Change agent
This is my change agent page where you will learn about modifications I have made at BIS-NY, KISJ, and MIS.
Genrefying the fiction collection
Having attended multiple Library conferences where the topic of genrefying fiction was discussed, I decided making this change could help our students more easily find books that pique their interests.
Resources for native speakers and language learners
At KISJ, the student population is made up of a majority of Korean speakers, with a handful of Chinese and English speakers thrown in. Upon my arrival, the MS Library had a moderately sized Korean language section. We have recently begun to build a Spanish collection for students taking Spanish I and II and are planning to purchase Chinese texts as well for native Chinese speakers and those students in the Chinese elective.
With such a large international population, it was paramount that the BIS-NY foreign language collection was continuously reevaluated. Over my four years at BIS-NY, there was a significant increase in the number of Spanish, Swedish, Chinese, Arabic, and Greek books as our population shifted. These resources came from a variety of sources, ranging from parent donations to overseas distributors. In addition, the Library began to circulate Spanish and French magazines as they were the two languages taught in the school.
Library catalogue
Upon my arrival at BIS-NY the library catalogue was a British system that was not web based, meaning that it was only accessible from the one circulation computer. We quickly switched over to a web based program--Follett Destiny--that allows students and teachers alike to access the catalogue from their classrooms, homes and mobile devices, making the Library more user friendly.
Library Layout
The Library has gone through quite a few changes itself over the last four years, from the furniture to the technology to the labeling system.
A space that originally sat only eight children in the work area, now accommodates up to 16 when the four new crescent-shaped tables are used separately. In addition, the tabletops can be rotated 90 degrees so that all four tables can be easily stored out of the way during events, ranging from parent association events to house team competitions.
|
Four years ago, the library contained a minimal amount of technology including one desktop computer at the circulation desk and a wall mounted television. One year later, the television was swapped out for an interactive white board on wheels which allows me to teach in any of the three designated areas of the space and creates a more flexible environment for all individuals involved. The school year after that introduced the two wall mounted tablet computers used specifically by students searching the library catalogue.