General Information
Students in grades PK – 5 attend a library class once each week to hear stories, learn about authors and literature, and conduct research for classroom and personal needs. They also have time to choose books to borrow. Individual students are welcome to exchange books whenever their classroom teachers allow them time to do that. Students who lose or damage library books are expected to pay for this loss or damage.
Over the past few years, the librarians at South Seneca have been working to update our services through the use of electronic resources. We have access to the Internet and teach students to use and evaluate this vast source of information. Our catalog is available on the web, and we also have subscriptions to several online databases to facilitate student and staff research. Inter-library loans are available during the school year.
If you have any questions regarding the elementary library program, please feel free to contact Mrs. Beth McCheyne, the PK – 5 librarian by calling the elementary school, sending a note with your child, or sending an e-mail message to: bmccheyne@southseneca.k12.ny.us Current information on our library program is also posted on this website.
Library Checkout Policies:Information Literacy Standards
Library lessons are based on our national information literacy standards. In New York State, these standards have been integrated into the 7 core subject areas of the New York State Learning Standards. Library lessons at South Seneca Elementary are designed to reinforce these skills and complement the work students are doing in their classrooms. The list of information literacy standards is available at: http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/informationpower/informationliteracy.htm
Rubric for Library Grades
This rubric describes the general expectations for students in library and cybrary classes in grade K-5. Comment sheets are given with specific comments as needed. If you have further questions, please contact Beth McCheyne.
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S+ |
S |
S- / I / N |
U |
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Class Participation / Lesson Content |
Consistently pays attention during lessons, and demonstrates understanding of the content of the lesson by answering questions that are asked or by following through with personal research needs. |
Usually pays attention during lessons. Usually able to answer questions that directly stem from the lesson. Sometimes able to follow through to other research needs. Asks for help as needed. |
Needs frequent reminding to stay on task. Frequently cannot answer questions. “Wanders” during personal research time. |
Shows no interest of refuses to pay attention most of the time. Unable to answer basic questions. Unable to begin logical research procedure. |
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Library Rules and Procedures |
Consistently demonstrates appropriate conduct for a library setting, follows procedures such as material sign-out, ILL, and class schedule. Independently demonstrates knowledge of research procedures. |
Usually demonstrates appropriate conduct for a library setting. Follows procedures such as material sigh-out, ILL and class schedule with minimal reminders. Can pursue research techniques with prompting. |
Frequently receives warnings for inappropriate conduct. Seems to forget procedures or refuses to follow them. Cannot pursue independent research at an appropriate level, even with prompting. |
Shows no understanding, or refuses to follow library rules and procedures. |
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Borrowing and Returning Materials Appropriately |
Uses library materials on a regular basis, and returns them within the allotted time. Exchanges books during library class and at additional times during the week as needed. |
Exchanges books during library class. Occasionally receives overdue notices. |
Borrows books infrequently, or receives overdue notices more than half of the time. |
Shows no interest in borrowing or reading library materials. |
Why does it matter when library books are returned?
One of the goals of the library program is to encourage students to develop the habit of regular library use. All libraries give due dates for books, and many charge fines when books are returned later than the due date. Developing a regular habit of returning books on time can save students from paying overdue fines to other libraries in the future.
There are more immediate concerns, however. Students have a weekly library class, and students who forget to return their books on their library day are not able to participate as fully during the book selection part of class because they aren't allowed to take out more books until they return the ones they already have.
Another goal of the library program is to help students develop responsibility, including good organizational and study skills. Students who develop the habit of checking each morning (or the night before) to be sure they have everything they need for school will do better when it comes to having homework done on time, studying for tests when needed, and generally being prepared for whatever they need to do. Early practice with remembering sneakers on gym day and library books on library day will help to develop this habit. Younger children may need parental help, but soon the students will develop independence and gain self-confidence and pride in the fact that they can prepare themselves in this way.
So, for all of these reasons, please encourage your children to work at remembering their schedules, and bringing whatever they need each day. As these responsible habits grow, they will be building self-esteem, and you will avoid searching for and having to replace lost items throughout the years.