Statement to Consider:
The degree to which a library catalogue can be consulted easily by teachers and students is of great significance if teacher-librarians wish to encourage user-independence. A flexible catalogue will allow broader use of the school library.
Most schools I have been in have at least two computers, if not more, that the library catalogue is logged onto. Students can also access the catalogue from any computer in the school from the school's homepage as well as at home. All the TL's I have had conversations with spend time at the beginning of each school year with each class reviewing the catalogue and location of resources. With TL and teacher assistant time being cut back, there is not always a qualified person in the library to assist students in locating resources. This could potentially be resolved by universally teaching the students how to, as stated above, and ensuring all school staff know the process as well. Another suggestion would be to train library monitors for those times outside of regular library periods where a teacher would be accompanying the class. I know of one school who has trained library monitors (grade 4's) who assist students before school and at lunch time on a rotating basis. Also, if a student is down in the library and needs assistance signing out or locating a book, that student knows to go to the grade four classroom and politely ask for assistance. It seems to work out fairly well for this school and increases access.
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