Middle School Library

What’s this all about? I hope to one day be a school librarian and this presentation is a culmination of what I have learned so far in my education. It is centered on middle school students (6th-8th grade) and what they would be interested in. This project will include some interesting videos and links, as well as some helpful hints. I will also have information on some resources that would be excellent in any library. I hope this presentation is fun and helpful to current and future librarians, as well as anyone who just loves to read.

What students need to know. While librarians are not classroom teachers, there is an important tool that all librarians should teach. The Dewey Decimal system – students need to know how the system works so they can find books in the library. Here are a couple of fun and interesting links to use: "Do We" Really Know Dewey? Dewey Decimal System GamePacheco: Dewey Decimal System

What librarians need to know. Things are changing, becoming more computer oriented and librarians have to be able to keep up with this change. Most students have e-mail, blog everyday and use the Internet on a daily basis. How can the library keep up? Create a blog where students and parents can interact with the library. Blogger: Create your free blog Make sure as a librarian, you keep up with the latest changes, it may be up to you to teach these concepts to your students!

Web 2.0 There are new technologies everyday that students come into contact with. As librarians we need to keep on top of these changes, so that when students need our help, we’re ready. This video gives an idea of some of the new technologies we need to be aware of.

What kids want to read… I have reviewed lists created by middle school students of their favorite books and these are the ones that showed up over and over again.

Roll of Thunder, Hear my cry What teachers want you to read… I reviewed assigned reading lists for middle school students and these were the books that showed up on most every list. The Giver Holes Bridge to Terabithia Tuck Everlasting Hatchet The Outsiders Bud, not Buddy Roll of Thunder, Hear my cry Jacob Have I Loved A Wrinkle in Time The Westing Game Maniac Magee To Kill A Mockingbird

What’s the difference? Notice how not many of those books are the same! While it is important for students to read the classics and what is assigned to them, they also need to have fun with reading. So many students learn to hate reading because they are forced to read material they do not like. Make sure your library is a place students can come and find not only the books they have to read, but the books they want to read.

Finding the perfect book Finding the perfect book. Below are some links that can help students find books they may be interested in. What Should I Read Next? Story Code The World's Reading List Kidsreads.com

Banned Books There are several books that come under this heading. Some of them are the most assigned and most popular young adult books. Banned or challenged books pose a problem that many librarians face when they have to decide what to include in their collection. Just because a book is banned does not mean it cannot be in a school library, but it does mean it may have to be defended. The next two videos will show some of the most challenged books in history.

Banned Books This video shows some of the most banned books in history Banned Books This video shows some of the most banned books in history. See how many are included in your library.

Banned Books Show this video to your students and see how many of these books they have read…and enjoyed.

Reference Material A library is more than just fiction books Reference Material A library is more than just fiction books. A well stocked library carries a good selection of reference books as well. Chances are most students will come to the library and the librarian for books and websites they can use for schoolwork. Below are some links to some great reference material for middle school students. World Book Home – the World Book Encyclopedia is a great reference source. The New Book of Knowledge is a great encyclopedia geared toward younger students. Guinness World Records - Home Page great book and website for some fun and interesting facts, both weird and educational. Fact Monster –fun website students can use to find a variety of information. Biography.com –students can search historical figures as well as their favorite athletes and actors.

Other reading materials Not all students like to read books, so make sure there are other reading materials present, like magazines or graphic novels. As long as students are reading, it shouldn't matter what they read! Magazines Ranger Rick Magazine – a popular wildlife magazine for kids. Time for Kids – the same magazine adults read, just made for kids. Sports Illustrated for Kids – not all that educational, but it would get more boys reading. National Geographic Kids

Media collections CD’s DVD’s Its good to have a collection of CD-ROM’s that students can use for research. Have a collection of music that students and teachers can use. DVD’s Collection of movies that have been adapted from books. Find out what educational films teachers would like to have kept in the library. The library is not just a source for students, but for teachers too. Online Databases and Encyclopedia’s

Helpful Links Here are some links that may be helpful. School Library Journal The Horn Book, Inc. ALA | Home - American Library Association ALA | Caldecott Medal & Honor Books, 1938-Present ALA | Newbery Medal & Honor Books, 1922-Present Dewey Browse What Is MLA Style? The Educator's Reference Desk: Lesson Plans

State Curriculum There is no specific curriculum for libraries that comes from the state, however, it would be useful to become familiar with the Reading and Computer Technology standards since they are directly related to the library. TDOE: Curriculum Standards

City and County Standards Memphis City – the following link will provide you with the curriculum for the city as well as the standards for the library. Memphis City Schools - Library Information Services Shelby County – the following link will give you the standards and benchmarks for the library media center. Shelby County School Libraries

A little something… I wanted to leave you with a little something fun A little something… I wanted to leave you with a little something fun. I loved this show as a child and it helped me develop a love of reading and books. It is still one of my favorite theme songs.

References Srharris19 (2007, October 15) Web 2.0: A Brief Introduction [Video file]. Video posted to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BavB2EYalYk Adelfred (2008, January 21) A duke618 video – Top 50 Banned Books [Video file]. Video posted to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYvM8WLUf5o

References GottesmanLibraries (2008, September 18). 100 Banned Books [Video file]. Posted to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxqbRRQtaLc Everlong1039 (2006, May 2). Old school Reading Rainbow theme [Video file]. Posted to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6j8EiWIVZs