Q: Where can I send weeded books?
ANSWER: Destinations for Weeded Books
Q: How can I reconfigure my library for 1-to-1 laptop use?
ANSWER: (Gary Green via watlnet)
We have been a 1:1 laptop school for nearly 20 years at PLC. In summary, I would advise:
1. Get rid of computer banks in your library if you have them but keep a few search only terminals for users that are in the library without a laptop. We have 3 and they are set up like the check in terminals at the airport.
2. We need less areas for research. Emphasis is on differentiated learning whereby students can often find things independently and then come to library for book and other physical resources.
3. You will find library use decreases in terms of classes. You have to be more prepared to go into classrooms and seek the learning as students and teachers become more independent. Your role might shift to creating digital resources and learning opportunities as we have done so up skilling yourselves to be a step ahead of the staff is a sound, strategic move. If you have a skill teachers need in terms of ICT you will get lots of invitations!
4. I have only small spaces here that are flexible and can accommodate a class. Tables and chairs are flexible so I create the space dependent on the student numbers.
5. I encourage small group learning as opposed to full classes so I can differentiate the experience more easily.
In summary, you have to think and act differently. It is not a threat but asks you to re visit how you work and why. With laptops I have less to do with the more ‘shallow’ learning (ie finding information) and am more focussed on what type of thinking I can get from the students once they have it.
Q: Where can I buy books for prizes?
ANSWER:
Planet Books in Mt Lawley is fantastic, with a great range; Mill Point Book Caffe; Westbooks; Education World; The Well in Applecross and Subiaco; Boffins in Hay St; The Lane Bookshop in Claremont.
Q: Where can I find world flags bunting?
ANSWER:
The flag bunting was from “FLAGS FANTASTIC” www.flagsfantastic.com.au and last year in June they were $148 plus postage $12.50
Q: (from a Library Officer) re Library Monitors
I would like to initiate a library monitor program this year. I don’t have a lot of ideas as to how I start this. Does anyone have any ideas that I can use? I propose to offer it to yrs. 5,6,7 and try to get them to help, promote and enthuse other students. Will this work? or is is a waste of time? Having no TL I am finding the role of the library has gone down to the bottom of the schools priorities and I would like to get it moving.
- They sit at the desk and answer questions and help other boys by showing them where to find something.
- They are allowed to loan books to boys during lunchtime, but no returns.
- They shelve picture books (which I shelve by one letter only, not alphabetically within the number)
- They cut pieces of paper for the Inquiry terminals and sharpen pencils.
- They do all manner of things to help- including counting house points, counting for the Top Ten Book survey and display bits.
- They ring the bell at the end of lunchtime and clean up.
Q: How do I get rid of silverfish on the bookshelves
ANSWER: (Here are some suggestions sent through on watlnet)
- Apparently Epsom Salts sprinkled behind the books on the shelves wards off silverfish. A bit messy but probably works.
- I have had this problem in the past and I asked for some surface spray, which I used over the holidays (so no problems for the students) and sprayed under all of my bookshelves and cupboards. So far I have seen a lot less of the blighters hanging around.
- Try sprinkling Epsom Salts, apparently they eat it up and it dries them out…. what a way to go ! but it serves them right when they feast on our precious resources.
- Borax and bay leaves have been recommended to me in the past.
- Half sugar, half borax kills silverfish. You could try leaving out the bowls after closing time.
- The lady who wrote Spotless said that “Oil of Cloves” – diluted – wiped on surfaces deters them. I also sprinkle cloves around in my cupboards and shelves at home on her recommendation but the students might get a bit funny about that.
- I have heard that lavender works - I think you just place fresh lavender where you find them and they will not return. I have used this in my wardrobe but am unsure how it will work in a library!
- I’ve heard Cedarwood products work well.
- I have them really bad at home and thre best thing is to spray them professionally. I tried everything and nothing worked but getting the professionals in.