Library Update

Photo credit above: Sadie Powers, yearbook class assignment

Photo credit below: Gabby Waas, yearbook class assignment

The Weymouth HS Library provides a safe welcoming environment for students' academic and personal growth. The library educators, Ms. Buell and Ms. Milloshi, strive to develop a collection of resources that support the high school curriculum, as well as books that reflect the interests of a diverse student-body and foster reading enjoyment. Ms. Buell collaborates with classroom teachers to teach information literacy skills and research techniques like citing sources. The librarians provide support for teachers and students with the ethical use of intellectual property. The EdTech helpdesk is also located in the library to provide technology expertise and support. The library is a fantastic space that facilitates collaboration, inquiry, and authentic learning.

Around 250 students each day visit the library to browse the collection, attend a college visit, borrow a Chromebook, spend their study in the library, or spend their lunch period in the library instead of going to the cafeteria.

In September and October so far 203 books were checked out of our physical collection. An additional 188 ebooks, magazines, or audiobooks were checked out from our digital collection in Sora.

What are students reading? Realistic fiction, with 39 checkouts, and graphic novels, with 38 checkouts, were the most popular books read so far this year. In 3rd place there was a three-way tie between non-fiction, fantasy fiction and classics, which each had 19 checkouts. Regardless of a student's personal or academic interests, with just over 9,000 books in our physical collection we are usually able to successfully pair them with a book. And, in the event that we don't have what the student wants or needs, there are 76,000 additional works available in Sora, our e-book collection!

Why are students using the library during study? When students came to the library during their study periods they reported most often (77%) that they were looking for a space to work independently. The second most popular reason to come to the library during study was to work with peers (18%).

Students came to the library to borrow a Chromebook over 1900 times during the first 33 days of school. The majority reported that they needed a loaner because they left their Chromebook at home. The second most common reason was that their device wasn't charged. The third reason was that they lost or damaged their Chromebook and still need to pay the obligation.

The college corner has been a busy area of the library these past few months. The WHS guidance department arranges student visits with college admissions officers from across the United States, and these take place in the library up to three times each day! So far our students have met with 77 colleges, with 16 colleges scheduled for upcoming weeks. Junior and senior students can sign up to attend a visit in their Scoir accounts.

Currently there are seven WHS students who earn community service hours by volunteering in the library after school. They have been a tremendous help reshelving the books that students have returned, tidying up the space, and helping Ms. Buell decide which books should be "retired." We are very grateful for the volunteers and are always open to having new students join us. Students drop in when they can, and just need to check in with Ms. Buell earlier in the day to confirm that she is available to stay after school that afternoon.

Students may visit the library with their class or with a pass from their subject teacher at any time.Teachers, please call ahead to x21036 so we know to expect your student and can alert you if they don't arrive.

Here are the guidelines for obtaining a pass to be in the library during a study:

• A limited number of students may visit the library during their SIP/Study period. Students must complete the sign up Form on the library website to reserve a spot. The Form opens after 2:15pm and closes at 7:34am and reservation is made for that day only. If the period needed is not listed it means that it has reached capacity. Once students complete the Form they do not need to go to their study. Come straight to the library and check in at the desk.

• The Educational Technology help desk is located in the library. If students notice any issues with their Chromebooks they should obtain a pass and visit the Helpdesk. Issues with student accounts (like getting locked out of Aspen) can be handled via a Google chat or help ticket.
• Loaner Chromebooks are available in the library. All loaner chromebooks are due back by the end of the day on the same day they are checked out. Students can bring their loaner back to the library, or bring it to the Maroon or Gold office as they leave the building. They can also leave Chromebooks with their 7th period teachers, and the teacher will bring to the office when they have a chance. Chromebooks not returned on time will be disabled. Students are not allowed a second loaner if one they already borrowed has not been returned.
• National Honor Society runs a tutoring program during studies. NHS tutors are assigned to most study periods and will be sitting at the circulation desk until they are needed. Information on how to get connected with a student who has expertise in a specific subject will be posted in the library.
• Several after school clubs meet in the library. Any club that would like to use the library after school should stop by the desk or email Ms. Buell.
• Homework Hotspot takes place in the library. Teachers are available to help students with homework Monday - Thursday from 2:30-3:15. Students also attend "homework club" to work with peers.