ABSTRACT
The organization and accessibility of resources in elementary school libraries play a pivotal role in supporting student learning and educational outcomes. At Balayan East Central School, the current issue of disorganization within the library has been identified as a significant barrier to efficient resource utilization among its thousands of elementary students. To address this issue, a color-coded labeling and categorization system was implemented as an intervention. This action research study involved 30 Grade 6 students and 20 teachers as respondents, alongside the school librarian. Data collection methods included pre- and post-implementation time tracking for students to locate books, surveys to assess perceptions of the system's ease of use and effectiveness, and a time-motion study to measure the librarian's efficiency in managing resources.
Results demonstrated a substantial reduction in the time students spent locating books, with mean search times decreasing from 11.4 to 4.9 minutes. Frequency of library resource usage also improved, with a notable increase in students visiting 4-5 times per week. Both students and teachers reported high satisfaction with the system's organization and usability, as indicated by positive survey responses and qualitative feedback. The librarian similarly experienced enhanced efficiency, with a reduction in time spent on organizational tasks from 29 to 16 hours per week. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the color-coded system in transforming the library into a more functional and user-friendly educational environment at Balayan East Central School. Future recommendations include continuous system maintenance and staff training to sustain these positive outcomes.
Keywords: Elementary school library, Color-coded system, Organizational efficiency
CONTEXT AND RATIONALE
The school library plays a crucial role in the educational ecosystem of public schools, especially at the elementary level, by providing a foundational environment for literacy, learning, and the development of critical thinking skills. Libraries offer access to a diverse range of resources that support the curriculum and foster a love for reading among young students. Studies have shown that well-organized and accessible libraries significantly contribute to student achievement and motivation. For instance, Santos (2018) found that students in schools with robust library programs performed better on literacy tests and displayed higher levels of reading engagement. Similarly, Garcia (2019) highlighted the role of school libraries in supporting differentiated learning and meeting the diverse needs of students, thereby enhancing overall educational outcomes.
An organized library with well-categorized learning resources offers numerous advantages, particularly in public elementary schools. When resources are systematically arranged, students can easily find the materials they need, which encourages independent learning and efficient use of time. According to Ramirez (2020), an organized library reduces frustration and increases student engagement, as learners can quickly access books and resources pertinent to their studies. Moreover, Hernandez (2017) noted that a well-managed library environment promotes a positive learning atmosphere, making the library a welcoming space that students are eager to use. This organization not only supports student learning but also enhances the effectiveness of library staff in managing resources and guiding students.
At Balayan East Central School, which caters to thousands of elementary learners, the disorganization of the library has become a significant challenge. For students, it is time-consuming to locate the books they need, leading to reduced time spent on learning activities. Simultaneously, the librarian faces difficulties in maintaining order, as materials are often misplaced and require constant reorganization. This situation underscores the need for an efficient system to manage the library’s resources. Recognizing these challenges, the researcher, who is also the assigned librarian, proposes the implementation of a color-coded labeling and categorization system as an intervention. This system aims to organize books and other learning resources swiftly, enhancing the library's functionality and accessibility for both students and staff.
INNOVATION, INTERVENTION AND STRATEGIES
The librarian at Balayan East Central School faces significant challenges due to the disorganized state of the library, which serves thousands of elementary learners. The lack of a systematic arrangement of books and learning materials results in students spending excessive time searching for the resources they need, which hampers their learning experience and reduces the effective use of library time. Additionally, the librarian struggles with the constant task of re-shelving and organizing materials that are frequently misplaced by students. This ongoing issue not only affects the overall efficiency of library operations but also diminishes the library's role as a supportive educational environment.
In response to these concerns, the librarian has devised an innovative solution to improve the organization and accessibility of the library's resources. The proposed innovation involves implementing a color-coded labeling and categorization system using PROJECT COLOR – Cataloging and Organizing Library Outcomes and Resources. This system is designed to simplify the process of finding and returning books by assigning specific colors to different categories of resources. For example, fiction books might be labeled with red stickers, science books with green, and history books with blue. This visual system aims to make it easier for students to identify and locate the materials they need, thereby enhancing their library experience and maximizing their learning time.
The intervention will involve a series of steps to transition the library to this new system. First, the librarian will conduct a comprehensive inventory of all the library's resources to categorize them appropriately. Following this, each book and material will be labeled with the corresponding color code. Shelves will be clearly marked with colored signage to indicate where each category begins and ends. Additionally, a visual guide will be created and displayed prominently within the library to help students and staff understand the new system. This guide will also be available in a smaller, portable format for students to use as they navigate the library.
The strategy to implement this system will focus on ensuring that all stakeholders—students, teachers, and library staff—are well-informed and trained on how to use the new color-coded system effectively. Orientation sessions will be conducted to introduce the system and explain its benefits. Regular training and support will be provided to reinforce the use of the system and address any issues that arise. Moreover, the librarian will establish a routine maintenance schedule to ensure the system remains up-to-date and functional, including periodic checks to re-label and re-shelve materials as needed. This comprehensive strategy aims to create a more organized, efficient, and user-friendly library environment that supports the educational needs of Balayan East Central School's students.
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