Library Skills
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My 11yo has created her own library several times over the past 5 years. She's just started again; she has fiction in alphabetical order by author and non-fiction organized by her own pseudo-Dewey subject distinctions. She has it all on a spreadsheet and can search by author / title / genre / in vs. out. Siblings and parents are allowed to sign out 14 books at a time. Totally child-led. I dread her asking for a barcode scanner for the PC for her next birthday :LOL
My kids have been volunteer-reshelvers at the local library at various times. Initially with my help/supervision, then independently as they got good at it. They really enjoy just being at the library, so it's fun and natural for them to help out.
Research skills have been developed on-line, or by physically browsing the appropriate non-fiction section on the library shelf. I confess they haven't done anything more in-depth than that. Since our local library is housed in a room the size of a double classroom, anything more seems like overkill.
Miranda
My kids have been volunteer-reshelvers at the local library at various times. Initially with my help/supervision, then independently as they got good at it. They really enjoy just being at the library, so it's fun and natural for them to help out.
Research skills have been developed on-line, or by physically browsing the appropriate non-fiction section on the library shelf. I confess they haven't done anything more in-depth than that. Since our local library is housed in a room the size of a double classroom, anything more seems like overkill.
Miranda
Here's what I did. (ds is 9)
I showed ds the Dewey Decimal System chart at the library and then we picked a subject and then went and found a book on that subject together.
Then together we made a list of things that he would like to look up and I turned him loose to find books on those subjects.
Our next project will be a mini research activity where he will have to do a small report.
I'm still working on the internet research.
There are also a few books on library activities that I have seen at homeschool supply stores.
I showed ds the Dewey Decimal System chart at the library and then we picked a subject and then went and found a book on that subject together.
Then together we made a list of things that he would like to look up and I turned him loose to find books on those subjects.
Our next project will be a mini research activity where he will have to do a small report.
I'm still working on the internet research.
There are also a few books on library activities that I have seen at homeschool supply stores.
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I took him to work with me :LOL
I work in the kids room at the library. I showed him where some of his favorite books 'live'. When he wants a particular book I have him look it up and the help him find it (if he needs help).
Also at the request of another homeschooling mom I organized a homeschooler library skills workshop. We talked about Melvil Dewey (the guy who created the system) and how the system works. We had a really thorough tour of the kids room(s), a little library history, and a scavenger hunt of things to find in the library. It was fun!
I work in the kids room at the library. I showed him where some of his favorite books 'live'. When he wants a particular book I have him look it up and the help him find it (if he needs help).
Also at the request of another homeschooling mom I organized a homeschooler library skills workshop. We talked about Melvil Dewey (the guy who created the system) and how the system works. We had a really thorough tour of the kids room(s), a little library history, and a scavenger hunt of things to find in the library. It was fun!
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I've always kept it pretty casual, explaining things to the kids as questions arise.
When 5yo wanted a particular book (Hopscotch Hill Girls) I pointed out that the Easy Readers are alphabetical by author's last name. When older dd wondered if an item was checked in, I took her to the online catalog and showed her how to find out. When she couldn't find something where it belonged I coached her on going up to the librarian's desk and asking. I willingly do these things over and over and over each week until the kids are comfortable with them.
I used to work the reference desk at a university library, and we were instructed to teach the library users how to use the materials rather than simply hand them what they need...I think those habits are quite ingrained in me now, so I have no problem with answering the same questions again and again. In many ways, working with some professorss is akin to working with small children -- the ego-centric viewpoint, the tendency to forget what you *just* told them, the need to have things NOW :LOL
When 5yo wanted a particular book (Hopscotch Hill Girls) I pointed out that the Easy Readers are alphabetical by author's last name. When older dd wondered if an item was checked in, I took her to the online catalog and showed her how to find out. When she couldn't find something where it belonged I coached her on going up to the librarian's desk and asking. I willingly do these things over and over and over each week until the kids are comfortable with them.
I used to work the reference desk at a university library, and we were instructed to teach the library users how to use the materials rather than simply hand them what they need...I think those habits are quite ingrained in me now, so I have no problem with answering the same questions again and again. In many ways, working with some professorss is akin to working with small children -- the ego-centric viewpoint, the tendency to forget what you *just* told them, the need to have things NOW :LOL
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I've been thinking about a homeschooling library workshop (when they are older, of course!)
For now, we also talk about where books "live." Michael has a habit of pulling books to run and show me, so I have shown him the numbers on the spine, and talked about how that is the very particular address of each book's "home".
I used to work in the children's room, and for the child care center kids, they each had a rectangle of cardboard with their name on it that they would insert on the shelf when they pulled a book, to see if they wanted to check it out, so they would know exactly where to return it. I'm thinking about doing that for Michael.
We also really make friends with our "library ladies!"
For now, we also talk about where books "live." Michael has a habit of pulling books to run and show me, so I have shown him the numbers on the spine, and talked about how that is the very particular address of each book's "home".
I used to work in the children's room, and for the child care center kids, they each had a rectangle of cardboard with their name on it that they would insert on the shelf when they pulled a book, to see if they wanted to check it out, so they would know exactly where to return it. I'm thinking about doing that for Michael.
We also really make friends with our "library ladies!"
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I'm a librarian, and I agree with PP - it's mostly about HOW to find the information. This could include boolean searches (which you also use in google), database searching (most libraries have really cool fulltext magazine databases and children's encyclopedias online for library card-holders - ask/browse the library website to find out which ones), different ways different libraries work (university vs. public), different forms of information (dictionaries, encyclopedias, internet etc etc.).
I would wait until there's a subject the child is really interested in, and shows great willingness to exhaust resources. For some reason, I liked movie stars when I was a kid and learned how to use magazine reference sources really well.
I would wait until there's a subject the child is really interested in, and shows great willingness to exhaust resources. For some reason, I liked movie stars when I was a kid and learned how to use magazine reference sources really well.
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This is the way my kids learned as well--just through the course of going to the library and wanting to find certain books, or types of books. When our library didn't have what they wanted, they learned how to search our network libraries and how to request a book through interlibrary loans. It all just came about through their own needs to access information.
Because they've grown up using the computer and doing online searches, searching the card catalogue came easily to them. Easier than for those of us who remember actual CARDS in a cabinet. :LOL
Originally Posted by Queen Gwen When 5yo wanted a particular book (Hopscotch Hill Girls) I pointed out that the Easy Readers are alphabetical by author's last name. When older dd wondered if an item was checked in, I took her to the online catalog and showed her how to find out. When she couldn't find something where it belonged I coached her on going up to the librarian's desk and asking. |
Because they've grown up using the computer and doing online searches, searching the card catalogue came easily to them. Easier than for those of us who remember actual CARDS in a cabinet. :LOL
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I don't!
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I started working in libraries at 16 when we still used them, ughh, there was a miserable, boring amount of work involved with the cards, processing them took about 8 steps from checkout to checkin. When I was a homeschooled kid, the highlight of my life was volunteering at the library, stamping cards. Is there a nerdy smiley face? I got a job with the library at 16 in part because I'd volunteered there years earlier.
12 years later, it is a lot easier. The magazine databases used to be in books - big thick green monsters that got published every 3 months.
But I hear you - many patrons long for the good ol' cards, even if staff doesn't...
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If a child is making their own library, there is a cool Microsoft Access feature where you can make your own library catalog. Also, public libraries are always looking for volunteers - a great way for children to learn about the "inner workings" (even if it's just dusting book jackets) and learn more about how they work. There are often opportunities for kids of all ages, but particularly over eight. Ya never know, it could turn into a (fairly well-paying) career.
Originally Posted by annettemarie I miss those cards. |
12 years later, it is a lot easier. The magazine databases used to be in books - big thick green monsters that got published every 3 months.
But I hear you - many patrons long for the good ol' cards, even if staff doesn't...
If a child is making their own library, there is a cool Microsoft Access feature where you can make your own library catalog. Also, public libraries are always looking for volunteers - a great way for children to learn about the "inner workings" (even if it's just dusting book jackets) and learn more about how they work. There are often opportunities for kids of all ages, but particularly over eight. Ya never know, it could turn into a (fairly well-paying) career.
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AnnetteMarie, I used to have a bag full of those cards around here somewhere. If I find it I'll mail it to you.
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My sister gave me gobs of them so my kids could play library -- they were throwing them out where she worked.
She goes to the library with me, and she's just picking it up. I'll look up a particular book, or subject, and then jot down the number, and we go look for it. She's an older 4, and while I haven't told her all about a guy named Dewey, she's is aware that there is a detailed organization system, and that we utilize it.
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Amen to that! I started working at my public library when I was 16 and luckily they had just installed the computer systems. It's a lot of work even with computers so I was always thankful to have missed the old system.
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Lots of good ideas in this thread, I will keep them in mind. My kids are ages 4 and 2, and we go to the library once or twice a week already since I'm a bookworm.
Originally Posted by loraeileen I don't!
12 years later, it is a lot easier. The magazine databases used to be in books - big thick green monsters that got published every 3 months. But I hear you - many patrons long for the good ol' cards, even if staff doesn't...
If a child is making their own library, there is a cool Microsoft Access feature where you can make your own library catalog. Also, public libraries are always looking for volunteers - a great way for children to learn about the "inner workings" (even if it's just dusting book jackets) and learn more about how they work. There are often opportunities for kids of all ages, but particularly over eight. Ya never know, it could turn into a (fairly well-paying) career. |
Lots of good ideas in this thread, I will keep them in mind. My kids are ages 4 and 2, and we go to the library once or twice a week already since I'm a bookworm.
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I figured this approach made sense but I hadn't thought to look if there were templates available in the low-end software we have ... poked around after seeing your message and came up with something my dd is completely smitten with. Thanks!
Miranda
Originally Posted by loraeileen If a child is making their own library, there is a cool Microsoft Access feature where you can make your own library catalog. |
Miranda
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My DS, 9, has learned how to find books using the online catalog and then searching for the number or author's last name. This was all done as he was looking for a book that interested him. I encouraged him to befriend the librarians and he asks them for help all the time now. My DD,5, knows where the storybooks are as well as how to check them out. She also might know the general location of some non-fiction books like animals or dinosaurs.
Honestly, I was never taught anything about the Dewey Decimal System until I saw a flyer on it at the library when I was an adult! Is that crazy or what? I knew the books were assigned numbers but I didn't realize that each topic had its own number. We were avid library fans throughout my childhood, and my mom taught me how to find what I wanted and then I learned the rest on my own. The only structured lesson she gave me was in middle school and I needed to find a magazine article so she showed me how to use those big green books. I was hooked from then on and I would spend hours in the college library's gigantic magazine section searching for interesting articles.
Honestly, I was never taught anything about the Dewey Decimal System until I saw a flyer on it at the library when I was an adult! Is that crazy or what? I knew the books were assigned numbers but I didn't realize that each topic had its own number. We were avid library fans throughout my childhood, and my mom taught me how to find what I wanted and then I learned the rest on my own. The only structured lesson she gave me was in middle school and I needed to find a magazine article so she showed me how to use those big green books. I was hooked from then on and I would spend hours in the college library's gigantic magazine section searching for interesting articles.
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