Book Fair and Display Case:
Book Fair is in full swing with 7th graders coming to the media center today to preview the selection of books and other goods for sale. In addition, the principal asked the media center to create a display in one of the main display cases in preparation for tomorrow's curriculum night. A parent volunteer and I set forth creating a display featured around the upcoming Constitution Day on September 17. Part of the consisted of books that were related to the Constitution that I pulled and displayed in the case. Research on the Reference Collection Activity was conducted.
Friday, August 27, 2010 (7 hrs) - Running Total: 77.5 Hours
Volunteer Orientation and Book Fair Set-Up:
Today the media specialist and the parapro presented volunteers with basic training. The media center relies heavily on parent volunteers to run the circulation desk and the re-shelving of books. This year I have been fortunate enough to be involved in helping set up the volunteer handbook as well as train new volunteers and provide support to returning volunteers. Today we also set up the Scholastic Book Fair program in the media center. This fund raiser is one of the main funding sources for the purchase of new books and other media center materials.
Today the media specialist and the parapro presented volunteers with basic training. The media center relies heavily on parent volunteers to run the circulation desk and the re-shelving of books. This year I have been fortunate enough to be involved in helping set up the volunteer handbook as well as train new volunteers and provide support to returning volunteers. Today we also set up the Scholastic Book Fair program in the media center. This fund raiser is one of the main funding sources for the purchase of new books and other media center materials.
Thursday, August 26, 2010 (4 hrs.) - Running Total: 70.5
Reading Enrichment Activity Planning and Reference Collection Activity:
I presented the initial idea for the reading enrichment/enjoyment activity to my mentor and received approval from Dr. Repman to alter the activity - making it school-wide in lieu of one class and focusing on the theme of Teen Read Week which occurs in October. I also began my review of the reference collection activity. Because this school was opened only three years ago, the reference materials are up to date and appear to be adequate in terms of meeting the needs of the curriculum as based on the Georgia Performance Standards. I will work on breaking down the primary content areas in the Science curriculum to further delineate what, if any, materials need to be added to the collection. In addition, I researched several grant resources - most of which were unfortunately not available at this time or did not apply to our school which has only a 5% low-income population.
I presented the initial idea for the reading enrichment/enjoyment activity to my mentor and received approval from Dr. Repman to alter the activity - making it school-wide in lieu of one class and focusing on the theme of Teen Read Week which occurs in October. I also began my review of the reference collection activity. Because this school was opened only three years ago, the reference materials are up to date and appear to be adequate in terms of meeting the needs of the curriculum as based on the Georgia Performance Standards. I will work on breaking down the primary content areas in the Science curriculum to further delineate what, if any, materials need to be added to the collection. In addition, I researched several grant resources - most of which were unfortunately not available at this time or did not apply to our school which has only a 5% low-income population.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010 (7.5 hrs.) - Running Total: 66.5 Hours
Cataloging:
As with most days, I assist the media center with circulation duties and help to oversee parent volunteers. Today I cataloged 10+ books into the card catalog program, Destiny. The books were purchased from various vendors through several different funding sources. The first step was to search for existing copies of the book within the system via the ISBN. If the book was found in the system and the media center had an existing record, then the record was duplicated. The book's barcode is then entered under the 'copies' page along with any changes to price and/or title details such as vendor and funding source. If the record is not found 'in house', then a cataloging resource is used to create a copy of the record-in this case, Alliance Plus by Follett. The barcode is then entered for that particular book along with the call number, vendor, and funding source. With both processes above, the record must then be saved. While the process seemed complicated at first, I am certain it is much easier than entering the Marc record manually while using Sears subject headings.
As with most days, I assist the media center with circulation duties and help to oversee parent volunteers. Today I cataloged 10+ books into the card catalog program, Destiny. The books were purchased from various vendors through several different funding sources. The first step was to search for existing copies of the book within the system via the ISBN. If the book was found in the system and the media center had an existing record, then the record was duplicated. The book's barcode is then entered under the 'copies' page along with any changes to price and/or title details such as vendor and funding source. If the record is not found 'in house', then a cataloging resource is used to create a copy of the record-in this case, Alliance Plus by Follett. The barcode is then entered for that particular book along with the call number, vendor, and funding source. With both processes above, the record must then be saved. While the process seemed complicated at first, I am certain it is much easier than entering the Marc record manually while using Sears subject headings.
Monday, August 23, 2010 (7 hrs) - Running Total: 59 Hours
District Media Specialist Meeting:
The morning hours consisted of observing the media specialist teaching 8th grade science classes on how to research science fair topics utilizing school resources, such as Destiny (card catalogue) and the district purchased Gale databases. After noon, we made our way to the county office for a district-wide media specialist meeting. My mentor is the lead media specialist for the county and therefore, was the main presenter.
The following topics were discussed:
The morning hours consisted of observing the media specialist teaching 8th grade science classes on how to research science fair topics utilizing school resources, such as Destiny (card catalogue) and the district purchased Gale databases. After noon, we made our way to the county office for a district-wide media specialist meeting. My mentor is the lead media specialist for the county and therefore, was the main presenter.
The following topics were discussed:
- New log-in procedures all faculty and students must know in order to use school computers
- The transition from Accelerated Reader to Reading Counts and issues associated with that transition including access to RC quizzes
- The new district-wide system of adopting Google Docs/Email as a method to better connect and collaborate among each other (teachers, admins, support staff, and students).
- Various topics dealing with technology issues and how the main server supports the new initiatives
- Common Core Standards and how those will mesh or replace GPS
- Upcoming events and noted organizations/websites that support media projects/advocacy such as Read for the Record, www.wegivebooks.org, www.archive.org, and International Literacy Day (Sept. 7).
Friday, August 20, 2010 (3.5 hrs.) - Running Total: 52 Hours
Everyday Duties:
Today mainly consisted of working the circulation desk (checking books in and out, assisting students with locating books, putting books on hold, re-shelving fiction and non-fiction materials). The media specialist, over the past few days, has spent numerous hours helping reading teachers set up various systems on their computers including SRI (Silent Reading Inventory) and trouble-shooting other software and hardware issues. It seems a media specialists job encompasses much more than just cataloging and dealing with print materials!
Today mainly consisted of working the circulation desk (checking books in and out, assisting students with locating books, putting books on hold, re-shelving fiction and non-fiction materials). The media specialist, over the past few days, has spent numerous hours helping reading teachers set up various systems on their computers including SRI (Silent Reading Inventory) and trouble-shooting other software and hardware issues. It seems a media specialists job encompasses much more than just cataloging and dealing with print materials!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 (7.5 hrs.) - Running Total: 48.5 Hours
Grade Level Meeting:
This morning I attended a grade level meeting on Google Calendar. The school has recently converted from the old system to Google. For many of the teachers and staff, anything besides gmail and Google search is new to them. This new system is being implemented as a way to streamline communication by providing 'In the Cloud' Web 2.0 technologies as part of the 21st Century Technology initiative. Today's meeting was a brief overview on how to set up and share Google Calendars. The Media Center has a Google Calendar that can be accessed by everyone in the school for easy viewing (no one but the media specialist has editing rights). This should make it easier for teachers to keep track of when they are scheduled for the media center and to also see when times are available in which teachers can request whole class media services. In addition to the grade level meeting, I instructed a new parent volunteer on book check-ins and check-outs as well as book re-shelving. Book fair preparations were initiated with the completion of posters to be displayed throughout the school.
This morning I attended a grade level meeting on Google Calendar. The school has recently converted from the old system to Google. For many of the teachers and staff, anything besides gmail and Google search is new to them. This new system is being implemented as a way to streamline communication by providing 'In the Cloud' Web 2.0 technologies as part of the 21st Century Technology initiative. Today's meeting was a brief overview on how to set up and share Google Calendars. The Media Center has a Google Calendar that can be accessed by everyone in the school for easy viewing (no one but the media specialist has editing rights). This should make it easier for teachers to keep track of when they are scheduled for the media center and to also see when times are available in which teachers can request whole class media services. In addition to the grade level meeting, I instructed a new parent volunteer on book check-ins and check-outs as well as book re-shelving. Book fair preparations were initiated with the completion of posters to be displayed throughout the school.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010 (7.5 hrs.) - Running Total: 41 Hours
Installation of New Printer Driver:
Today I was charged with installing a new printer driver on the media center's computers. The technology teacher provided me with instructions and away I went! I also continued to work the circulation desk for 6th graders. Much of the circulation desk duties these first few weeks consisted of checking-out books and play-aways, putting books on hold, assisting students with finding books, and re-shelving returned books. I also helped repair a damaged book by using double-stitch book binding - which worked out marvelously. Over the past several years of volunteering bi-weekly at my host school, the paraprofessional has taught me book repair; however, this was our first encounter with the double-stitch binding.
Today I was charged with installing a new printer driver on the media center's computers. The technology teacher provided me with instructions and away I went! I also continued to work the circulation desk for 6th graders. Much of the circulation desk duties these first few weeks consisted of checking-out books and play-aways, putting books on hold, assisting students with finding books, and re-shelving returned books. I also helped repair a damaged book by using double-stitch book binding - which worked out marvelously. Over the past several years of volunteering bi-weekly at my host school, the paraprofessional has taught me book repair; however, this was our first encounter with the double-stitch binding.
Monday , August 16, 2010 (7.5 hrs.) - Running Total: 33.5 Hours
8th Grade Research Lesson-
Today I observed the media specialist teaching the 8th grade Science classes research skills. During the lesson, students were instructed on how to access the Destiny Quest card catalogue to search for books as well as web-sites linked to a specific topic - all within the card catalogue! Students were also directed on how to access and use the Gale database that is provided by the district (specifically the Science Resource Center portion of the database). Students were also shown how to access the MLA format for the books and web cites as provided by Destiny Quest - this was a great feature! A great feature for students regarding the Gale Database is the online access students can acquire from outside the school. Students use a school-wide password to access this database which can be found on the Media Center's website: Media Center Resource Page. Other duties included adding bar-coding to new books and preparing them for circulation as well as making labels for the media workroom.
Today I observed the media specialist teaching the 8th grade Science classes research skills. During the lesson, students were instructed on how to access the Destiny Quest card catalogue to search for books as well as web-sites linked to a specific topic - all within the card catalogue! Students were also directed on how to access and use the Gale database that is provided by the district (specifically the Science Resource Center portion of the database). Students were also shown how to access the MLA format for the books and web cites as provided by Destiny Quest - this was a great feature! A great feature for students regarding the Gale Database is the online access students can acquire from outside the school. Students use a school-wide password to access this database which can be found on the Media Center's website: Media Center Resource Page. Other duties included adding bar-coding to new books and preparing them for circulation as well as making labels for the media workroom.
Thursday, August 12, 2010 (4 hrs.) - Running Total: 26 Hours
Cataloging and 8th Grade Check-Out:
Today I assisted with the cataloging process (4 books) into the Destiny system - these books were replacement books for previously lost books. Books are entered into the system using the ISBN which generates a Marc Record within the system. Gone are the days of entering all the codes and labels within a Marc Record! However, books are labeled within the system in terms of book location (school), vendor, and funding source. Other duties included attending to 8th grade book circulation.
Today I assisted with the cataloging process (4 books) into the Destiny system - these books were replacement books for previously lost books. Books are entered into the system using the ISBN which generates a Marc Record within the system. Gone are the days of entering all the codes and labels within a Marc Record! However, books are labeled within the system in terms of book location (school), vendor, and funding source. Other duties included attending to 8th grade book circulation.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010 (7.5 hrs.) - Running Total: 22 Hours
7th Grade Orientation:
Today was mostly comprised of 7th grade orientation. As with 6th grade orientation yesterday, students were instructed on computer log-in procedures. I assisted with helping students with the log-in procedures and with locating Destiny Quest (card-catalog) on the server within the student folder icon. Other duties included book check-out at the circulation desk, covering new book jackets with Mylar book covers, and placing new books into circulation.
Today was mostly comprised of 7th grade orientation. As with 6th grade orientation yesterday, students were instructed on computer log-in procedures. I assisted with helping students with the log-in procedures and with locating Destiny Quest (card-catalog) on the server within the student folder icon. Other duties included book check-out at the circulation desk, covering new book jackets with Mylar book covers, and placing new books into circulation.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010 (7.5 hrs) Running Total: 14.5 hours
6th Grade Orientation:
Today was the first day for 6th grade media center orientation. The media specialist provided an overview, using the overhead projection system, of library services and instructed students on how to log onto the media center computers. New to this school year is a district wide policy that each student must use a unique log-in ID and password in order to access the network and computer programs. This was implemented as a security detail in order to better monitor student's computer use. I spent much of the day assisting students on how to log on to the computers as well as working at the circulation desk checking out books. I assisted the media paraprofessional with the bar-coding of rebounded books which were then placed back into circulation. Other duties included continuation of shelving new books, researching lexile levels to be added to book spine labels, and identifying books in series to add to the current series binder that is kept at the circulation desk for student reference.
Today was the first day for 6th grade media center orientation. The media specialist provided an overview, using the overhead projection system, of library services and instructed students on how to log onto the media center computers. New to this school year is a district wide policy that each student must use a unique log-in ID and password in order to access the network and computer programs. This was implemented as a security detail in order to better monitor student's computer use. I spent much of the day assisting students on how to log on to the computers as well as working at the circulation desk checking out books. I assisted the media paraprofessional with the bar-coding of rebounded books which were then placed back into circulation. Other duties included continuation of shelving new books, researching lexile levels to be added to book spine labels, and identifying books in series to add to the current series binder that is kept at the circulation desk for student reference.
Monday, August 9, 2010 (7 hrs.) - Running Total: 7 Hours
First Day of School:
Today is the first day of school for students. I spent some time helping to set up a new virus scan software on the computers that are utilized in the media center - a total of 28 computers are available for student use. These computers are used by students to access the Destiny card catalog system, perform word processing functions, and to conduct research. I also helped to prepare new books for circulation. In addition, I observed the media specialist as she imported Marc records from Follett into the school's card catalog database (Destiny).
Today is the first day of school for students. I spent some time helping to set up a new virus scan software on the computers that are utilized in the media center - a total of 28 computers are available for student use. These computers are used by students to access the Destiny card catalog system, perform word processing functions, and to conduct research. I also helped to prepare new books for circulation. In addition, I observed the media specialist as she imported Marc records from Follett into the school's card catalog database (Destiny).
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