Librarian The Troop Librarian oversees the care and use of Troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge counselor lists. He checks out these materials to Scouts and leaders and maintains records to ensure that everything is returned. In our Troop, all merit badge books are stored in the local library. The Librarian occasionally checks the condition of the merit badge books in the local library and also suggest the acquisition of new literature and report the need to repair, replace, or update any current holdings.

Reports To: Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

 

Leadership Responsibilities

     1.  Establish and maintain a troop library.

     2.  Keep records on literature owned by the troop.

     3.  Add new or replacement items as needed.

     4.  Have literature available for borrowing at troop meetings.

     5.  Maintain a system to check literature in and out.

     6.  Follow up on late returns.

     7.  Set a good example.

     8.  Wear the Scout uniform correctly.

     9.  Live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.

   10.  Show and help develop Scout spirit.

 

GOALS

     1.  Troop Library Inventory Records up to date.

     2.  Establish and maintain a Troop Library Book Checkout System.

     3.  Add new and replacement merit badge books to the Troop Library.

As Troop Librarian your tasks include checking materials in and out of the library and in maintaining the library by replacing outdated or damaged materials and by adding new materials to the library.

The following procedures were set up to help you in these tasks. Don’t feel, however, that these procedures are the only way to do things or are the best way to do things. If you have a better way talk to the Senior Patrol Leader and the Scoutmaster. If they agree then propose the change for PLC approval.

Checking Materials In and Out
All materials are checked out using the T20 Library CO Form

Checking materials out of the library is simple. First, print today’s date in the "Date Out" column. Then the number of copies of that item borrowed in the "# Copies" column. Most of the time people will only check out one copy of an item but sometimes (like for songbooks) they might need extra copies. Print the title in the "Title" column and the condition of the material being borrowed in "Condition" column, print the borrower’s name in the "Name of Borrower" column, and have them sign the "Signature" column. That’s all there is to it!

Checking in materials is even easier. To check an item in just print the date it was brought back in the "Date In" column and put the item back in the library.

Damaged or Lost Materials
Sometimes library materials will get damaged or lost while they are loaned out.  If this happens go ahead and check the item in by writing the date returned or if the item was lost write the word "lost" and the date reported and report the loss or damage to the Scoutmaster.  Usually the troop will just replace the item without any penalty but that is the Scoutmaster’s decision.

Maintaining the Library - Troop 20 MB Pamphlet List

Merit Badge Pamphlets: The troop wants to have at least one copy of the merit badge pamphlet for all merit badges. One of your first responsibilities is to ensure that we are fulfilling this commitment. If there are pamphlets missing you need to give the list to the ASPL to make a request at the PLC.  The SPL will forward this to the SM for approval.  When approved, the Advancement Chairperson will buy the item and give it to you to be put into the library. The old item should be discarded.  Be sure to mark the replacement as troop property and update the list of materials before putting it into the library.

Replacing Worn-Out Items: Eventually all of the materials in the library will need to be replaced - especially merit badge pamphlets which get the most use. When you think an item is worn beyond repair you need to decide if it should be replaced. First, you need to see if there are other copies in the library. If we have other copies it may not be necessary to buy a replacement unless the item is used a lot. Then second question, of course, is how often the item is used.  Here’s where the old check-out sheets can help.  If you decide that the troop should buy a replacement you need to give the list to the ASPL to make a request at the PLC.

Out-of-Date Materials: The Boy Scouts of America changes materials from time to time as new program elements are added or as requirements change.  When this happens the troop needs to update the library. The biggest problem is finding out when these changes happen.  When a change does happen you need to determine how many items are effected and decide what new items should be purchased and how many of each type are needed.  Make your recommendation to the Scoutmaster. The out-of-date materials are not destroyed but should be put with other obsolete materials. Again, don’t forget to make the replacements as troop property and update the list of materials before putting them in the library.

New Materials: Every now and then BSA will introduce a new merit badge subject or will publish a new reference book. You are responsible for reviewing the new materials and recommending whether the troop should purchase a copy. To make the job easier you only need make recommendations for the items you think we should buy.  If you don’t think we need a copy you don’t have to make a recommendation.

Getting Additional Forms
When you get near the end of the blank forms then you need to get more. The original forms are are found on the forms page. You can ask the Scoutmaster or Advancement Chairperson to make the copies for you unless you have access to a printer.

Changing Library Forms and Procedures
This manual, the form, and the procedures are not the final word in troop libraries. They were put together simply to give us all a place to start. As you become more familiar with running the library you will see better ways to do things. Don’t be afraid to recommend changes – that’s part of your job as Librarian. When you develop a better method talk it over with your Scoutmaster and then, if he agrees, let the ASPL know that you want to attend the next PLC to propose the changes for approval.