Teacher Resources
Information for Teachers
ASSIGNMENT ALERTS
The Benicia Public Library shares with teachers
the desire to help students succeed. By working together,
we can enable students to have positive
and productive library visits.
What librarians can do:
Inform you of what resources the library offers. We may have more resources than you imagine -- or we may have fewer. It’s best to check before the assignment is given. Call the library, or check it yourself by using the SNAP catalog.
Reserve assignment materials for your students. If we have limited resources, we can reserve them for in-library use, ensuring access for all.
Assist students and teachers in using the library. We are always happy to help, and can be more helpful if we have prepared in advance. In addition to the books we can provide, we can show students web sites that will assist them with specific assignments.
Suggest alternate resources. Perhaps the library does not have every title on your required reading list, but working together we can come up with acceptable alternatives.
What teachers can do:
Notify the library of assignments in advance. This will allow librarians to check resources and prepare for the necessary number of students. To fill out an assignment alert online go to Request Partner, make a request. Look up Library Services and Teacher’s Assignment Alert and fill out the form. The Children’s Services Librarian or the Teen Services Librarian will process your request.
Discuss research methods and possible sources with students. Let them know where you want them to start looking for information, but be sure to tell them what other resources are acceptable.
Be flexible in assigning subjects and with requirements for sources. If you assign a very specific topic, resource, or number of pages, please check to ensure availability. Your flexibility allows more students to succeed at their research.
Be aware of your students’ abilities and skills and be realistic about what you expect them to accomplish.
Give clear expectations for the assignment to students and librarians. Try to provide a written copy of the assignment to everyone concerned.
Encourage students to ask for help from library staff. We are here to help!
Thank you for working together with us to make your students’ library experiences successful.
CLASS VISITS
We are always pleased to have classes come on a tour of the Benicia Public Library. Tours usually consist of:
- general information about the library
- a story or booktalk
- a tour around the Children’s Section
- a chance to get a library card or check out books.
Many of our tours are tailored to meet the needs of a particular class. For example, last fall a class came to find information about California counties. Each student received a list of resources to help them complete a project about California counties, and they were shown where all of the relevant books were shelved. Other class tours have focused on Benicia history, nocturnal animals, and how the library operates.
To schedule a tour, call Allison Angell at 746-4741.
Tours must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.
OTHER SERVICES
We are happy to help students find books for assignments or to give tours to classes. In addition, we provide the following services on request:
- booklists about a specific topic, like fiction about the Gold Rush or biographies of famous Californians
- visits to your classroom, for storytelling or a booktalk
- School Night at the Library, a special evening when students, parents, teachers, and staff from a particular school come to the Library.
For details about any of the above, call Allison Angell at 746-4741.
updated 9/5/07