8/14/2019 Volunteer Info Sheet - Q&A Miller

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Rita E. Miller School Library1 Mitchell Way

Westford, MA 01886978-392-4476, ext. 1119

Revised 8/09

Audrey Alenson Carol MorgSchool Librarian Library Assistantaalenson@westfordk12.us cmorgan@westfordk12.us

VOLUNTEER Q&A

What will I do as a library volunteer? Assist students in locating materials in our library Assist students with their projects and activities Shelve materials that have been returned (located on the circulation cart) Work on occasional clerical projects

How are the books organized in the library? (Please ask us at any time we love questions!)There are six main sections for childrens books in the library:

1. Fairytales and Folktales -- These books are shelved at the beginning of the fiction section with theDewey numbers 398.2 and then subdivided alphabetically by authors last name. These booksshould have fairytale stickers on their spines.

398.2 is the call number for The Princess and the Pea by Hans Christian Andersen

AND

2. Holiday books are shelved after the fairytales and folktales, by the seasons: spring, summer, fall andwinter. These books have a variety of call numbers; however, they should all have holidaystickers on them.

394.2634 is the call number for Independence Day by MirAnsary

ANS

3. Fiction books are shelved alphabetically by the authors last name. Some fiction is shelved by itsseries title. These books have clear blue tape over the spine label and are located under a window inthe fiction section.

FIC is the call number for Arthurs First Sleepover by Marc BrownBRO

4. Non-fiction books are shelved numerically using their Dewey number 0-999 first, and thenalphabetically by the authors last name.

520 is the call number for Space by Valerie Wyatt

WYA

5. Referencebooks are shelved in a separate section from the circulating non-fiction (across from thecirculation desk). They are designated as Reference books with REF stickers on the spines.

6. Biographies are shelved in 920 for collective biographies and 921 for individually biographies andthen alphabetically by subject.

921 is the call number for Martins Big Words, a biography about Martin Luther King Jr.KIN

8/14/2019 Volunteer Info Sheet - Q&A Miller

2/2

Rita E. Miller School Library1 Mitchell Way

Westford, MA 01886978-392-4476, ext. 1119

Revised 8/09

A GENERAL RULE OF THUMB FOR SHELVING:

This shows the order of books on the shelf (left to right) For Non-Fiction

Organize in Dewey numerical order first and then alphabetically by main entry, which is usually the

first three letters of the authors last name.394.261 394.261 394.2614 395.1

ABB MCK BAL SCH

For FictionOrganize the shelf alphabetically by authorFIC FIC FIC

ABB ABN AMO

How often can I volunteer, and what if I cant come every time? Our goal is to be able to have a parent volunteer with each class. However, we welcome volunteers

at all times. We have a library sign-up sheet for you to note your availability.

If you are unable to come in at your scheduled time, email or call us to let us know. It is helpful forour planning. Thank you.

How many materials can students check out? Students are permitted to check out one book at a time. If students finish their books before their

library time, they are welcome to come to the library to check out a new book. Teachers have copiesof the library schedule to note open time periods.

How does the library handle books that are overdue? First, we send a reminder to the child in their classroom. Second, we send a notice to the childs parents via the child. Third, we send a notice with a bill to the childs parents via the mail.

Do students have to check out a book? Students are not required to check out a book. We encourage them to browse and to investigate

possibilities perhaps they will want to check a book out in the future.

Is there a limit to how many books a teacher can check out? There is no limit to the number of books a teacher may check out of the library.

How do I check to see if a book is in the library? How can students check? Click on the catalog. Enter your search terms and click on the keyword, title, author, subjectorseries button below. Students are welcome to use the computer catalogs that are located under the hallway window in the

library, but they will probably need your help.

Were so glad youre able to volunteer for the Miller School Library. Let us know if we can

answer any questions or assist you in any way. Thank you,Audrey & Carol