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Public librarians are aware that teachers plan their assignments with the school media
specialist.
However, students use both their school’s media center and the public
library to research assignments. School media centers should be the first contact for the
students researching an assignment, their collections focus specifically on curriculum related materials.
The public library’s role is one of supplementation rather than full support, and curriculum
related materials may be in short supply at any one time.
These are some suggestions to assist teachers in helping their students make optimal use of the Dorchester
County Library.
How Can The Public Library Support my Program?
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By providing additional resource materials.
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By suggesting recreational reading material.
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By answering short factual questions over the telephone.
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By offering library orientation programs.
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How Will I Know Whether The
Public Library Has The Necessary Materials?
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Ask the Media Specialist at your school; there are advantages to having your Media Specialist act
as a liaison between the school and public library.
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Notifying us in advance (the more notice the better).
This will allow us to attempt to gather additional material for your students.
Please use our
ASSIGNMENT ALERT
form.
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Come visit us and become familiar with our holdings.
We'd be happy to show you around.
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Phone us, Fax us or check our
Catalog via the World Wide Web.
Why Might the Student Have Difficulty Finding Information For The Assignment?
The library may have a limited number of materials on any one subject.
The student may not know how to search the Internet or our databases.
Staff shortages make it difficult for students or parents to receive as much individual instruction as they may need.
Limited information may be available for obscure or minor subjects.
What Can I Do If The Public Library And The School Media Center Do Not Have Enough Information
On The Topic I Assign?
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Assign multiple topics to ensure that fewer students are searching for material on any one subject.
Be flexible in the number of resources required, the number of pages required and encourage students
to use specialized resources such as the library’s databases. As well, don’t overlook the
value of an encyclopedia - in paper or electronic form.
Consider assigning co-operative reports.
Encourage regular feedback from students regarding assignment
difficulties.
Is There Anything Else I Should Know?
- Make sure your students understand the difference between reference and circulating materials.
- Library reference materials are for in-library use only.
- Please stress to your students the importance of writing down or bringing an assignment sheet with them when they visit the
public library.
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~ Thank You For Visiting! ~
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