School libraries require careful organization and management.
A well managed school library can become an important hub of information for both students and staff, and a great asset for a school. An effective management system ensures that the library is used to its maximum effect, and once implemented requires only minimal upkeep to maintain. If you have a professional knowledge of libraries, initiative and good attention to detail, managing a library can be straight forward and successful.
Instructions
1. Produce a mission statement for the library. While many school libraries serve multiple purposes, they should have one clear aim which can be translated into a mission statement, giving staff and students something to categorize the library as, and making it much easier to manage. A common library mission statement is to prepare students for lifelong learning, or to provide resources to help students succeed, although your mission statement should be personalized to your school.
2. Make a list of goals and objectives based on your mission statement. Consider how you can get from the library's current form to the form you are aiming for. Include resources you will require, financial aims and staffing needs.
3. Consider the facility itself. Look at the organization. Depending on your school, you may be able to repaint the walls, reorganize furniture and purchase new items. Consider different activities which take place in the library, and supervision needs. You may also want to consider school security, the library lighting and temperatures.
4. Plan a new layout. Decide if you would like to have a quiet study zone, and where to place this. If you have technology, consider where this needs to be, in relation to ventilation and plugs. If you have a table with newspapers and encourage debate, think about where to place this so it does not disturb the quiet zone.
5. Decide which resources you are missing. Do you have a full range of books on different subjects? Are you missing vital software? Produce a list of things you would like the library to have, and what you need to get there.
6. Produce a staff list. Who is head librarian? How is the librarian able to be reached? When does the librarian work? Who will maintain the computers? Can you employ staff? Will you have volunteers from the school to help out? If so, decide how many volunteers you will need, and advertise these positions. Produce a rotation to ensure there is always enough staff to help out.
7. Make a budget. Discuss with the finance department of the school how much money is allocated to the library, and who authorizes spending. Also research grants, fundraisers and donations to find different ways to make money. This will help you to improve the library, and continuing improving it over time.
8. Evaluate the library regularly. Organize regular meetings with library staff and school staff, to ask for their opinions on the library and find any improvements which could be made. File an evaluation form regularly to analyze how close you are getting to achieving the goals and objectives you set earlier, and ultimately the mission statement.
Tags: mission statement, goals objectives, place this, where place, where place this