Library

Student Library Assistant

Course Syllabus

Instructor:

Mrs. Battles, Library Media Specialist

I. Introduction

Being a student librarian provides experience in library operations, and increased knowledge and understanding of the library and its resources.

II. Course Aims

As a student librarian you will provide assistance to library users with the online card catalog, physically locating books, and the use of library equipment. This class is ideal for students who enjoy helping others.

Library is a work experience class which allows you to practice skills employers look for in an employee. Responsibility, dependability, initiative, and attention to detail are stressed in this course, as well as communication and organization skills.

Library is a hands-on exploration class. You will be personally enriched and gain additional knowledge through increased access and contact with library resources.

III. Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this class, students will:

  • Demonstrate understanding of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system, and how books are organized in the library.
  • Demonstrate understanding of library policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrate understanding and appropriate use of library resources.
  • Demonstrate understanding of proper shelf maintenance, including neatness, proper shelf placement, and proper shelf order.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills needed to interact effectively with library users.
  • Demonstrate ability to monitor progress as well as to assess and improve performance.
  • Demonstrate reliability and determination in task completion.
  • Demonstrate appropriate behavior for a work setting.
  • Demonstrate creativity in promoting books and reading to other students.

IV. Format of Class Instruction

You will develop and demonstrate your mastery of course objectives through practical work experience in the library. You will be given a section of the library shelves to maintain. In addition, you will work the circulation desk and have other responsibilities.

At the beginning of the semester, you will receive basic training to do your assigned jobs, which will increase your knowledge of library resources and improve your ability to help library users.

It is important to pay close attention to all instructions and ask questions whenever needed. Finally, it is extremely important for you to take your work seriously. For example, a book that is shelved incorrectly causes disorder in a place where people expect order. When library users cannot find an improperly shelved book, they become frustrated.

At all times, you should note library conditions and respond appropriately as needed. For example, if you see students who need help or see something in the library that needs attention, you should respond.

When you have completed all responsibilities for the day, the only acceptable activities are reading and working on class work for another class. Playing games and surfing the Internet is not allowed unless I have okayed it as a special privilege, which will be rare.

V. Course Requirements

  1. Attendance

You are expected to be in class and on time. Regular Absences and tardies will have a negative impact on your grade. Absences for extracurricular activities such as softball, band, etc., are not counted against you as regular absences.

B.Grading:

Your academic grade is based on the following:

  • Attendance
  • Work habits
  • Attitude
  • Circulation desk performance
  • Shelf Maintenance
  • Individual and group responsibilities
  • Book promotion group project

VI. Perks of being a student library assistant

While enrolled in the course, you receive special privileges:

  • You may check out up to three books at a time on a regular basis.
  • No late fees for overdue books (You will still be responsible to pay for lost or damaged books).
  • Access to a variety of resources that can help you complete assignments in all of your classes.

VII. School and Library Rules

You are expected to follow all school rules.

  • Cell phones and other electronic devices should be turned off and not visible.
  • The school dress code must be followed.

In addition to school rules, specific library rules include:

  • Maintain a calm library environment. Talk quietly. No obnoxious behavior.
  • If working on a task away from the circulation desk you may listen to an MP3 player/ipod (no phones) provided you only use one earbud and you can still hear and respond to library surroundings. If you are not able to to respond appropriately when needed, this privilege will be removed.
  • Use your time effectively. You may not use class time for non-school purposes (social talk, playing games, Internet surfing, sleeping).
  • Eating and drinking is not allowed.