facilities
published Spring 2014
Centrally located in the school, the SMMHS library serves the entire middle and high school population. The library physical space includes a main area for group instruction, a small area for the desktops, the circulation desk, and the shelves holding our collections. Additionally, there are two offices: one is the office of our head librarian, and the other is our school's gifted coordinator. We have two labs; one is used full-time as a computer lab, the other is our school's Learning Center where students come for tutoring. The Learning Center is funded through MEF. Additionally, we have two large storage closets: one holds our general storage materials, and the other is our a/v closet. This unit is particularly large, so it is also the home of our school bookstore, as it has a door that opens out to the hallway. Another room in the library is used as ISS; it is in the back corner of the library. A breakdown of the items available for use within our library follows:
- Over 11,000 records or materials available for teacher and/or student use
- 44 desktop computers available for student use (32 in the computer lab; 12 in the main library)
- A Smartboard with projector in the lab
- 8 oversized chairs/couches for comfortable independent reading or conferencing
- 18 large tables for classroom or group instruction in the main library area
- Available headsets for use by patrons
- Office supplies (stapler, hole puncher, paper cutter, pencil sharpener...), a copier, standard printer, color printer, laminator, and poster-maker available for use
- A workroom with 2 oversized tables for large projects
- Equipped with updated, high-speed wi-fi for our newly accepted BYOD policy
- 10 charging stations for the electronic equipment of our patrons
- An assortment of electronic equipment available for check-out. With parent signature, students have access to Flip cameras and other video cameras. Teachers have access to these as well as a collection of tv's, dvd players, microphones, microphone headsets (for classroom checkout), projectors, laptops, projector screens, audio recorders, iPad community earphone plug-ins, and more.
The SMMHS library also maintains a website with access to a wide assortment of tools to assist patrons. These online offerings contribute to and support our physical presence:
- Current events related to the library
- OPAC (online public access catalogue), powered by Atriuum
- Book recommendations - students can recommend books they would like AND we recommend books you may enjoy. We also provide information on VSBA (Volunteer State Book Awards). See the Books, Books, Books tab.
- An assortment of links to nearly 100 reputable newspapers, magazines, encyclopedias, databases, Libguides, websites (including links to area libraries), and curriculum sources for researching and teacher planning help.
- Tutorials and screencasts on topics in order to assist students and teachers at their own leisure.
- Links to common resources needed by students and teachers (Study Island, Turnitin, ManageBac...)
- The middle school Directed Studies rotation for students, teachers, and parents to use as a reference tool
- Information specifically related to Senior Project graduation requirement.
Although this school just opened 6 years ago, I feel that it is already somewhat out-dated. Here are some of the "issues" I feel should be addressed:
- The computers already need to be replaced. I would like to explore the idea of laptop check out to those who need it, or possibly providing some other type of device other than a desktop. This would allow students to spread out, possibly work independently when they need it, and sit more comfortably.
- The circulation desk takes up too much room. I would like to see this space used as a project area (for students working on posters, project boards, and other craft-type, large area working projects. Then I would like to purchase a small, circular check-out station (like you see in the banks) located more centrally in the library
- The 7' tall book shelves limit visibility. I would like to replace all of the tall shelves in the center of the library to be 4' shelves so that visibility is increased; with the appropriate set-up, these shelves could even serve as temporary barriers for students who wish to have some privacy while working together.
- There is nowhere for students to work in small groups and be relatively undisturbed by others. I would like to see some private study areas brought in, possibly some dividers if nothing else.
- None of the furniture (aside from the chairs) is moveable. I would also like to replace the existing tables, as none of them have access to outlets, and all of them are stationary. Having tables on wheels would make reorganizing the library for events much less cumbersome and more current, as we would be able to stay on top of the trends.
- Because of the rapid growth, we need to reclaim the rooms/offices which are being used by others who are not officially connected to the library so that these rooms can be used for library purposes. I would like to see the 2nd office used as a resource room for recording tutorials and video projects for students, equipped with Mac computers and video equipment. I would like for the ISS room to serve as a conference room/professional library.
- We have no t/v monitors in the media center. I would like to see several monitors placed throughout the library with scrolling news coverage, school announcements, weather, other relevant school information.
- Currently the couches create a problem. I would prefer to have individual chairs which are comfortable but do not encourage sleeping and inappropriate physical activity. If I were able to purchase new chairs, I would find chairs with plug-ins for devices in the chair.
- The paint on the walls is cream color with a red strip at the top. This library has no personality. When I came, the posters that did exist were outdated and stale. I have already begun having some murals painted and some creative signage created and hung, but I would like to investigate some other painting techniques that might stimulate students and make the library more vibrant and appealing.