Embedded Files
Objective 1
Objective 1
During the 2019-2020 school year, the North Ridge library will begin its new policy of lifting library limits for all 1st through 5th grade students to increase access to literature. We will alter our circulation policy and implement total self-circulation for the first time. Students will be offered the opportunity to perform community service in place of library fines for lost materials. We will introduce the new policies to staff and students at a school-level. We will also share our information and collaborate with other librarians at a district level.
During the 2019-2020 school year, the North Ridge library will begin its new policy of lifting library limits for all 1st through 5th grade students to increase access to literature. We will alter our circulation policy and implement total self-circulation for the first time. Students will be offered the opportunity to perform community service in place of library fines for lost materials. We will introduce the new policies to staff and students at a school-level. We will also share our information and collaborate with other librarians at a district level.
After preparing during the 2018-2019 school year, we began our new circulation policy. We wanted to ensure that the culture and language at North Ridge reflected a culture of access for all students.
After preparing during the 2018-2019 school year, we began our new circulation policy. We wanted to ensure that the culture and language at North Ridge reflected a culture of access for all students.
With this in mind, we lifted library limits for 1st through 5th grade. Students were encouraged to check out as many books as they need and as many they can be responsible for. This entailed meeting with both staff and students to explain both the "what" and the "why." While there was some resistance, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Circulation also increased 52%. During the 2018-2019 year, from August through February, 16,070 books circulated. In the same time period in the 2019-2020 school year, 24,474 books circulated, which is an increase of 52%. Even more importantly, the students truly seemed to enjoy the responsibility and trust.
With this in mind, we lifted library limits for 1st through 5th grade. Students were encouraged to check out as many books as they need and as many they can be responsible for. This entailed meeting with both staff and students to explain both the "what" and the "why." While there was some resistance, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Circulation also increased 52%. During the 2018-2019 year, from August through February, 16,070 books circulated. In the same time period in the 2019-2020 school year, 24,474 books circulated, which is an increase of 52%. Even more importantly, the students truly seemed to enjoy the responsibility and trust.
Part of that sense of ownership came with student self circulation. This did include a learning curve as students began the new process, but students quickly learned and independently began serving as mentors to their peers, voluntarily helping one another with the process. Students also began performing service hours in the library in place of monetary fines which shifted the responsibility from families towards the students. We were also able to share information and strategies regarding lifting circulation limits with other librarians, both at district level PLTs and Convergence.
Part of that sense of ownership came with student self circulation. This did include a learning curve as students began the new process, but students quickly learned and independently began serving as mentors to their peers, voluntarily helping one another with the process. Students also began performing service hours in the library in place of monetary fines which shifted the responsibility from families towards the students. We were also able to share information and strategies regarding lifting circulation limits with other librarians, both at district level PLTs and Convergence.
One area that we failed to address was more flexible circulation within a fixed schedule. While this was discussed with staff, it was never fully conveyed to students. Encouraging more flexible access will be followed up on in the 2020-2021 school year. Overall, however, this goal was extremely successful. The language and culture around the library shifted and circulation increased.
One area that we failed to address was more flexible circulation within a fixed schedule. While this was discussed with staff, it was never fully conveyed to students. Encouraging more flexible access will be followed up on in the 2020-2021 school year. Overall, however, this goal was extremely successful. The language and culture around the library shifted and circulation increased.
Objective 2
Objective 2
During the 2019-2020 school year, North Ridge will add signage to make its new space easy to navigate. This will include both area signs and section signs.
During the 2019-2020 school year, North Ridge will add signage to make its new space easy to navigate. This will include both area signs and section signs.
Throughout the year, we have added signage through the library. We created letter signs for the Everybody section and number signs for the Nonfiction section.
Throughout the year, we have added signage through the library. We created letter signs for the Everybody section and number signs for the Nonfiction section.
Everybody Section
Everybody Section
Nonfiction Section
Nonfiction Section
We have also begun to add signs with call numbers for each individual bookcase, colored coded by the library section. As well, we created picture signage for the popular topics in the browsing bins located in the Everybody section. Likewise, we began designing the larger signs that will indicate each library section. These projects were, unfortunately, halted by the school closure. We also moved the collective biographies into a unified section and the graphic novels into unified section for easier access. However, we have not yet been able to create new call numbers for these books.
We have also begun to add signs with call numbers for each individual bookcase, colored coded by the library section. As well, we created picture signage for the popular topics in the browsing bins located in the Everybody section. Likewise, we began designing the larger signs that will indicate each library section. These projects were, unfortunately, halted by the school closure. We also moved the collective biographies into a unified section and the graphic novels into unified section for easier access. However, we have not yet been able to create new call numbers for these books.
Although the school closure has forced some of these projects to be incomplete, we will resume them in the 2020-2021 school year.
Although the school closure has forced some of these projects to be incomplete, we will resume them in the 2020-2021 school year.
Expected Outcome #3
Expected Outcome #3
During the 2019-2020 school year, North Ridge will create an updated library website. This website will include access to the library catalog and information on ways to access the librarian. There will be sections for three different audiences: students, staff, and families.
During the 2019-2020 school year, North Ridge will create an updated library website. This website will include access to the library catalog and information on ways to access the librarian. There will be sections for three different audiences: students, staff, and families.
Although there was a small library page on the school website, it was mostly limited to a link to Destiny. To increase access to the library virtually, we redesigned the library homepage. It now includes separate pages for families, staff, and students. The student pages include curated links for learning.
Although there was a small library page on the school website, it was mostly limited to a link to Destiny. To increase access to the library virtually, we redesigned the library homepage. It now includes separate pages for families, staff, and students. The student pages include curated links for learning.
Old Website
Old Website
New Website (linked)
New Website (linked)
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