[CASL-L] Looking for data on HS library usage

[Loretta Sullivan]

Hi Jen,

Congrats on your high school position!  We have approx. 1500 students in
our grades 9-12.  Students can access the library before/after school as
well as during a time called Power Hour (half lunch/half free time to get
extra help).  They do not swipe in for these times.  In addition to this,
they may come directly here and swipe in (electronic system that registers
their attendance, accessible by their study hall teachers) and swipe out at
the end of the period.  I need to note that sub teachers are not allowed to
send students down to the library for study hall because this seems to
become a problem with certain students taking advantage of wondering the
halls, etc.  It is the expectation that is a privilege to be here and that
they must remain quiet or at least not disruptive to others around them
(they may actually be working).  We also have students that are on their
phones and/or play games and surf the net on their chromebooks or
desktops.  This is fine, as they need to be managing their own time and our
principal does not want us to dictate what they can and cannot work on
during their time here (as long as it is appropriate).  In saying this, if
they are too loud, rude, or disruptive, they are forced to swipe out and go
back to study hall.  If it is a first time for a student, it is just for
the remainder of that day (I usually give them a gentle warning and remind
them to be quiet/settle down and tell them they might have to leave if the
behavior continues).  If it is a reoccurring student/behavior, they are out
for 2 weeks (we email them, their dean, and call home with this and the
reason why).  If a student is a constant problem or has behaviors that call
for administrative action, we do a formal write up.  Feel free to contact
me for further info./support.  I think what we do works really well, as
students learn quickly that they cannot get away with unruly behavior in
the library and that they will have no choice but to go back to their
assigned study hall and/or deal with their administrator.  Good luck!

Respectfully,

Loretta Sullivan
Library Media Specialist
Manchester High School



"I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library."
                                                       - Jorge Luis Borges

On Mon, Dec 12, 2016 at 8:21 PM, Jen <jlarkin24 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hello everyone!
> I'm a new LMS in a CT high school.  I'm looking for some info from fellow
> high school librarians...
>
> How do students access your library?  Who uses your space?  Here's why I'm
> asking - my high school has a privilege system.  Students who earn
> privilege can, instead of going to their assigned caf study, opt out and
> come to the LMC instead. What has this taught them?  That instead of going
> to an assigned study hall to quietly do work, they can go elsewhere and
> "hang out".  On a daily basis, between 60 to 100 students come to the
> library each period.  Half of them come to actually do work.  The others -
> to socialize and play on their phones. I can tolerate working noise - but
> I'm dealing with much different issues because of this! I, along with my
> two paras, have been trying to change the culture - but it's difficult.  I
> feel as if the school culture needs to change, and how students access the
> LMC needs to change.  So I'm looking for your help!
>
> Our school has about 900 students.  Can you tell me about your LMC, how
> students access, why, etc.  THANK YOU!
>
> Jen L.
>
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