State of the Library 2010/11

State of the Library 2010-11

It has been one full semester since I began my journey as the high school librarian. I find myself pondering the last several months, wondering if my impact in the library is as great as it was when teaching in the classroom. So... in the spirit the State of the Union Address here is my attempt at the State of the ELCO High School Library.

The 2010/11 school year has brought many changes to the library.

• Summer months were spent weeding the periodical collection and transforming the periodical room into a tutoring lounge for National Honor Society members and students needing assistance with coursework.
• While appearance might suggest a drastic reduction to the size of the periodical collection, the amount of periodicals available for research is immeasurable as the EBSCOhost Database was purchased. This database contains thousands of print documents, images, and links for students to use as they build research papers and projects. 
• Furniture was rearranged to create a more casual and relaxing atmosphere.
• Plants were added to create a more inviting environment.
• Students are now permitted to bring their lunch to the library during their lunch period in order to be able to study, socialize, or read while enjoying their meal.
• Research skills are being taught to a variety of classes and various avenues for locating resources are being introduced to the students.
• A library website was created to help keep students informed and educated about library resources.

In addition to the changes listed above, the library experienced many positive achievements during the first semester.

• Students nominated the library and voted for a 15 day period. Their efforts won a $1000.00 Best Buy gift card for the library. This gift card will be used to purchase iPads to be used by students.
• The first annual Poetry Out Loud competition was held on the evening of January 13. The participation and attendance at this event was wonderful. The library was filled with spectators listening to and enjoying the poetry performances, musical pieces, and refreshments.
• Extended library hours were offered the week prior to first semester final exams. Many students took advantage of this opportunity to complete research assignments and receive help on proper documentation and formatting.
• The Get Caught Reading campaign was highlighted by faculty posters hanging throughout the building and every student receiving a "Get Caught Reading" bookmark from the library.

The second semester promises to hold more exciting changes and achievements for the library.

• New books will be purchased to enhance the collection.
• Lessons will continue regarding effective research strategies and proper documentation.
• Teen Tech Week will bring some new opportunities for students to become involved with the library.
• National Poetry Month will be celebrated in April.
• A major weeding of the collection is underway with the intent of updating and modernizing the resources available to students.
• Extended hours will once again be offered to students at the mid term and end of the semester.

I feel all of the items highlighted in this blog post confirm the fact that being the librarian has in fact helped me reach the students in much the same way that I did when I was teaching in my classroom. I guess my classroom has just grown a little bit and is no longer restricted to four walls. While there has been a great deal of change to the library over the past few months, it still does not meet my vision for its potential. I am very excited to see what the future holds and look forward to championing new changes that will impact students and help the library be a place that students feel empowers them as lifelong learners.