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Home ~ LMC ~ Operations... |
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OperationsVisiting the LMC
= Top = Checkout GuidelinesPatrons of the Gombert Library can check out books according to the following guidelines:
= Top = Computer Lab
= Top = Book SelectionThese are several things that parents need to be aware of. First of all, it is important to remember that our audience is pre-school through pre-teen. Not every book is appropriate for every child. In addition, family standards vary widely. These two factors, varying ages and varying standards, sometimes make it a challenge to match books and children. In the classrooms and in the library, teachers (especially me) discuss book selection guidelines with the children. The children are taught that before checking a book out, they should examine it to be sure that they will enjoy it and that it is an appropriate choice. Most children follow this guideline. When LMC staff members see a child with a book that they feel is too difficult for the child, they discuss the selection with the child. If the child tells us that a parent will read the book to the child, then we will allow the checkout (with exceptions, of course). It is important to remember, however, that children often check out books without LMC staff looking over their shoulders. We may be working with another child, or group of children, and we cannot continuously monitor book checkout. If the child has not followed the suggested guidelines, they may get something age inappropriate.
= Top = LMC Rules
The next rule concerns behavior and is fairly simple. Use the library for what it has been designed for. Find a book. Share a book. Look at a display. Work on an assignment. Complete make-up work. Use a computer. Students are encouraged to work together and to enjoy the relaxed, independent atmosphere. Students who abuse this rule are disciplined in an appropriate fashion. Of course, some things are taken for granted. Students are expected to be courteous and respectful to others. We also expect students to respect the facility and the materials in the library. Students are also expected to follow all Indian Prairie guidelines regarding dress and other issues. These are covered in the IPSD Parent-Student Handbook. I am happy to report that most children behave in an excellent fashion. That’s it for the rules. Parents are asked to follow these rules when they are in the library and the rest of the school as well. By following the rules, parents show respect for their child’s school. Parents show that they value the institution and that translates into valuing education in the eyes of the child. = Top =
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During a visit, the
children may listen to a story, have a lesson on some aspect of using the library, or
conduct research. They may also check out books. Most of the students' work in the
LMC is based on curricular activities planned by their teachers and the LMC director.
Children also visit the library alone, or in small groups, to read, check out our displays
and activities, or work on class assignments.
Our computer lab is
visited at least once a week by students at Gombert. When classes are working on special
projects, they may spend several hours in the lab during the week. Programs available
to the girls and boys include math and language skill practice, word
processing, authoring, and reference materials. Internet access is also available,
including Encyclopedia Britannica. All of this is
also accessible from classroom computers, as well as the minilab located in the library.
Please remember that we take book selection very seriously. If we have a concern
that a material may be inappropriate for a particular child, we will refuse the check out,
or make a call to the parent. As stated earlier though, family standards vary widely, and
it is impossible for us to look at every book that every child checks out. The best thing
parents can do is set the standards for their own children. If a parent does not want a
child to check out a particular type of book, then they should communicate that to their
child. We believe that by working closely with parents, we can guide children to help them
make appropriate choices. 
We don’t have many rules
in the LMC. First and foremost is the obvious no food or drinks. This includes
gum and candy. Most damage to books is caused by foods and liquids, usually drinks. 
