by April Sicola Stone, Librarian at Four Points Middle School in Leander ISD, TxASL Talks member
The concept of utilizing student library aides
is not new. When budget constraints force school districts to eliminate adult
library assistant positions, librarians across the country strive to empower
students to enhance library services. When I met Jacqui Daves Isser 5 years
ago, I noticed a shift within her library program. She utilized student library
aides just as I had for years; however, she challenged these select students
with more responsibility and high standards. I interviewed Jacqui recently to
find out the details of this facet of their library that shifted it from fair
to fabulous.
This is Jacqui Daves Isser’s 5th year as a
librarian at Henry Middle School in Leander ISD. After teaching for 9 years in
the Lubbock area, she shifted to her role as a librarian in Frenship ISD. During that transition, she inherited a
sustained program of student library aides. Students were able to choose this
position as an elective if they completed an application. Through time, Jacqui
quickly realized that these students could do so much more so that she could
teach lessons to visiting classes. These students are natural helpers who have
the opportunity to build a skill set for future librarian positions and beyond.
They are happy to take ownership. Student aides have the class period to do
their job, then sit and read if time permits.
When Jacqui moved to the Austin area, she
interviewed with the principal at Henry Middle School. She explained to her
interviewers that she required student library aides to be an effective
librarian. She further asserted that the library program could not thrive
unless she had the support of these students. After she was hired, the school
counselors provided Jacqui with the option of creating her own application and
choosing students who she thought would be a good fit. Jacqui did not delay.
Recruitment began on “Meet the Teacher” night. She selected those who wanted to be in the library who also
possessed kind and helpful attitudes.
The HMS library ambassadors did not develop into
its current success overnight. Jacqui adds a few new aspects each year. The
library ambassador handbook is constantly changing and currently includes tasks
like how to put a book on hold. It evolves over time and students are able to
use it as a reference material. Jacqui determines what tasks they are capable
of and observes what each individual student enjoys doing in the library.
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| HMS Library Ambassadors |
I asked Jacqui how she motivates different
students. One incentive for students is the annual holiday party. She solicits
students for ideas and they do not disappoint! In the past, students have
suggested a sign-up sheet for treats, an all-day pass to the library for the
day of the event, the ability to bring one friend for one period, movies, and
puzzles. Former student ambassadors train new aides each semester. This offers
the opportunity for these experts to exude an extreme confidence that is a
pleasure to witness. Their librarian also rewards their efforts by providing
special treats for exclusive enjoyment by the library ambassadors.
Some of the basics that students enjoy include
setting up for the book fair and delivering holds. Once they gain experience,
students can help process new books. Badges are issued so that they can deliver
items to classes with an air of professionalism. Ambassadors sit at the
circulation desk to check books out to students each period. Sometimes 2 (or
even 3) student aides are needed during busy times of circulation, like
lunchtime. After they have learned the
ropes, Jacqui will request feedback so that she can improve library services
for the entire school. In addition, their librarian will assign these students
projects that they work on continuously throughout the year. The project
options are blogging, book suggestions for a display, labeling series, and a
favorite… finding librarian “errors” like misspellings and incorrect series
numbers. Student ambassadors learn the Dewey Decimal System by locating books
to be weeded from a list, genre shelving, and searching for the bottom 50 titles
to weed using a Destiny report. In fact, these students gradually learn the
entire weeding process.
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| Library Ambassadors circulate books. |
With student ambassadors manning the
circulation desk, the librarian is not chained to the circulation desk. She can
teach; meet with teachers, vendors, or other district staff members; repair
books, and assist patrons amongst the stacks (in their organic environment).
The advantages for the ambassadors are numerous as well. Through their library
experience, they see teachers and their school in a whole new perspective. They
are more aware of the happenings throughout the school. Student ambassadors
observe and contribute to special events and presentations in the library. It
is a win-win for patrons, students, and librarians alike. Mrs. Isser shares her
processes with her fellow Leander ISD librarians often so that students
throughout the district will benefit from this empowering library ambassador
program.
