Katie Menges November 2015

Part I: Collection Overview Gerstell Academy

This assignment is based on page 43 of Kerby, Collection Development for the School Library Media Program. AASL,2006.

Number of students: 360 Students in Lower School: 140

% Total Average YTD % Total Section needs

Dewey # Items
Collection Copyright Circulation Circulation work?
Reference 76 2% 2002 4 0.4% No
000 25 1% 2009 20 2% No
Not
100 36 1% 2004 15 1%
immediately
Not
200 67 1% 2002 9 1%
immediately
Yes: Weed &
300 474 10% 2002 76 7%
Add
Not
400 28 1% 2004 4 0.4%
immediately
Not
500 343 7% (low) 2002 48 4%
immediately
Yes: Weed &
600 208 4% (low) 2004 125 11%
Add
700 259 5% 2005 79 7% No
800 106 2% (low) 2001 21 2% Yes: Add
Yes: Weed &
900 512 11% 2003 45 4%
Add
Yes: Weed &
Biography 330 7% 2001 42 4%
Add
Yes: Weed &
Easy 967 20% 2002 341 31%
Add
Fiction 1112 23% 2002 182 17% No
Yes: Weed &
Transitional 276 6% 2000 92 8%
Add
TOTAL 4819 2003 1103

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Katie Menges November 2015

Analysis
In charting the librarys collection, I was pleased to discover that the Juvenile print
collection in our library is reasonably sized, given our small student body. This averages out to
approximately 34 books per student in the Lower School, which seems reasonable. This chart
does not include DVDs, professional resources, Adult or YA titles, or electronic resources, as
these are housed in a different section of the library and are not available to Lower School
students.
Although our average copyright is 2003 for the collection, I must note that approximately
10% of our books do not have copyright dates entered in the computer database; this is cause for
concern, since the average book is already 12+ years old. Since our school only opened its doors
in 2002, this would indicate that there has been very little turnover in materials since the library
was founded over 10 years ago. While I do not consider the age of the collection to be an
emergency at this time, I am concerned that so little progress toward inclusion of new materials
has been made.
In completing this chart, I have learned that the oldest section in our library is the
Transitional readers. I feel comfortable with this, since most titles have common themes such as
first days of school and adventures for kindergarten, first, and second grade students. These
books remain popular at 8% of circulation, but I would like to add titles to this area to better
represent current and changing interests. Since this is a section frequented by students who are
just becoming avid readers, I want to fully support interest in this collection by adding new titles.
Unsurprisingly, our most popular books are Easy picture books. These account for 31%
of our circulation, but 20% of our collection. Since these are so popular and necessary for our
younger students, I feel that adding to this section will be highly beneficial. Average copyright
age is 2002, which bears updating. Since Morris chart suggests 20-25% for Easy books, I would
feel very comfortable adding another 5-7% (which would be about 275 books), all with recent
copyright dates, to this collection.
Our 300s section is heavy at 10% of the collection and 7% of checkouts. With copyright
dates averaging in 2002, this section should be weeded of older titles; Morris recommends
between 5-10% of the collection reside here, which seems reasonable and in keeping with my
weeding plan. It should be noted that since we have an extensive 398.2 collection, this accounts
for a large percentage of the 300s section. While fairytales are popular, it should be noted that
not all fairytales remain culturally relevant and appropriate after many years.
A top priority given my students interest in household and farm animals, is to add
significantly to the 600s section. Morris recommends having 10% of the collection housed in the
600s, but I currently only have 4%. Compared to the high circulation of 11%, this is by far the
most popular nonfiction section of the library and would benefit greatly from the heavy addition
of new titles.

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Katie Menges November 2015

Top three priorities:

1. Weed and add many new titles to the 600s section, aiming to add a minimum of 5% or
275 total new titles while also replacing weeded titles. Parents and teachers have
commented that adding pet-specific books of a higher caliber and reading level would
benefit their students, since many students conduct personal research in this section.
2. Add new Easy picture books, weeding as necessary for shelf wear. Again, aiming for
approximately 5% overall growth, or a net gain of approximately 275 new titles after
weeding.
3. Weed and update the 900s; this section is used to support curriculum for several grade
levels, and many materials are older and unappealing. Classroom use of materials
borrowed by teachers is currently unreported, but would drastically increase the
circulation statistics for this area. According to teachers, additional material for ancient
civilizations would benefit student research projects in the first and second grades
especially.

I feel that charts like this are relevant for todays school libraries so that administrators
may see clearly how the collection stacks up to use. One of the most interesting aspects of this
chart is where collection percentages mirror or fail to mirror circulation statistics. By looking at
student use, we may accurately track what materials are popular and what trends develop over
time. As we track use, we may accurately allocate funds to best benefit our specific student
population over time.

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 Katie Menges November 2015

Part II: Curriculum Map

Gerstell Academy 140 Lower School Students

% of Most
# of # that
Highly # of titles
Dewey: Grade Items Average
Recommende
should
Level of support needed recommended
Subject Level on Copyright be for purchase
d titles on
Shelves weeded
shelves
Research: Primary and
520: Stars, Intermediate Science
Planets, K, 1, 13% (61% 12 teachers use materials in
37 2000 (33%) the classroom and send
20
Astronomy, 2, 3, 5 supplemental+)
Space students to the library for
materials.
Supplemental: Students
591.4-5: occasionally receive
Anatomy, PK,1, research assignments and
morphology, 10 2005 30% (90% 1 10
3, 5 supplemental+) have moderate to high
& ecology of personal interest in this
animals section.
Basic: students of all
630: ages enjoy reading about
Farming, PK, K, 5% (17% 27
60 2008 pets. PK-1st grade cover 50
Farm 1 supplemental+) (45%)
Farms and domesticated
Animals, Pets animals in science class.
Research: all levels
from 1st grade up cover
930: Ancient 1, 2, 3, 0% (25% 13+
39 2005 (33%)
ancient civilizations in 20
Civilizations 4, 5 supplemental+)
the Social Studies
curriculum.
Analysis & Reflection
Using my schools Curriculum Chart, I selected four important topics to evaluate: Dewey
520s, Stars, Planets, Astronomy, and Space; Dewey 591.4-591.5, Anatomy, Morphology, and
Ecology of Animals; Dewey 630s, Farming, Farm Animals, and Household Pets; and Dewey
930s, Ancient Civilizations. These topics were selected because they are popular with both
students and teachers alike. The data gathered above provides valuable insight into our
collections strengths, weaknesses, and use. I must note that in assessing the shelf wear and
physical appearance of the collection, many of the 520s, 591s, and 630s are currently checked
out to students or being used by teachers in the classroom. I would assume that additional titles
probably should be weeded due to shelf wear, but cannot name specific titles, so these numbers
may be skewed in favor of less weeding, until such time as the materials that are checked out are
returned and assessed.
In comparing the above 146 titles to Wilsons Core Collection Most Highly
Recommended titles, I was shocked to find such a small portion of our collection meeting this
standard. In recording my findings, I did note that many of the older titles in our collection are
simply not found in Wilsons core collection at all; an average of less than half of our books in
these four categories received any recommendations from this collection at all. With this in

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Katie Menges November 2015

mind, I do not suggest weeding additional titles beyond those listed at this time. I do however
suggest instituting an aggressive 15% weeding program for these and most other sections of the
library on an ongoing basis, to turn over these less-worthy titles over the next five years.

Weeding
The following is a list of materials that should be weeded from the collection. 52 titles are
listed here, representing 38% of this particular selection. Luckily the materials in our collection
seem to be age-appropriate; however, we have many old and outdated texts, many books with
considerable shelf wear, and titles that are simply not being circulated. Although this number and
percentage seems high, I feel that this is a responsible amount of weeding, given the collections
age and shelf wear, combined with circulation statistics and the need for curricular support from
the material.

Call Pub
Title Date Reason to Weed this Title
Number
I wonder why pyramids were built? and other
J 932 STE 1995 Low Circulation; Age; Shelf Wear
questions about ancient Egypt
J 937 CHR Ancient Rome: Come and discover my world 1997 Low Circulation; Age
Pyramids! : 50 hands-on activities to
J 932 HAR 1997 Low Circulation; Age
experience ancient Egypt
I wonder why Romans wore togas and other
937 MAC 1997 Low Circulation; Age
questions about Ancient Rome
J 932 STE The best book of mummies 1998 Low Circulation; Age
Spend the day in ancient Egypt : projects and
J 932 HON 1999 Low Circulation; Age
activities that bring the past to life
Ancient Greece : a guide to the golden age of
938 FER 1999 Low Circulation; Age
Greece
Ancient Rome : a guide to the glory of
937 STR 2000 Low Circulation; Age
imperial Rome
J 938 APE Land and resources of ancient Greece 2004 Low Circulation; Age
J 937 GED Land and resources of ancient Rome 2004 Low Circulation; Age
J 937 MUR The best book of ancient Rome 2004 Low Circulation; Age
J 930.1 Ste Wonders of the world 2007 Shelf Wear; Age
J 932 STE The best book of mummies 1998 Shelf Wear; Age
J 636 Balto 1989 Shelf wear; age
J 636.0 Ven Animals helping people 1983 Age; relevance
J 636 Balto 1989 Low Circulation; Age
J 636.9 Hea Guinea pig 2001 Low Circulation; Age
J 636.8 FOL My cat 2001 Shelf Wear; Age; Low Circulation
J 636.7 HUG My dog 2001 Shelf Wear; Age; Low Circulation
J 639.3 WAL My goldfish 2001 Shelf Wear; Age; Low Circulation
J 636.935 HUG My guinea pig 2001 Shelf Wear; Age; Low Circulation
J 636.6 WAL My parakeet 2001 Shelf Wear; Age; Low Circulation
J 639.2 BRA A day in the life of a colonial sea captain 2002 Low Circulation; Age
J 630 WOL Life on a crop farm 2002 Low Circulation; Age

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Katie Menges November 2015

J 636.21 MIL Cowboy 2003 Shelf Wear; Age; Low Circulation

J 636.08 PAC Talented animals 2003 Shelf Wear; Age; Low Circulation
J 636.9 Sim Caring for your rat 2005 Low Circulation; Age
636.8 Mat Oriental cats 2012 Shelf Wear
J 636.9 McN Ferrets 2010 Shelf Wear
636.72 Gag Bulldogs 2009 Shelf Wear
636.72 Gag Poodles 2010 Shelf Wear
636.73 Gag Boxers 2010 Shelf Wear
636.73 Gag Rottweilers 2010 Shelf Wear
636.737 Gag German shepherds 2009 Shelf Wear
636.752 Geo Golden retriever 2010 Shelf Wear
636.752 Lar Golden retrievers 2009 Shelf Wear
636.752 Lar Labrador retrievers 2009 Shelf Wear
636.753 Gag Beagles 2010 Shelf Wear
636.76 Gag Yorkshire terriers 2010 Shelf Wear
636.76 Lar Shih tzus 2009 Shelf Wear
J 523.4 JAC Planets 1985 Shelf Wear; Age
J 523 MIL Extrasolar planets 2002 Shelf Wear
523.2 Tra The solar system 2010 Extreme Shelf Wear
J 523 SIM The universe 1998 Low Circulation; Age
J 523.3 GRA The best book of the moon 1999 Low Circulation; Age
J 523.43 SIM Destination: Mars 2000 Low Circulation; Age
520 Jan Space exploration 2008 Low Circulation; Age
J 523.7 GIB Sun up, sun down 1983 Low Circulation; Age
J 523.4 JAC Planets 1985 Low Circulation; Age
J 525 BRA Sunshine makes the seasons 1985 Low Circulation; Age
J 525 BRA What makes day and night 1986 Low Circulation; Age
523.1 OUT Outer Space: way out there! 1990 Low Circulation; Age
591.564 AWE Awesome Animal Builders 1997 Low Circulation; Age; Shelf Wear

Of the four topics considered in this section, two require serious research-level support
for student research and projects. According to teachers that I spoke with from all levels of the
school, including the Science department, our collection has been barely meeting these needs.
My teachers have expressed interest in working more closely with the library in the future, in
order to increase project-based learning for all students. From interviewing these teachers while
collecting data for my curriculum chart, I learned that our collection needs to be updated with
newer material that includes high-quality images and new research. Both the 520s and 930s are
used regularly for several grade level projects, and this must be reflected in the collection: we
need more rigorous materials for older students, and considerate texts to enable younger students
to use parts of larger texts. By adding videos to the collection, our library will cater to a more
diverse group of learners, and better serve the community.

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Katie Menges November 2015

It should be noted that we do use the free resource of Encyclopedia Britannica Kids
online, which helps to keep our information on these subjects current, using electronic resources
that are not counted as a part of the librarys collection. Additionally, apps and other technology
materials are available to teachers and students in the Technology classroom, which is adjacent
to the library. At this time the Library and Technology areas are distinct but share apps,
technology, and curricular goals.
For the 630s, students frequently request additional materials regarding household pets
and occasionally use farming or farm animal information for projects. I would estimate that
approximately half of student requests are for additional dog, cat, horse, and other domesticated
animal resources. The books that we do have are constantly fought over, as supply fails to meet
high demand. This is something that has apparently been an issue for the previous librarian as
well, as it was one of the first things that came up in discussing urgency of new material
acquisition.
Students also show interest in wild animals, which is why I chose to look at the small
591.4 591.5 section. Primary science classes cover animal homes and similarities between
humans and animals at a few points in the curriculum, and students tend to enjoy learning more
in the nonfiction section. I notice that our previous librarian noted student interest and selected
good new titles as they became available. This section is very small, and yet seems well looked-
after. I plan to add to this popular section and try to maintain its upkeep.
Considering the need to replace weeded titles and provide additional support for both
curricular needs and student interest, I suggest purchasing many new titles for all three topics
covered in this curriculum map. For 930s and 520s I suggest purchasing 20 titles, which would
add a net gain of 7 titles for the 930s and 8 titles for the 520s. This would help in modernizing
the collection, and would further the curricular support offered by the library. For the 630s, I
suggest purchasing 50 new titles, as this section has very high circulation statistics and I know
that students are often interested in but unable to check out a book due to high interest. This
would add approximately 13 titles to the 630s, after replacing worn and outdated books. I
suggest that these purchases mainly consist of books, because this will allow the greatest student
access to materials. However, I also suggest an additional three non-print titles be purchased for
the 930s and 520s, in order to support all learning styles.

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Katie Menges November 2015

5 Recommended Print Titles

Title: A
chicken Source: School Library Journal
Issue: February 2015
followed me
Summarized review: With a touch of
home: questions humor, this well-designed title presents
and answers about everything you always wanted to know about
a familiar fowl chickensbut didn't know to ask. A
Author: Page, Robin charming addition to animal collections.
ISBN: 1481410288
Publisher: Beach Lane Source: Horn Book Magazine
Books Issue: May/June 2015
Dewey number: 636.5 Summarized review: This straightforward
Cost: $17.99 introduction to chickens is a lesson in book
Copyright: 2015 design of young informational books. the
Age level: Pre-K -3rd Grade sequence of questions is logical, with each
Number of pages: 40 answer building on whats come before. The
Summary: "author-illustrator Robin Page Photoshop illustrations are warm and
leads a step-by-step, question-and-answer- unclinical but spare and always attentive to
style journey through the world of chickens. the particular topic under review.
Along the way youll explore different breeds,
discover different types of coops, and learn Source: Kirkus
everything there is to know about chicken Issue: February 2015
reproduction and hatching." (Publisher's note) Summarized review: Younger readers will
Selection rationale: Farm animals have be drawn to the bright, bold images, and older
curricular ties for PK, K, and 1st grade; farm readers will enjoy the chicken facts. Plus, a
animals are also a popular subject for short bibliography allows readers to seek
students personal interest, as many students more information. A delightful and
live on or near farms. informative book for families wanting to raise
chickens or learn where eggs come from.

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Katie Menges November 2015

Title: A nest is Source: School Library Journal

Issue: May 2015
noisy
Summarized review: The written text and
Author: Dianna
the illustrations work together seamlessly.
Aston
The language is rich with words that appeal to
ISBN:
the senses, accompanied by gorgeous,
9781452127132
detailed watercolors of the various nests. An
Publisher:
excellent choice for units about animal homes
Chronicle Books
and behavior.
Dewey number:
591.564
Source: Booklist Online
Cost: $16.99
Issue: May 2015
Copyright:
Summarized review: Coming full circle
March 2015
from An Egg Is Quiet (2006), the first entry in
Age level: Kindergarten - 3rd grade
Aston and Longs beautifully designed series
Number of pages: 40
of nature books, this volume presents close-
Summary: This carefully researched book
up views of nests as well as information about
introduces children to a captivating array of
them. While there is no back matter, this
nest facts and will spark the imaginations of
beautiful picture book will be an asset to
children. (Publisher's note)
science collections.
Selection rationale: Science curriculum
includes ecosystems and habitats;
Source: Bulletin of the Center for Childrens
understanding nests is an important facet to
Books
this topic of study. Students may use this
Issue: June 2015
book independently to follow their interest, or
Summarized review: Once again, readers
the teacher may bring it into the science
are directed to consider not only young birds
classroom as a read-aloud or enrichment
but also fish, reptiles, and even a mammal
opportunity for her class.
who begin life within an egg, nestled in a,
well, nest. The intricacy and textural
variety of nests displays Longs artistic skill
to advantage illustrations are a delight
even viewed apart from the text.

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Katie Menges November 2015

Title: Howto Source: Booklist Online

swallow a pig: step-
by-step advice from
the animal kingdom
Author: Steve Jenkins
and Robin Page
ISBN: 9780544313651
Publisher: Houghton
Mifflin Harcourt
Dewey number: 591.5
Cost: $17.99
Copyright: 2015
Age level: Kindergarten - 4th grade
Number of pages: 32
Summary: With step-by-step instructions,
readers learn about specific behaviors; how to
catch thousands of fish like a humpback
whale or how to sew up a nest like a
tailorbird. This fascinating and fun illustrated
nonfiction melds science, art, biology, and the
environment together. (Publisher's note)
Selection rationale: This title will appeal to
boys and girls, with beautiful pictures and fun
facts. Some behaviors are gross like
swallowing a pig whole while others deal
with courtship behavior and other, tamer
aspects of behavior.
Issue: September 2015
Summarized review: Even if you have
never wondered how to swallow a pig, one of
the best ways to understand how a python
accomplishes this feat is to imagine yourself
doing so, following the step-by-step
directions here. Theres enough detail in
the simply written, amusing text to make the
processes interesting and informative, but an
additional paragraph on each animal appears
in an appended section along with an
illustration miniaturized to postage-stamp
size. Fascinating facts presented with droll
wita winning combination.
Source: School Library Journal
Issue: May 2015
Summarized review: Impressive torn-
and-cut paper collage artwork on white
backgrounds work well with the
conversational writing style. Students will be
enthralled by the descriptions of an octopus
disguising itself, a crocodile hunting for a
meal, and a python swallowing a pig.
Jenkins and Page present another
fascinating, fun, and attractive look at the
natural world.

Source: Kirkus Reviews

Issue: May 2015
Summarized review: With tongues firmly
in cheeks, a pair of animal admirers offers
step-by-step instructions for engaging in some
surprising animal behaviors. Youngsters
who glory in learning animal facts will be
thrilled; for those who enjoy pretending, there
are inviting opportunities for imitation.
Readers and listeners alike will eat this one
up.

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Katie Menges November 2015

Title: Source: School Library Journal

Spectacular Issue: April 2015
Summarized review: A simple, rhyming
Spots
text graced with large, colorful acrylics
Author: Susan
provides a wide window into the physical
Stockdale
characteristic of spots in the natural world.
ISBN:
An attractive, briefly informative, fun
9781561458172
offering for the curious of mind.
Publisher:
Source: Kirkus Reviews
Peachtree Publishers
Issue: January 2015
Dewey number: 591.47
Summarized review: Clustered in big, flat,
Cost: $15.95
cleanly drawn scenes reminiscent of Nancy
Copyright: 2015
Tafuris, creatures from leopard to sea slug,
Age level: Pre-K 1st grade
fawn to ladybug pose in artfully variegated
Number of pages: 32
natural settings that suggest how spots can be
Summary: Stockdale introduces young
useful as either camouflage or (for poisonous
readers to the many ways in which animals
animals) a bright warning display. The
benefit from their spots. readers can test
accompanying rhyme, split into just a phrase
their knowledge of animal spots with a fun
per page, offers general identifications
matching game at the end! (Publisher's note)
Despite a blotch or two, a spot-on animal
gallery for budding naturalists.
Selection rationale: Young students need
more supporting material in the 590s to
Source: Booklist Online
pursue both personal interest and to support
Issue: April 2015
research for Science class. Mrs. Eysaman, the
Summarized review: This beautifully
Primary level Science teacher, has indicated
illustrated picture book celebrates creatures
that 591s are lacking in material for younger
with spots, ranging from singing quails and
students. This book will appeal to this age
gliding snails to clinging frogs and
group because of the bright and pretty images
dozing hogs. A concluding two-page
and because of the new and interesting
spread summarizes interesting facts, habitats,
information.
and distribution information for each of the 19
species covered in the book, and a final
activity page shows samples of each
illustration and asks readers to identify which
spotted pattern belongs to which animal.

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Katie Menges November 2015

Title: Welcome
to Source: Outstanding Science Trade Books for
Students K12: 2016
Mars: Making a
Issue: 2016
Home on the Red Summarized review: As NASA prepares for
Planet a future mission to Mars, moon explorer Buzz
Author: Buzz Aldrin Aldrin offers valuable insights, based upon
ISBN: the latest thoughts on what it will take for
Publisher: National human habitation on Mars to become a
Geographic reality.
Dewey number: 523.4
Cost: $18.99 Source: Booklist Online
Copyright: September 2015 Issue: October 2015
Age level: Grades 4-7 Summarized review: Apollo 11 astronaut
Number of pages: 96 Aldrin welcomes young people to his crew for
Summary: Astronaut Aldrin welcomes a journey to build the first city on Mars,
students to join his crew and build humanitys while related passages fill in information
first Martian city. Includes activities, photos, about the planet and the challenges of
and in-depth text. colonizing it. A number of hands-on
Selection rationale: this book will replace activities are included, with small-print
woefully out of date space exploration directions and modest photos as illustrations.
material in the collection. Mars and Pluto
have been very popular areas of interest for
students with recent NASA missions, and
curiosity is high in this area, with both boys
and girls. Fifth grade covers astronomy and
planets in Science class, and this will be a
good book for students pursuing additional
information.

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Katie Menges November 2015

3 Recommended Non-Print Titles

Ancient Egypt Source: School Library Journal
Issue: November 2015
iBook
Summarized review: The book is divided
(for use with
into chapters that tackle geography, the
school iPads)
pyramids, mummification, mythology, and
Author: Jennings,
daily life. Featuring more text than images,
Ken
this is a good option for older elementary
ISBN: (print)
school readers making steps toward more
9781481429528
informational nonfiction. Children are treated
Publisher: Little
to cipher puzzles, recipes, and activities.
Simon
Seller: Simon and
Source: Booklist Online
Schuster Digital
Issue: November 2015
Sales Inc.
Summarized review: Jeopardy! champ
Dewey number: 932
Jennings shares his knowledge of ancient
Cost: $7.99
Egypt in his latest Junior Genius Guide,
Copyright: September 2015
which highlights important information like
Age level: grades 3-5
a Book of the Dead spell to protect the
Print Length: 160
deceased from eating animal poop and Horus
Summary: Facts and trivia about ancient
epic battle with his uncle Set. An excellent
Egypt are presented for young readers. The
way to spark curiosity in young readers.
fun layout and Jeopardy! history of the author
adds interest for students as they seek facts
and gain knowledge.
Selection rationale: Students enjoy using
iPads to read iBooks during free reading and
for research in class time. Egypt is studied in
3rd and 5th grade, and this age group will be
able to utilize the digital functions to search
and define words and phrases in this format.
Furthermore, all iBooks load onto 10 iPads,
so the cost of this iBook maximizes student
use of material.

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Katie Menges November 2015

iBiome Source: AASL Best Apps for Teaching &

Learning 2015
Wetland
Issue: 2015
Author/
Summarized review: This app allows
Publisher:
students to explore 3 different wetland
Sprningbay
habitats (mangrove swamp, saltwater marsh,
Studio, Ltd.
freshwater marsh) by building bio domes.
ISBN: n/a
This app is highly interactive with hand
Dewey number:
drawn animations. Students will see right
n/a (relates to
away how species depend on one another and
570s and 590s)
how easy it is for an ecosystem to get off-
Cost: $3.99
balance.
Version: 1.1 November 2015
Age level: 3rd 6th grade
Number of pages: n/a
Summary: An interactive app that allows
students to explore wetland ecosystems,
learning firsthand how interconnected plants
and animals are, and the importance of
balance within the system.
Selection rationale: iTunes apps load onto 10
iPads, maximizing all download investments.
Intermediate students will appreciate this
opportunity to investigate either on their own
in the library or in the Science classroom.
This fits with science curriculum and may be
used for class research toward creating the 3rd
grade ecosystem panorama project.

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Katie Menges November 2015

WWF Source: AASL Best Apps for Teaching &

Learning 2015
Together
Issue: 2015
Author/
Summarized review: WWF Together is a
Publisher:
beautifully designed app to help teach
World Wildlife
students about different endangered animals.
Fund
It uses high-quality photographs, interesting
ISBN: n/a
interactive design elements to help students
Dewey number:
discover different information about specific
~591
animal species. The blend of multimedia
Cost: FREE
resources will engage many students.
Version: 1.6 August 2015
Age level: grades 3-5
Number of pages: n/a
Summary: This award-winning interactive
experience brings you closer to the stories of
elephants, whales, rhinos and other
fascinating species. (Publishers Website)
Selection rationale: iTunes apps load onto 10
iPads, maximizing all download investments.
Older students will appreciate this
opportunity to investigate either on their own
in the library or in the Science classroom.
This fits with student interest in exotic
animals and may also be used for class
research. Visual learners and kinesthetic
learners who need to take a more active role
in reading-based learning will both benefit
from this app.

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Katie Menges November 2015

Part III: Persuasive Report

This report will be shared with Ms. Amy Funk, Head of Lower School, and with Ms. Kerry
Chagalis, Assistant Head of Lower School.
Purpose: To improve Gerstell Academys Carolyn B. Smith Library by increasing circulation of
high-quality library materials. Materials should benefit both students and faculty and should
address both personal and curricular goals. While the current library collection at Gerstell
Acadmy would benefit from large-scale weeding and purchasing, the purpose of this report is to
identify actionable solutions for the immediate future. In the interest of brevity and realism, this
report focuses on three areas: Easy picture books, Dewey 600s, and Dewey 900s.
Note: All information was gathered using the current operating system in the library, in which
about 10% of titles do not have a copyright date listed. Because apps, websites, and iPads
technically belong to the purview of the Technology classroom, these items are not covered in
this report. Lastly, faculty currently borrow materials without entering any record; therefore,
circulation statistics represent only material that has been specifically checked out by individual
students.

Analysis: circulation versus collection statistics

As illustrated in the chart to
Circulation v. Collection the left, the percentage of
total circulation does not
Easy match well to representation
within the collection. This is
900 % Circulation problematic in our case, it
% Collection illustrates a lack of material
600 to support student interest or
need. While Easy picture
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% books do not necessarily have
curricular ties, the Dewey 600
section is nonfiction and does have curricular ties. The Dewey 900 section is highly utilized by
faculty and has one of the higher nonfiction circulation statistics among students.
Our most popular books, at 31% of total circulation, are the Easy (or Everybody)
picture books. This section is utilized by students starting in Pre-Kindergarten and popularity
holds throughout the primary grades. These titles are also used by teachers for Leadership
Circles and classroom read-alouds. Currently 20% of our collection resides in this section, with
an average copyright date of 2002. This popular section is under-represented and ageing. I
believe that a main priority in the library must be to increase the number of well-written Easy
books in our collection, to benefit both students and faculty.
Another highly popular section is the Dewey 600s, with a circulation of 11%. This
section includes science and technology, of which the most popular sections are inventions
(600s), the human body and health (610s), and farming, farm animals, and pets (630s). As you

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Katie Menges November 2015

may observe from the graph below, our 600s collection comprises a meager 4% of the total
collection. After observing students and speaking to our previous librarian, I know that students
frequently request additional materials on this topic, and overall circulation statistics would
improve if additional materials are made available for students.
Drawing 4% of total circulation and over 10% of nonfiction circulation, the 900s are also
popular with students and faculty. As mentioned previously, faculty currently borrow books on
an honor system, so faculty use is wholly unrecorded at this time. Similarly, in-library use also
goes unrecorded under our current software system. This means that students are investigating
the Dewey 900 section of Geography and History of their own volition, whether for personal
interest or to augment curricular assignments.

Analysis: copyright dates

In the chart to the right is an illustration of our current
Material Age in collections age, based on copyright year. Materials
should be updated regularly not only to ensure that
Years material remains appealing to students but also to
ensure that information is current and accurate.
Over 10 Images should be of the highest quality; consider how
Years Old much image quality has improved over the last
5-10 Years decade and consider that our average book in all three
Old categories is over a decade old.
Less thn 5
Feedback from teachers at every level within
Years Old
the Lower School have indicated our collection needs
to be updated with newer material, with a focus on
books that include high-quality images and new research for nonfiction titles. Additionally,
social issues and diversity must be included in material selected for our younger readers. At this
time we are missing many new titles that address issues of racial, ethnic, religious, and ability-
based diversity. Adding such titles to our collection will ensure that we are doing our best to
foster the nurturing environment that our Mission states we strive for.
The books in our collection average 12 years old, indicating that most of these books date
to the founding of our school in 2002. This indicates that little to no growth has occurred over
the last 13 years: think of the new ideas, trends, and technology that our students now have to
discuss, and consider whether this collection can possibly meet these needs without considerable
updates. With the basic guidelines in place that science is updated more regularly than fiction

Solution
Focusing on Easy picture books and Dewey 600s and 900s, we will improve the
collection in a measurable way: circulation will increase as student interest is matched, and
classroom teachers will see added support for curricular projects. According to School Library
Journals Average Book Price report for 2015, childrens hardcover titles average $19.32 per

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Katie Menges November 2015

title. While this cost will exceed the librarys budget, the cost of providing outdated material to
students and faculty seems too much to risk.
Based on my assessment of our current collection, I recommend purchasing 750 new
books, focusing primarily on the 600s and Easy picture books. The total cost for this endeavor
will come to approximately $14,490.00, based on the estimate of $19.32 per book.
This addition will bring our Easy picture books to approximately 25% of our current
collection, and will bring the 600s to approximately 9%. By increasing these two areas by 5%
each, we will support high student interest and curricular goals for our faculty. By weeding and
adding moderately to the 900s, we will fill holes in the collection and support our facultys
material needs for history and geography.

Action
1. Weed and add many new titles to the 600s section, aiming to add a minimum of 5% or
275 total new titles while also replacing weeded titles. Parents and teachers have
commented that adding pet-specific books of a higher caliber and reading level would
benefit their students, since many students conduct personal research in this section.
Weed: approximately 100 titles Add: net 275 Total: 275 new titles
2. Add new Easy picture books, weeding as necessary for shelf wear. Again, aiming for
approximately 5% overall growth, or a net gain of approximately 275 new titles after
weeding.
Weed: approximately 150 titles Add: net 275 Total: 325 new titles
3. Weed and update the 900s; this section is used to support curriculum for several grade
levels, and many materials are older and unappealing. Classroom use of materials
borrowed by teachers is currently unreported, but would drastically increase the
circulation statistics for this area. According to teachers, additional material for ancient
civilizations would benefit student research projects in the first and second grades
especially.
Weed: approximately 75 titles Add: net 75 Total: 150 new titles

New Titles

600s
900s
Easy

I hope you will consider requesting this additional funding from the Gerstell Academy
Parents Association (GAPA). Once our collection is fully updated, maintenance like this will be
ongoing and will fall within the librarys yearly budget

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Katie Menges November 2015

Works Cited
Bobart, Anna Marie. Interview with the author November 2015.

Booklist. Web. 15 Nov. 2015.

"Children's Choices 2015 Reading List." International Literacy Association (2015).

Children's Book Council. International Literacy Association. Web. 15 Nov. 2015.

Children's Notable Lists. ALSC Children's Notable Lists. Web. 15 Nov. 2015.

Dackermann, Paula. Interview with the author September 2015.

Edwards, Jo Anna. Interview with the author October 2015.

Eysaman, Kim. Interview with the author November 2015.

The Horn Book Guide. Web. 15 Nov. 2015.

Kirkus Reviews. Web. 15 Nov. 2015.

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12. National Science Teachers
Association. Web. 15 Nov. 2015.

Proescher, Lindsey. Interview with the author October 2015.

School Library Journal. Web. 15 Nov. 2015.

Sherman, Jen. Interview with the author October 2015.

Smith, Brenda. Interview with the author November 2015.

Steelman, Patricia, comp. Select Bibliography of Childrens Books about the Disability
Experience. Schneider Family Book Award (2015). Web. 15 Nov. 2015.

Stritzinger, Terry. Interview with the author October 2015.

Wilsons Childrens Core Collection. Web. 20 Nov. 2015.

Works Cited 19