Google Forms @ Lib

Very quickly during my first year at the middle school level I discovered the need to automate the pass system.  In the past study hall teachers gave permission for a few students to come during each period.  This was problematic because I was transitioning the library into a learning commons model.  I wanted and still want to create self-directed learners and all students would need access to the library by their own choice.  Putting the power into the hands of the students continues to be important to me.

Although students do forget to sign up for the library there are still ways for them to gain access.  They can get a project pass (from the teacher they have a project with) or come on a ten minute pass to get a book.  All students go into the google spreadsheet which is accessible from the library website to anyone (staff and student alike).

I have around 150-200 students coming to the library every day during various periods.  Mistakes do happen and occasionally a student’s name is missed on the morning list.  I do require that students sign-up by 7:20 in the morning in order for me to aggregate the data for the coming day.  It is amazing how many students sign up at 7:19!  I have looked at other programs to sign up students but currently Google Forms is the best.  My only complaint would be that I cannot cut off the number that sign up for a given period.  I have tried to use the script for course registration that is in Google Scripts but it does not function correctly.  If there are any javascript experts out there please comment.  I have limited space for the students but thus far the numbers work.

As you can see the Google Spreadsheet the students come in to cross their name out is not the same as the spreadsheet created with a Google Form.  I do have to create an additional spreadsheet.  However, once it is created the entire sorting process in the morning takes at most 10 minutes.  I have even done it in five on a busy morning (what morning is not busy :))  I can see the revision history so if any funny business goes on it is easily viewable.  I can access the spreadsheet from any computer or device.

The form itself can be viewed here and it is embedded into my website.  The students can add this link to their devices and can sign up in the library.  One of my catalog computers has been turned into a sign up machines/catalog.  Most students use that computer to sign up.  I am working on getting the students to use it beyond the library.  Interestingly I did see a student the other day signing up in their study halls.  That was great…I want students to be self-sufficient.