Starting the 2023 school year, Aliso Niguel’s library implemented a new system to track students who use the library. Every student is given a photo ID at the beginning of the school year with a bar code at the bottom. The school librarians, Mrs. Stauffer and Mrs. Cortez, scan IDs as students enter.
Mrs. Stauffer explains that “5-star student is implemented district-wide. We use it for activities and events and it was decided with Admin that it be put into place in the library. This system helps out the school if there is ever an emergency.”
She clarifies that there are three ways to get into the library. Students are able to present their physical ID card, a picture of the ID card on their phone or the 5-star student app. The purpose of this system is to have a record of which students enter the library and when.
Mrs. Stauffer also noticed that there hasn’t been much of a change in the number of students that use the library with this new system. The amount of people who come in are about the same as last year, so this system has not proved to be harmful or beneficial.
However, some students oppose this new system because of the extra step required to enter the library. For example, Valerie Valentin (12), a student who frequently uses the library, comments that the system is “stressful and inconvenient. Most of the time I don’t have my ID on me so I had to go through the entire process of getting it from my bag; it’s even more hectic after lunch when everyone is swarming to get into the library.”
In contrast, the librarian says that “it is not at all an inconvenience for me. I really enjoy getting to connect with the students as they enter the library.”
Having to scan IDs does give a chance for students and the librarians to notice and get to know each other. It can also provide a way for more open communication between them if students are required to see the librarian before settling down in the library.
The librarians also emphasize the library’s policies; they are working hard to enforce the rules this year. They explain, “Students are not allowed to eat in the library and drinks are allowed as long as they are in a sealed container–no fast-food cups or cans. You must have a pass to be in the library during school hours and if you have a free period you need to show us with a sticker on your ID card or pull up your Aeries account and show us your schedule.”
Hopefully, these new policies are followed this year so that the library can function smoothly and effectively. The librarians also highlight the rule that every student needs to be sitting in a chair and that they cannot move chairs around to accommodate bigger groups.
This is Mrs. Stauffer’s second year working in Aliso’s library, and she says, “I enjoy working with kids and decided it would be a good fit for me. I also like to be creative, and I am working on making the library a place our students want to use.”
