The nonfiction section of a library is organized according to the Dewey Decimal System. The three-digit code provides information about the book subject matter and makes it easier to keep similar topics together. Provide students with a short summary of the primary subject information, such as that 000a contain reference materials, the 200s include information on religions and 92s contain biographies organized by the person's last name. Walk the students through the library stacks, pointing out where popular nonfiction sections are located and how to locate a book by its call number, or Dewey Decimal code. Explain how to find books in the fiction section, media section (if they are shelved separate from the books) and periodicals.
Many searches now take place on the Internet. A Boolean search, based on mathematics, assists a researcher to locate specific information through the use of keywords and operators such as and, or and not. Begin with basic search words and explain how a specific word might bring up information you want with lots more information you don't.
Walk students through the mechanics of how to conduct a Boolean search and how to use the operators to glean only the information that pertains to what you want.
Use a combination of hardbound and softbound books to show students how to care for library books. Explain why clean hands keep books cleans and why students should keep books away from food and drink. Provide bookmarks to the students with a work about not dog-earing pages or laying books open and upside down.
Demonstrate with a book that is used but carefully used and one that has been abused. Also demonstrate how rolling the pages of a softbound book may damage the spine, causing pages to fall out.
Discuss the need to return books in a timely manner so other students may use the material. Explain your policy and procedures for reserving a book, fines for overdue books and the consequences of book abuse.
Kids love games, and you can reinforce information on how to locate material in the library with a library scavenger hunt. Divide students into groups of three or four and provide each group with a different set of clues and information to locate. Give the students a handout on Dewey Decimal System categories and a map of your library. Grade students on the accuracy of their answers and the amount of independent processing they accomplished.