Libraries depend on patrons that are quiet and respectful. Thus, before teachers bring students into a library environment, it's important to ensure that students can work quietly and without distraction. Practice having reading sessions in class where students are not allowed to talk, or must talk quietly if they have an immediate concern.
Another activity to stress the importance of quiet in libraries is to have some students talk very loudly while other students try to read something. Chances are, students will have a harder time understanding the material with this distraction. Use this as an example for why students should remain quiet when gathering materials or working in a library.
Another element of libraries that might be daunting to students is finding the materials that they need. Many libraries still use the Dewey Decimal System, which categorizes books and materials according to subject. However, young kids may find this system difficult to memorize and learn. Instead, teachers should focus on activities that promote using the library's catalog to find books. Once kids have learned to stay quiet in a library, take them there and show students how to find books using an online directory and navigation through the library. Then let students try this process directly, with your help. This activity will directly show students the steps they should take to find a certain book without adult assistance.
If students are very young or still have a hard time understanding the catalog, it's also important to show students how to ask librarians for help. Most library workers are willing to help, provided that students are patient and courteous. Ask a willing librarian to help you out with this activity, and then have students make up questions they might actually need help with. Have students practice standing in line, waiting quietly, and then politely asking librarians for help.
Another major part of learning how to use libraries respectfully is the concept of borrowing books and returning them in a good condition. Practice this library skill by making a mock-library in your classroom, allowing students to check out books and asking each student to return the book by a certain date. Once students return (or don't return) books, talk about what students can do better and about why respecting books is important for all library patrons. Once each student seems comfortable with this concept, you can take them to an actual library and allow them to take out books, though limiting the amount at first is always a good idea.
This library skill is particularly important to teach older students who may use library materials as references. It is up to each student to act ethically with regards to respecting the work of an author and refraining from plagiarism of any kind. One activity that can get students thinking about this issue is to pose a classroom debate on the pros and cons of plagiarism. Split the classroom in half, asking for one group to defend plagiarism, and the other to say why it is wrong or not worth it. After the debate, have kids make a decision as to whether plagiarism is worth it or not, and to explain why in a paper. This ensures that students formulate their own decision not the plagiarize and also helps you understand if a particular student is struggling with the issue.