1. Nuts & Bolts For New Elementary Teacher-Librarians

2. Where to begin? Which way to go? Some key areas to consider: Set-up Procedures Facilities Aligning with Your School Plan Creating the Buzz Professional Development

3. The Game of Setting Up Rules Decide on rules to be followed in the library (i.e. no food, # of books allowed per students…) Establish rules with each class and staff. Routines Decide how you would like the space and resources to be used (i.e. chairs tucked in, classes lined up waiting to be invited in…) Patron Cards Organize patron cards into classrooms by teacher or class number. You can use binders, recipe holders, Bristol board with pockets… Signage Clearly label shelves. Use a label maker, icons for primary students, objects, hanging signs, end stack signs… Know when to stop. Displays Select books for displays based on themes (beginning of school, anti-bullying) Use both fiction and non-fiction. Display only appealing titles! Orientation Create or adapt a scavenger hunt or orientation for all your students. Introduce them to the various areas of their library. Shelf Markers Keep your sanity, employ a system for browsing that wont have you shelving for days. Computers Check to make sure they are all there, plugged in and operating. p.s. verify which printer they are connected to. Circulation System Get acquainted with your circ. system. Attend in-servicing and take some time to explore.

4. Facilities: Some key points to be aware of… Accessibility Sightlines Defined areas Hazards

5. Accessibility: Equitable access for all Consider the height of shelving. Most are adjustable.You can use the upper most shelves for display purposes and contain your collection to the lower shelves. General rule of thumb: the younger the students the lower the shelves When placing bookcases or other furniture leave 3-4 ft for aisles. This will aid in traffic flow and give students/staff in wheelchairs or walkers clear access.

6. Sightlines For safety and accountability you must be able to see all parts of your library at all times. Consider: convex mirrors, lower bookcases, reconfiguring your furniture, spinners with Plexiglas sides, removing clutter, location of circ desk and reading chair…

7. Defined Areas Create distinct areas with specific uses in mind –Reading for pleasure –Large space for whole class groupings –Tables –Computers

8. Hazards Be aware of Health and Safety requirements –Fire hazards –Computer cords –Plants –Inappropriate furniture

9. Aligning with Your School Plan Know your: –School Improvement Plan –Literacy Needs –Equity Initiatives –ESL Needs –Social Initiatives –Curricular Foci

10. Creating the Buzz: Make your Library a Happening Place! Drama Contests Breakfast/ Teas Family Nights Extended Hours Trivia School-wide Reading Book Fairs Book Clubs Announcements Author Visits Highlights for staff meetings Newsletter

11. Professional Development Prepare: –Annual Report –Long Range Plans –Budget –Gap Analysis/Collection Development