As a new teacher to Minnehaha there are lots of questions about how things work. The following information hopefully will answer some of your questions about the library and audio visual area as well as the computer labs. If you do not find the answer to your questions please feel free to ask me.

Renee Troselius
Library/Media Specialist

• Where and how do I get AV equipment?
  Much of the AV equipment is checked out to teachers to keep in their rooms forthe year. This may include overhead projectors, boom boxes, filmstrip/cassette combinations, etc. Equipment like slide projectors are kept in the library and signed out as needed. We have one camcorder and one digital videocamera for use. There are also two digital cameras available, one for PreK-2 and one for grades 3-5. If there is something you need, check with either Ruth or myself.
• What about VCRs?
  Most classrooms either have a mounted TV/VCR or projection system.There maybe one or two TV/VCRs on carts available for use. The library has a TV/VCR which can be moved around on the first floor. There is also a large screen video projector available for use, checked out from the library.
• What about using the computer lab?
  We have two Macintosh computer labs. One is an iMac lab and the other contains Mac 5400s. The iMac lab is used for some Middle School computer classes.
  
  There is also a minilab, 13 Macs and 5 ibooks, available to use in the library. You may sign up to use these labs in the library. Please understand that the two main labs are scheduled for computer classes so try to plan in advance when you will need it.
• The bulb in my overhead projector burned out. Where do I get a new one?
  Extra bulbs are kept in the library. Since we have a variety of projectors, when you need a new bulb you must either bring me the bulb or bring the machine to me.
• What about ink cartridges or toner for my printer?
  The technology budget will provide you with either two ink cartridges, (one color, one black) or one toner cartridge for the year. Anything above that will come out of your own budgets. If you need additional ink or toner, please contact me and I will order more and charge it to your budget.
• Where can I get a blank videotape or audio tape?
  I keep a supply of blank audio and video tapes in the library.
• When are the computer labs and the library open?
  The official hours of the library are 8:15 - 3:30, except on Weds. morning when the Middle School faculty meets before school bimonthly, on Thurs. afternoons when the Lower School faculty meets after school bimonthly, and Friday afternoons when we close right after school. If I close the library early other than these times I will post a sign on the library door in the morning. The computer labs are open while class is in session.
• Does the library have any professional materials I could use?
  The library subscribes to a number of professional magazines. The magazines are put in the rack in the teacher's lounge. The table of contents of these magazines are circulated among the teachers so you can see what articles might be of interest to you. In addition, Middle Search and other online databases provide access to many educational journals.
• How do I schedule a time for my students to come to the library?
  Lower School grades are scheduled into the library for Information Skills (Grades 2 - 3), Book Checkout, and Storytime (Grades PreK - 1). Fourth and Fifth graders are scheduled with me on an as needed basis. I also schedule 25-30 minute weekly computer time for Grades PreK - 2. Ruth Frances, who teaches keyboarding, schedules computer time for Grades 3 - 5 at the beginning of the year.
• What if I want to bring my class to the library to do some research?
  All you need to do is check with me to see if the library is available for the time you need it, tell me what your students will be working on, specific resources they might need and any additional teaching you want me to do. PLEASE give me some lead time on this request.
• How do I find out what materials the library has?
  Our card catalog is automated and in the library can be accessed from any computer in the library or computer lab. It will also be accessible from our web site in the near future. It's very similar to using an automated catalog at the public library. Faculty may check out materials with no due dates. If you wish access from your room and don't want to use the web site, you will need to send in a tech request and ask that the card catalog be put on your machine.
• What is this Accelerated Reader program?
  Accelerated Reader is a program designed to improve reading and comprehension skills. Any Lower School student may participate in it, but it usually begins in 1st grade. Students read selected books at their reading level and then are tested on the material on the computer. Points are accumulated and can be spent at the AR Store. The AR Store is open approximately six times during the year in the library.