HMS Library Quarterly Report
August-October 2013
Life in the Library...
Students read...
I know looking at circulation statistics can be somewhat deceiving, since there are some students at HMS who frequently check out and return books they don't actually read, but it does give a sense of how the books in the library are being used.
This year, as was the case last year, 5th and 6th graders are required to read books and pass a certain number of Reading Counts (RC) tests each quarter. This year, the teachers have made the requirements for what books students can read a little more flexible. It would be interesting to see how the increased flexibility has had an effect on circulation statistics.
Teachers Collaborate...
I am hopeful that with the time students have in the library already, as teachers begin more research I can help teachers and students find appropriate resources and evaluate what they find. I am always on the lookout for ways I can help teach information, media, and technology literacy skills to students.
Students participate...
Special Events...
Having the book fair at the beginning of the year instead of during parent teacher conferences was not stress free by any means, but with the increase in sales, we think it makes sense to try it again next year. We are also exploring the idea of having another book fair in the spring if there is a time there will be families in the building.
The physical and online library...
In addition, through a generous donation by the PTO, new furniture was purchased for the seating area in the front space of the library. The new couch and chairs were a welcome change and are regularly used by students.
A challenge for myself this year is to shift my thinking (and help others shift their thinking as well) from assuming that the library is just a physical place that offers only print resources. As our technology access and comfort level increases, I need to remember that the online library and resources can be accessed anywhere and at any time. I would like to think about ways I can continue to increase the library's online presence, how to share the resources that are available with staff and students, and how to measure how those resources are being used.
What's next?
In addition, I continue to think about ways to involve students in what happens in the library. I would still like to offer a book club of some sort in the library. I'm not sure logistically how that will happen, but I think it could meet the needs of some of our readers at HMS.
Finally, I am always thinking about how I can be involved in the process of teaching information, media, and technology skills to students. The librarians of the past taught students how to find information. We don't have to teach that today; information is literally at our fingertips. Students today need instruction in how to evaluate the information they find and how to use the information effectively. These are ways the library and its resources can continue to be an integral part of the HMS community.
Rachel Yoder
Email: rachel.yoder@usd460.org
Website: ms.hesstonschools.org/library