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annaslibrary:

One of the annoyances about being a librarian is the shelving. It’s not necessarily difficult work, but it sure is tedious, especially when I have other things to do, like grading. The tedium is compounded when students, and not just the really little guys, don’t put books back in the proper place. I know they know how to do it, but they’re just careless. If it was just a matter of putting a book in the wrong section, that would be annoying, but there have been several instances when students pushed books in and ruined/ripped the pages because they actually shoved that book into a space in which another book was occupied. Considering I have a budget of $0 this year, this is incredibly frustrating.

Because of all the mis-shelving that has occurred, I have no choice but to re-shelve all of the non-fiction. Since the beginning of the year, I’ve looked up books in the catalog for students and gone back, only to find them missing. I’m getting tired of it and it’s not helpful to students, so until I’m done, the students can’t check any non-fiction out, unless teachers specifically request it and even then, I’m going to pull out the books that they need.

This weekend, I’m planning on hitting up Home Depot or other similar store and picking up some paint stirrers. I saw another librarian do this when I observed her. She would distribute the paint stirrers to the students and they would use them to mark the places where they pulled out the books so that they could return the materials to the proper places. Though I’m sure my older kids will be mortified that they need to use aids to put items back correctly, I’m going to make them use them until they can prove to me that they can be trusted to treat the books carefully and respectfully. 

For other librarians out there, what are some things that you’ve done that have worked?

First, I have to say that I loved reading your post.  I know exactly what you’re talking about.  I definitely don’t enjoy shelving.  That’s especially unfortunate because I think I’ll soon be losing my parapro.  And mis-shelved books?  My students are constantly putting books on the wrong shelf, smashing them into other books already on the shelf, facing the spine in, or just leaving books on the floor.  I really should include regular reminders in my lessons.  But here’s the disappointing part for you - we use sticks.

My students do pretty well marking their spot to replace a book after they look at it.  The problem I see is when they change their mind after continued browsing.  This is the point at which they’ll just do anything with their first choice.  My para had a good idea today.  She suggested having a “changed my mind” table for books students have decided against.  I hate to encourage them, but it’s better than having lost copies or picking up books off the floor.

Also, what do you grade?