The Importance of Student Library Assistants

We rely heavily on Student Library Assistants at Glenthorne and I'm glad we're able to give them more responsibilities as they stick with us year after year.

We currently have 10 assistants that work on a rotating schedule. Here are some of the activities that they do for us:

 

 

Working the circulation system - issuing and returning books can take up a huge amount of time before school and during break and lunch. The students love operating the book scanner and issuing new cards.

 



 

Running library clubs. We have a monthly film club that is 90% run by our Student Assistants. They choose the films (then run them by me) set up the room and ensure the audience keeps the place clean and tidy. A staff member is always present during the film but we sit on the side lines and allow the Assistants to take charge.

 

 

 

Organising after school events. Above is an example of a Skype visit we held with a class in Texas. The students loved talking people their age from the U.S.A., and, of course, they enjoyed being in charge of the technology.

 

Student assistants also keep the library tidy, assist with weeding, make displays, recommend books, put up posters and countless other things that keep the library running smoothly.

 

 

That's why I was happy to throw a pizza party for them this week. Not only did we stuff ourselves with pizza, we listened to music and played a hilarious game called 5 Second Rule. The object of this game is to name 3 things in only 5 seconds. For example, you might flip over a card and it will say "Name 3 Animals You Wouldn't Want to Keep as a Pet." Sounds easy, but not when you are watching the 5 second timer run down!

 

 

 

 

 

I'd be very interested in finding out how other libraries support their Student Assistants and what things they've accomplished. You can email me at lml@glenthorne.sutton.sch.uk or find me on Twitter @glenthornelrc