1. Shelf Elf Program Presented by: Kimberly Lewis Library Media Specialist Christie Elementary - Plano ISD October 12, 2010

2. What are Shelf Elves? Student based volunteers that give up 30 minutes per week to assist in the library.

3. Inspiration for Shelf Elves Mims Hopkins, Jackie. The Shelf Elf. Fort Atkinson, WI: Upstart Books, 2004. Mims Hopkins, Jackie. The Shelf Elf Helps Out. Fort Atkinson, WI: Upstart Books, 2006.

4. What’s in it for the students? Opportunity to learn the basics of how the library functions. This can include reading promotions, organization of books, circulation, and minor book repair. Positive self-esteem/sense of importance. Allows them to experience altruism that will hopefully continue throughout their lives.

5. What’s in it for you? Major benefit: free up some of your time. Sense of pride in seeing students feeling good about helping. Sense of joy in watching students grow as responsible contributors to their school environment and hopefully society in general. Unlimited possibilities depending on what you feel comfortable allowing them to do.

6. How to Get Started Parent letter and permission slip. Teacher recommendation form. Library Skills Test. Schedule.

7. Possible Shelf Elf Duties Assist with checking books in and out.* Reshelf books.* Straighten shelves. Organize magazines. Magazine pockets & cards. Deliver materials to staff. Turn computers on/off. Minor repair of books. Stamp new books for processing. Put stickers on books. Clean tables and circulation desk. Push in chairs. Replace shelf markers. Empty boxes of books. Count and sort copies.

8. Helpful Hints Will be very time consuming in the beginning, but well worth it in the end. Be very specific with directions and always demonstrate exactly how you want something done. Be willing to let go of some control.

9. Sources Ann Shacklett of Prestonwood Elementary, Richardson ISD for information and forms for her Library Club. Scholastic for the Shelf Elf bookmarks.

10. Acknowledgements Thank you to Miriam Madill for her assistance in creating this presentation and to my Shelf Elves for their continuing hard work.

11. Contact Information Kimberly Lewis Library Media Specialist Christie Elementary – Plano ISD kimberly.lewis@pisd.edu (469)752-0827