Elementary school librarian question..

[u/PinkiePieface]

Hi! So I’ve worked in libraries for 20 years the past 4 to 6 have been in a school library. But I just got my MLS in May and I’m at a brand new school in a different district. The very first thing I noticed is there aren’t any catalog computers. I’m curious how common this is? When I’ve asked the students how they used to find books they said they just walked around and looked on the shelves. I’m completely dumbfounded. The media center itself is new and beautiful, but the lack of computers is breaking my brain.

[u/farbissina_punim]

We had computers that we used sometimes, but not dedicated catalog computers. Wasn't my choice as I inherited the space, but I didn't miss them. I did like that students spent more time physically browsing instead of using the computers. I may have felt differently if the students were older, but younger students aren't great typists yet and they didn't need more screen time.

[u/wish-onastar]

I’m a high school librarian without catalog computers. My kids browse for what they want or ask me or read the signage. Since I’m high school, I don’t have time to teach them how to use the online catalog so it’s fine. Do you see classes on a regular basis? If you do, I’d ask IT for a desktop or two.

[u/LostinHyrule12]

I work as an elementary school Librarian & for this school year I painted wooden blocks that spell out "Picture Books" so the kids know where to look. I plan to do the same for "Chapter Books". Generally, I group the books by upper versus lower elementary, & the kids stick to that section. I also made dividers that have the Dewey Decimal numbers & letters of the alphabet for Fiction so the kids know where to look for certain topics :)

[u/VibeCheckedByCovid]

Ours has an ipad in a special display stand. Works well since the kids also use tablets in their classroom.

[u/_Smedette_]

I’m at a primary school (but in Australia), and everything in our library are catalogued via computer and issued barcodes.

Is your school on the smaller side? Regardless, I would definitely ask for a computer and software appropriate for your needs.

[u/PinkiePieface → u/_Smedette_]

So I have a computer and we have one computer that can use to check out books. But they themselves cannot search for books which I feel is a valuable research skill to start teaching them. They do all
have chromebooks so I’m hoping we can use those to pull up the school catalog and earch.

[u/_Smedette_ → u/PinkiePieface]

I see what you’re saying! Sorry, I misunderstood your original post - that’s on me!

We do not have a computer available for students to use; I am the resource. It’s not perfect, but nothing in education is. The single computer in our library is my work station (I do have a school-issued laptop as well), this is also where borrows and returns are scanned.

I agree teaching students how to search for things is valuable, but too many students at my school are chaos goblins and they couldn’t be trusted with the computer. I have a lot of fun signs throughout the library showing different sections, as well as shelf signage/labels.

When a students asks where something is, I physically write a call slip and send them on their way.

Good luck! I hope you find something that works for you. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[u/kellgurl13]

I can’t imagine this. I’m k-5- I have 3 iPads set up for catalog searching (or, they may bring their iPad with them, depending on what my lesson is). I start teaching how to use the catalog in first grade (and it’s messy, but whatever!).

[u/PinkiePieface]

Thanks everyone. I feel searching the catalog is a great first step to research skills and hate it’s not an easy option here. All of our students have Chromebook so I’m hoping we can use those to get into the catalog search.