Student Workers in the Library

Greetings!

I have a group of students that come and help out in the library on a regular basis. This year marks the eleventh year I have had a Library Club here at Rogers. I did some research and learned what other schools do and then tweaked it to fit here. Because of time and scheduling, my Library Club members come to help for the 20 minute lunch recess period. That is what works out best at my school. This limits the club members to 5th and 6th graders and I seldom have any boys.

When I first started, I spoke to all the fifth and sixth graders and talked about helping in the library and had quite a few interested students. They all came to an informational meeting to learn more about what the job might look like and then some decided they would rather play at recess. Over the years I soon realized that I must limit the group. I have learned that ten students is just about all that we need or can handle here.

Students who are interested contact me and I have each student who is interested in being a part of Library Club fill out an application. The application must also be signed by a teacher and students must keep up their schoolwork in order to be a member. I have had a few students drop out because they just had too much on their plate.

I expect my Club members to come work in the library twice a week, but they may come more often if they choose. I expect them to work carefully and train them in each job that needs to be done. Students receive training in shelving books, putting the shelves in correct order, organizing, cleaning, and even helping with book fairs.

This is a service club, but we have a few perks for members. They can come to the library for lunch on certain days, occasional teats, free books and posters from the book fairs we hold, and a special ”Thank You” party in the spring.

Normally I don’t have junior high students in the club due to scheduling differences and also the social aspect of junior high. However, our junior high students need to complete a service requirement, and if they have been a member of Library Club, I am happy to have them work off their requirement in the library. I have even been asked for a job reference from a former Library Club member and was happy I could give a good reference for her.

Most of you have very small libraries, but you also don’t have librarians. It may be that you have volunteer parents to help with the library and that is wonderful, but if you don’t, I hope you consider using students. Any age will do as long as they are careful workers and know what to do for you. This is something that is not just busywork, but a real need. Students can help and be proud of their work.

Have a great week.
Audrey