Sept. 21-25 Spotlights

 Our library is beginning to look like a welcoming learning space!

 Although the physical space isn’t ready for class access or for individual student access, all print learning resources, a range of digital resources, and the teacher-librarian are available to your students -- simply in a different way to ensure the health and safety of staff and students based on our district Covid guidelines.  

 Please be aware of what has changed -- and what hasn’t!

 

What has changed?

 New practices that limit touching of learning areas and learning resources by multiple individuals.

 

1.  Online ordering/ “door dash” delivery to your classes, rather than “dine in”

 

• To limit touching/sanitizing of multiple items, the teacher-librarian will visit your classes to show students how to make use of the library catalog to explore the library’s resource.  Students will learn how to find the library catalog, access/create a personal account,  use a range of search limiters to browse for books, create personal booklists in their own library accounts, and to place holds for “door dash” delivery”.
• Holds will be delivered to your students the next day;  Sook and I will sanitize the book covers before delivering them to your students.
• Students will be able to place 3 holds each at a time, allowing them to browse several reading choices in their classes rather than being restricted to a single choice.  Any books not chosen by students will be returned to the library and sanitized (covers wipe-down with disinfectant).  The district pandemic team has rejected the idea of quarantining of learning resources, so sanitization is our best option.
• Holds will be delivered to your students the next day;  Sook and I will sanitize the book covers before delivering them to your students.
• ** This can be a fun way of exploring the library.  Different book “menus” will be featured each week, or the teacher-librarian can customize the menu for your “selective” eaters.

 

2.            Location/configuration of TL teaching re: inquiry/research skills

 

• In previous years, I’ve preferred to teach in the library space, but physical distancing will preclude a  full class from being together in the library teaching space (stage area).  There are two options:

 

-  Small group instruction of 6 students at a time in the library, rotating groups in your classes on the half hour (allowing four group in 2 ½ hours)

OR

- Full class instruction in your classroom space, where you have already set up physical distancing protocols.

 At this time, please note that your classroom space may be the best location for instruction this term since the desk area at the entrance of the auditorium is being used by classes for instruction during blocks A & B. .

 3.  A smaller computer lab area

 The large area at the entrance of the auditorium is used for classes this term, leaving only a small area for desktops, which must be spaced across the library for social distancing.  

 There will be 12-15 spaces on the floor area beneath and on stage for desktop computer access.

 

4.  No hard copies of the Times Colonist - digital access only

 Access the TC Digital edition in the special subscriptions page (user name and password posted).  Our school has simultaneous access for 120 individuals.

 5.  Virtual book displays

 Weekly “menus” with book covers & QR codes linking to a brief synopsis will be displayed at the library entrance, and on the main page of the  library web site. They will also be advertised on the announcements.  Students will be able to reserve requests online from the library catalogue OR come to the circulation desk to request it.

 A plexiglass library shield is forthcoming at the circulation desk.   In the meantime, everyone (staff and students) should be wearing a mask at the desk.

 What hasn’t changed?

1. Access to high-quality, vetted resources through our Digital Resource Hub accessible from the library web site. Within our building, no log in is required (off site passwords TBA). Book the teacher-librarian before beginning a research/inquiry project with your students

2. Staff access to special subscriptions (current events magazines , Times Colonist digital, Curio.ca) 

3.  Password to ALL tabs beneath staff resources:  vhstaff1914   This password has been the same for several years and will not change.

4. The coveted and collectible annual bookmark for staff -- forthcoming next week.