[CALIBK12] Closing all high school libraries - SOS

[Jo Avery]

I fail to understand why the small learning community model should have a negative impact on your school library.  We have an academy, ROP programs, AVID, a Natural Resources program, and an alternative high school on campus.  All of them use the library regularly.  I have worked hard to be a resource for each of these programs.  In fact, I was delighted to be invited to become an official member of the Health Careers Academy and routinely spend summer staff development days helping them with collaborative planning.  I collaborate with the English teacher in the alternative HS teaching research, and do book talks for everyone. When a specialized program needs literature books to supplement, I go out of my way make suggestions and to find them at the best price possible.  Your staff and principal should see your role as a connecting force between these programs.  Less need for a library?  I think just the opposite to be true.

From: calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu [mailto:calibk12-bounces at lists.sjsu.edu] On Behalf Of Debra Bohnett
Sent: Thursday, May 07, 2009 8:06 AM
To: CALIB POST
Subject: [CALIBK12] Closing all high school libraries - SOS

Dear all,

This is for the high schools utilizing the small learning community model. How have your library services changed utilizing this model? Do you see an increased need for school libraries utilizing this model, a decrease or the same?  Our district has moved to this model for all four of our comprehensive high schools and there is a movement to eliminate high school libraries because there is a perceived notion that libraries will not be necessary.  I am the teacher librarian at a relatively new high school that has been utilizing the SLC model since it opened so I do not have a comparison.

Please respond ASAP - the district librarian is at a hearing today that may determine the fate of high school libraries in our district. . .

Thank you,

Debra Bohnett

Teacher Librarian

Cesar Chavez High School

Stockton, CA

(209)933-7480 ext. 8761

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