Could you lend a helping hand in keeping our library nice for all?
In reading and responding to a blog over at: http://lisnews.org/libraries_crisis_trying_move_times_national_tragedy#comment-35641, I have the following thoughts:
I am a high school teacher librarian for six years and have transformed a traditionally quiet library into a popular social / learning spot from 7a.m. to 3:30 p.m. We offer a nice collection of books for 1800 students, with an average copyright age of 12 years. We also offer high-speed Internet connection and an array of outstanding online research databases. The students are encouraged to use these and are learning how to critically evaluate sites reached by search engines. Students like their library! We even offer upwards of 90 different magazine titles, not to mention, we have chess and puzzles!
We will soon move into a brand new high school and a new library. I am hoping to gain approval on an outsourced coffeehouse in the library, to be enjoyed on the vinyl, tile flooring of the library and within a small library cafe.
In reading the global buzz about whether or not libraries should offer fun and food, I do see my "relaxed" policy (allowing for (1) more personal comfort and (2) more social, interacting zones) has often edged out common courtesy. Bottles of pop, water, chips and candy make their way into the lab, and supplies that are freely accessible at a station are left lying around everywhere, with cut paper also strewn across the room. Spills show up in areas where food and drink are discouraged. I wonder why a person doesn't think to clean up the trash left behind or a spill on a tabletop.
So how best might we instill self-discipline, respect and appreciation of one's public surroundings, manners and common courtesy? This can happen, but it takes the dedicated effort of many helping hands and voices to become a reality. Hmm, I need to give this more thought and enlist the help of others in our school to make this happen. Any suggestions???
Creating ownership is likely one of the best ways to encourage responsibility...but then again, many would likely have rooms that are sloppy, too! :) I would not let that discourage you from moving forward with your plans!! Perhaps you could build in some incentives for keeping it clean with prizes, extra Internet/game time, etc. I don't think 'reasoning' works in a situation like this as well as 'behaviorism' techniques! But either way, no magic solution, I fear!
ReplyDeleteNicely said, my friend!
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