What A High School Library Looks Like During A Pandemic
Things in the Library have been nothing short of crazy since the pandemic started. It began last year with just being sent home and not being allowed back until this Fall, and then returning this year at limited capacity and following guidelines to ensure the health and safety of all staff and students.
My district went back to school in a hybrid phase and also offered a remote learning option. After a few weeks we ended up with 80% of our students back in the building and 20% remaining remote. After a few weeks later, we ended up with everyone remote for 3 full weeks, and here we are, back in a hybrid phase, from now until the end of the second marking period. It’s been a wild ride and here is how our HS Library has been making the best!
I’ve broken this down into 3 categories, so hopefully that helps!
BOOKS
We use Follett Destiny in our district and so we were able to start really using the hold feature for contactless book check outs. Students who are in our face-to-face group can place holds and we email them through Schoology or Gmail to let them know their book is ready. Students who are remote can also place holds, but the book will be available in the main office to be picked up when they are ready.
When books are returned, we decided on a 3 day quarantine. We actually set up that feature in Destiny. The books get scanned, and then sits face up on our counter behind the circ desk for three days. We are already running out of room!
Instead of inviting students into the Library for a book talk, I did a zoom book talk, or I traveled to classes with a cart of books. I taught students how to place a hold and also use Sora, to check out any ebooks they might like.
While I know book check outs may be down, I’m happy that we are still able to get books in the hands of students who need them.
STUDENTS
I rearranged the Library this year and removed all but one chair from each table. I spread all of my tables at least 6 feet apart in the hopes that students could take a short mask break. With the new mandates, though, they now keep their masks on in the Library. I had to remove all of my comfortable and flexible seating, which resulted in a pile of unused furniture, but at least I am able to keep the kids apart from one another in my space.
I stopped hosting classes face to face and starting zooming in for the majority of my research projects. Now that we are back to a hybrid model and most of our students are remote, I will sometimes go to a classroom to start a project, but then check in via zoom. I want to be available to my students and let them know I am able to help, but for contact tracing purposes, it’s easier to do that online than face-to-face.
My study hall periods are still open, but with a limited number of spots. So we do still have students in the Library doing work, but they are spread out and have been absolutely awesome about utilizing the space and following the protocols.
The foot traffic in the Library has slowed down immensely. Students are required to report immediately to their first period class when they arrive at school so any students who used to hang out in the Library before or after school has completely stopped. Between periods kids would stop by to print or grab a book, but a lot of that has stopped, too. It’s sad, but there will hopefully come a day when we will see more students throughout the day!
TECHNOLOGY
The Library is the place where most students come for all of their technology help. Whether it is a broken ipad, or trouble logging into Schoology, we are their stop. This year, I’ve asked teachers to just call or email to check first before sending students. I hate that it’s one more thing for the teachers to do in their day, but we also need to make sure that someone is available in the Library to help them when they need it. Some other departments like Counseling or the Nurse are using Calendly to schedule appointments, but we haven’t explored that too much. For the most part, we welcome the foot traffic, but just appreciate a heads up first.
Our district has removed all computers from the Library and we are hoping to get a cart of MacBooks soon. For now, students share things they want to print with myself or one of the Library assistants and then they come to pick it up. Eventually, students will be able to print from their iPads to copy machines set up in the hallway, but that’s something that is currently on hold until next year.
This a just a quick round up of how we are functioning this year. My main focus is still my students, and that won’t change, pandemic or not! I am hopefully for some normalcy soon, as we all are, but ready to keep fighting the good fight, and doing what’s best for our students and staff members.
Karen Leisey
Tales of Library Lady
