[CALIBK12] Library Use Guidelines

[Douglas Dilts]

Our school lacks a common meeting place and as such the library is frequently requested as a meeting place, both during school hours and after school. As someone else mentioned it is a balancing act between generating good will and protecting the resources of the library. My principal has given me the flexibility to say "no" if I think the requested activity is not an appropriate use.

My library assistant and I developed a set of rules for use of the library. All individuals or groups who reserve the library for a meeting or activity must read, sign and abide by the guidelines. The rules sound pretty harsh but we know from experience what kind of condition the library may be left in if you don't set expectations.

I've attached a copy of our rules. Feel free to adapt them for your use.


Doug Dilts

Library Media Teacher

South Tahoe High School

530-541-4111 x240

http://www.ltusd.org/sths/library




________________________________
From: calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu [mailto:calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu] On Behalf Of KZNadalin at aol.com
Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2008 12:21 AM
To: calibk12 at lists.sjsu.edu
Subject: Re: [CALIBK12] Food for thought

A thought: If you're in charge of the library and safeguarding its contents to preserve accessibility to all patrons, isn't it YOUR job to come up with the guidelines?  I'm not suggesting coming off like a jerk, but if you take a confident stand on your rules based on how much you value the library and value the needs of your school, common sense would lead one to support that.

Case in point: the door to our staff room used to be kept locked on the staff room side so that teachers couldn't walk into the library without going around to the students' entrance.  This past fall when I stepped into the role on LMT, I noticed some people helping themselves to my private work area, desk and belongings in a certain corner behind the counter.  I posted a notice on the staff room called Library Rules which gave a reminder about the private work space, boundaries and the new "open door during open hours" policy.  I heard only positive comments and people have since been very considerate about following the rules.  I didn't go to anyone to ask for guidelines; I just put up the sign.

FWIW - Hope this helps.
Best,
Karen


In a message dated 5/9/08 11:09:28 PM, calibk12-request at lists.sjsu.edu writes:




It is a balancing act.   Sometimes there is a cost to good PR.  But if food and drinks are being left for you to clean up or in the stacks where there could be damage to books I think it is time to request a meeting and ask for guidelines.






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