How Your Library is Arranged

Materials

Make a general map of your library layout and make copies for each student to label. (See example in attachments.)

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students can label the various sections in the school library and understand the associated call numbers. This activity should help them recognize various sections of any library.

Instructional Procedures

Ask if they know what the map represents. Start with one section and explain the call number associated with the section.

Proceed around the map, describing each area. The circulation desk is where books are RETURNED and CHECKED OUT. Explain the procedure to the students, based on their grade level.

The Online Public Access Catalog ipads or computers should be explained in a seperate lesson. Just let the students know what they are for.

Explain how every library is organized in a similar way - a section for fiction, picture books, non-fiction and so forth.

Have the students place the correct call number on each section of your map and label them correctly.

Extensions

Gather a sample(s) of books from each section so the students can actually see an example of the various types of books in each category. You could even have volunteers come up and place each of the books in the correct section. You could instruct them to use the call number to assist in making the decision. You could add a bit about how to shelve books by call number.

Assessment Plan

Review the students' labeled maps. Have them write their name on them and keep for future reference.