main library and display them
attractively in the classroom to pique the children’s interest. If children see colorful
displays, often they will take a closer look.
Teach the students about the library media center's physical arrangement of
children’s books, media and special reference books. Ask the librarian to explain to the
class the library’s system for filing books and media, like DVD's in the individual
sections. Emphasize to the student’s that they are to make an honest effort to find
books and other materials before asking the teacher or librarian for assistance. The
basic procedures and regulations for checking out of the library materials must also be
reviewed. If books are examined by children at a reading table, instruct them to leave
those on the table for library helpers to properly shelve later.
Give the children an opportunity to use the library media center for projects in
language arts, social studies, science, independent reading, and other subjects.
Arrange with the librarian for the class to spend at least thirty minutes per week in the
library. Accompany the class to the library and occasionally remain with them. A great
deal can be learned by assisting the librarian during this week. This period can be
earmarked for special projects or simply as a time for pleasure reading.
Current issues of magazines with intrinsic educational value are usually available
in the school library. Guide students to magazines such as National Geographic,

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Popular Science, Holiday, Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, Life, Time, and
others that may be on display. Carefully screen any magazines, books, or any media
that may have been contributed by members of the community.
Ask the librarian for permission to set up displays to exhibit special work. This
informs teachers, principals, parents, and other children of classroom activities and
instills a sense of pride in each child whose work is on display.
Elementary children face increased responsibility for independent study. An
excellent library media center meets the needs of these children by providing individual
study carrels and rooms for small group study and conferences. The media center must
also provide large televisions, record players, earphones or headsets for silent reading
and listening, booths for computers, and tape recorders. Computers and listening
stations give added educational support to the total instructional program. Notify the
librarian of children who need special attention in the library and ask they be given
professional assistance.
Students ultimately benefit from cooperation between teacher and librarian.
Unpleasant feelings often result because librarians are not notified that a class will be
tardy. If the regularly scheduled class library time must be postponed or canceled,
inform the librarian as soon as possible so other arrangements can be made to
maximize the use of the library facilities.
After planning a study unit, it is a good idea to submit a copy to the librarian
approximately six weeks before beginning the study. This gives the librarian time to
assemble supplemental reading and listening materials for the class in order to enhance
learning opportunities for students. Consulting with the librarian before class
assignments are made prevents problems caused by unavailability of materials. If
informed before hand, the librarian can reserve the necessary reference material for the
class.
Impress upon the class their role in the library media center and the center's role
in their academic lives. Overdue books are cause for concern. Teach children to be
responsible for borrowed books and other materials. This will develop good human
relations between the class, teacher and librarian.

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The children must fully understand that the library media center is a place for
studying as well as for quiet reading. In order to maintain a proper environment, children
must refrain from making excessive noise during visits. Developing library courtesy
ensures that class visits will be welcomed and the excursion will be a happy one.
The library media center must not be used to discipline students. Library visits
are a privilege and not punishment. Get the children actively involved in the library
media center by allowing them to be helpers. A rotating schedule can be developed so
each child has an opportunity to serve in this role.
If a full time librarian is not present at the elementary level, teachers must accept
the library media center's responsibilities on a rotating basis. These would include
supervising the proper shelving of books and other materials, keeping accurate
circulation records, and guiding children in the selection of books and other media in
order to help them develop diversified reading and listening habits. Also, maintain library
bulletin boards. A well-planned, colorful exhibit is appealing and can stimulate student’s
interest for reading.
Visit book fairs to become apprised of new reading materials and other media
that are available. Jot down the title, author’s name, publisher, and price of interesting
books, DVD's, CD's and ask the school to purchase them. Plan to use these for class
projects.
Finally, support the library media center and its value in the school. Be quick to
express positive feelings honestly during meetings or conferences. This positive
feedback may inspire fellow faculty members who were not aware of the library media
center services to utilize the media center for more class study projects. Connecting the
elementary library media specialist and classroom teachers to plan together for cross-
curricular integration and to promote more class study projects tend to promote a sense
of unity. Collaboration of this nature will assure up-to-date and relevant library media
center holdings that will benefit the teacher as well as the student. Once it is clearly
understood that the library media center goes beyond a place to only check out books
but has a technological focus, support will increase from within and outside of the

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educational arena. Grants and other financial streams may be avenues for obtaining
monies to support the integrative holdings in the media center.
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A Thought in Words
Of all created things, the loveliest and most divine are children.
William Canton
Copyright © 2018 by William Allan Kritsonis
William Allan Kritsonis, PhD
Editor-in-Chief
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