One role a media specialist has that could easily become an all day, year round project in and of itself is the job as a cataloger. When admin, IT department, teachers, or I order new books and materials, I must catalog the items through our library system Destiny. Each item has its own bar code (ex. 700000 to signify I've added it versus another helper or media specialist) and call number for easy access in the future.
Within the past few weeks, the media center has received numerous shipments from our education partner at Barnes and Noble to meet 3rd-5th grades' informational text and fiction needs. Some books, such as My Librarian is a Camel and Thank You, Mr. Falker only required copies for each teacher. These were quickly cataloged and made available for the appropriate grade level teacher. However, a couple grades ordered copies for each student, such as 92 copies of Peter Pan. When this large shipment arrived, I first had to make sure that I received the correct number as shown on the order slip, and then I had to add each one of the computer system. The longest task is not cataloging them, but labeling them. Fortunately, I had a few parent volunteers come in during the week to help label.
Reflection:
This activity has taught me the importance in encouraging parent volunteers! Some tasks might seem overwhelming or mundane to parents, but a relaxing activity like putting labels on books helps parents feel as though they have accomplished something. Additionally, it really is a huge help! Organizing the library or checking in books are also important ways to help, but by doing this they can better see how their volunteerism helps the school. In order to encourage parents to return, I need to prepare in advance any new materials that need to be cataloged and labeled.
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