Library Myth Busters

Looking for a fun activity with your students? Previously profiled Teen Librarian site (UK) written by the very creative Matthew Imrie (@mattlibrarian) developed a Library Myth Busters activity that is sure to be a winner.  Students love Myth Busters and they are a great tool for engaging learners. ‘Library lessons’ will never be the same again!

Matt kindly forwarded his entire Word document for Bright Ideas to publish:

Library Myth-busters

 This is an idea I have been working on that can be run with a Reading Group and also for breaking the ice for new users in the Library:

This event can be run by following the Myth Busters format of having small teams investigating various Library Myths and then presenting their findings to the entire Reading Group. If permission can be obtained for filming, a short DVD could be made of the proceedings. This could tie into a larger media and film-making programme that can be run over half-term or summer holidays. It is fun and educational – teenagers learn how the library works and what the staff do all day as well as debunking misconceptions they may have on what goes on in libraries.

 Here are a a list of library myths that can either be debunked or confirmed:

  •  Librarians have lots of time to read on the job
  • All librarians are fast readers
  • Public libraries are only busy during the school year
  • Public libraries are only busy during summer holidays
  • Libraries are used only by those who cannot afford to buy their own books.
  • Librarians have no stress
  • Librarians have read every book in the library.
  • Librarians know the answer to everything
  • Everyone who works in the library is a librarian
  • Libraries are just about getting books
  • Libraries aren’t necessary because everything’s available on the internet
  • Libraries have plenty of funding because they get so many donated books and charge so much in fines
  • The librarian can be held responsible for everything that kids check out because they work for government and must protect the kids from bad things
  • School libraries aren’t needed because kids can get everything they want at the public library or online
  • Librarians wear their hair in buns, have wire-rimmed glasses, and say shhhhh! all the time
  • Librarians only issue books
  • Everything in the library is free
  • You have to know Dewey to use the library
  • Libraries are serious and quiet all the time
  • Library cards are hard to get
  • Libraries are for English readers only

 The list is by no means complete and if anyone would like to add library myths in the comments you are most welcome.

Thank you so much for sharing your fantastic work Matt!

4 thoughts on “Library Myth Busters

  1. Nice list. I’m a school librarian so here goes:

    School librarians are ‘not really teachers’ so kids can take them less seriously

    All librarians are up-to-date with all current novels therefore are book club experts (as opposed to those who love non fiction)

    Cheers

  2. LOVE the list!! I’m a primary school teacher-librarian, so here’s my contribution:
    Teacher-Librarians know what you’re talking about when you want to borrow “a book with a red cover and a picture of a rainbow” on it.”
    OR
    Teacher-Librarians know what you mean when you ask to play “Ancient Vampires” (“Age of Empires” to the uninitiated!)

  3. Pingback: teen librarian » Blog Archive » Best librarian / library Edublog 2009

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