Staceyshoe Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 I'm looking for a book about how to use the library--using the computerized card catalog, etc. This is for an elementary-age child. When I've tried searching keywords, I'm finding a lot of books about going to the library and fun experiences in the library. We go to the library regularly, and my children enjoy it. I'm not looking for a book to encourage positive feelings for libraries, but a how-to book. Suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa B Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 Did you check with your librarian? Our libraries run a free class for elementary students about how to use the library. I think it is once a month or so and usually runs about an hour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blakereese Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 Did you check with your librarian? Our libraries run a free class for elementary students about how to use the library. I think it is once a month or so and usually runs about an hour. :iagree: Also, our children's librarian has a lot of printed out pages with things that may help you with this (like the dewey decimal system with cute pictures and such to help the kids, a map of where each type of books are, a tutorial on the card catalog system, etc). Do you kids all have their own library cards? I know they make a big deal of it at our library and give the kids some extras like a bookmark, welcome package, etc. It is sort of a rite of passage at our house. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staceyshoe Posted October 21, 2012 Author Share Posted October 21, 2012 I am stopping by the library this week, and I plan to ask the librarian then. I thought I would put a book on hold if there was a good one you all recommend. This spring (at b-day time), we plan to start giving allowances. I'm waiting until then for their own library cards. We are going to throw a party and make a big deal of it---and they will also be responsible for their own late fees after that point.:tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErinE Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 I think your librarian is the best bet. Use them often! Each library system has a slightly different catalog so I don't think any one book could help you there. If your child has a question, make him or her ask the librarian directly. My kids have grown accustomed to asking for assistance and finding materials with librarians because I encouraged them from a young age to do so. I've also found browsing the stacks (the adult and children sections) helped my kids get familiar with the layout and content areas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boscopup Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 I think your librarian is the best bet. Use them often! Each library system has a slightly different catalog so I don't think any one book could help you there. :iagree: The computer systems are all different (the two library systems I have membership with have two different brands of software, so they work differently). And like technology in general, libraries seem to change often too. You might find a book in the library that still talks about using an actual card catalog. :lol: My library has had homeschool days, where they taught the kids about library use. I also have explained how to find the books he wants - which sections are where in our library, how to use the Dewey Decimal system to find a book we've looked up on the computer, etc. He knows how to use the self-check. I haven't had him put books on hold yet, but that's easy to do (click "hold" and select our branch that we want to pick it up at). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Twain Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 I use this: Teaching Children to Use the Library; A Five Step Program for Parents (Mary Hood). It is out of print, but I bought a used copy for about five dollars on Amazon. It has all of the basic library skills. Someone also posted this very useful website which is a grade by grade curriculum for teaching kids how to use the library. It was developed by a public school district. I found useful worksheets on this. http://hcps2.hanover.k12.va.us/instruction/media/LessonPlanBook.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saddlemomma Posted October 22, 2012 Share Posted October 22, 2012 I had to find something regarding teaching library skills as well. This is what I found during an online search: http://library.thinkquest.org/5002/index.shtml This site teaches young people all about the Dewey Decimal System. The following sites teach kids about the parts of a book: http://www.quia.com/jg/3606.html and http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/match/term/draggeneric.asp?filename=jwildepartsofbook1 Here is a site giving a basic overview of library skills: http://www.pppst.com/library.html Lastly, here is an article for you regarding the 10 best tips to improve your students online search capabilities: http://novanews19.wordpress.com/2011/11/23/why-cant-kids-search-10-tips-to-develop-better-search-skills/ I hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staceyshoe Posted October 23, 2012 Author Share Posted October 23, 2012 Oh! Those links are very helpful! Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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