The night before Christmas should have been a time of celebration and joy for Matt Davis, the Library Media Specialist at Seckman High School in Imperial, Missouri. Instead, it turned into a nightmare when a water line burst in the school library he had managed for the past three years. The call he received that night was devastating, as it meant the loss of thousands of books and significant damage to the library space.

The Initial Shock and Immediate Response

Davis was immensely proud of the library at Seckman High School, which he considered the largest classroom in the school. The library was not just a place for books, but a hub for learning and exploration. The news of the flood was a heavy blow, but Davis knew he had to act quickly to restore the library for his students.

The first step was to assess the damage. The flood had caused approximately $500,000 worth of damage, including the loss of books, damage to shelves, carpets, and some furniture. Davis and his team had to determine what could be salvaged and what needed to be replaced. This was a daunting task, especially since the insurance company required a detailed assessment of each book to decide what could be claimed as a total loss.

Partnering with Follett Content Solutions

One of Davis’ first calls was to Gina Donato, his representative from Follett Content Solutions. Davis had worked with Gina before and knew that Follett Content would be a crucial partner in this challenging situation. Gina assured him that Follett Content would provide the necessary support to rebuild the library.

Follett Content’s involvement began with their Curation Team and Content Specialists, who helped Davis navigate the process of rebuilding the library collection. They provided valuable insights and suggestions for new titles, ensuring that the new collection would meet the needs of Seckman High School’s students. This collaboration was essential in making informed decisions about the new books to order.

The Role of Follett Content’s Shelf-Ready Service

One of the most significant challenges was the sheer volume of new books that needed to be processed. Davis and his team faced the daunting task of unpacking, barcoding, and shelving thousands of books. This is where the Shelf-Ready Service proved invaluable. Follett Content sent all the new books in Dewey Decimal order, ready to be shelved. This service saved Davis and his team an enormous amount of time and effort.

Davis estimated that it would have taken two school years to process the books without Shelf-Ready Service from Follett Content. Instead, they were able to get almost all the books on the shelves, barcoded, and in order within two days. This efficiency was crucial in getting the library back up and running quickly.

Rebuilding and Improving the Library

With the new furniture, carpeting, shelves, and books in place, the library at Seckman High School was ready to reopen. Davis believes that the library is now better than ever, thanks to the support from Follett Content. The new collection includes modern titles as well as some of the older ones that students love. This balance ensures that the library meets the diverse needs of the students.

The process of rebuilding the library was a true team effort. Davis credits Follett Content for their exceptional support and expertise. From the initial assessment to the final shelving of books, Follett Content was there every step of the way. Their involvement made a significant difference in the speed and quality of the library’s restoration.

A Testament to the Power of Partnership

The experience at Seckman High School is a testament to the power of partnership in overcoming challenges. Davis’ dedication to his students and his proactive approach were crucial in navigating the crisis. However, it was the support from Follett Content that made the process manageable and successful.

Their comprehensive services, from content curation to shelf-ready processing, provided the expertise and resources needed to rebuild the library efficiently. This partnership ensured that the students at Seckman High School had access to a well-stocked and organized library, even after such a significant setback.

Conclusion

The story of Seckman High School’s library restoration highlights the importance of having reliable partners in times of crisis. Follett Content Solutions proved to be an invaluable ally, providing the necessary support and expertise to rebuild the library. Their involvement not only helped restore the library but also improved it, ensuring that it continues to be a vital resource for students.

Matt Davis’ experience underscores the value of collaboration and the impact it can have on educational institutions. With the right partners, even the most challenging situations can be overcome, leading to positive outcomes and stronger communities.

Looking to open a new school library or refresh your current one? Follett Content is here to help! Learn more about our library services.

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