Resources
We strive to provide a learning environment that promotes inquiry, stimulates intellectual curiosity, encourages pleasure reading, and develops diverse interests for the enjoyment of life-long learning - all in an environment is comfortable and accepting of every patron. We continue to implement a program with resources that support, complement and expand the instructional program of our school. Our resources are differentiated for all student needs and help to prepare our students for college and career success.
1. Genrification of fiction
Several years ago, we genrefied our fiction collection. With much research and input from our students, staff and other CCSD Media Specialists, we determined genres and a system to convert this collection from alphabetical by author to 14 genres that suited our population. This process was tedious but allowed us to 'touch' every title to determine genre, and to weed materials at the same time. Organizing by category gave us the opportunity to fill in the gaps in our collection, such as missing series' titles or too little material in a section. We looked at many ways to distinguish our categories and found beautiful genre labels from a library vendor. As you can see from the photos, we turned those labels into shelf and overhead signage to consistently guide our readers to their favorite books.
Since genrefying our fiction collection, readership has gone up tremendously. In the last couple of years, our book circulation has gone up by 40-50 percent! Students with little time between classes can quickly find the books they love to read. In addition, reluctant readers are more willing to try a book as they can easily find a section of books that may interest them. Now, our ELA teachers bring whole classes at a time to pick out books and cozy up in the Learning Commons to read. Further, as our population changes, we are adding new genres (like Spanish language novels) and combining a few others. As with all of our materials, this is a 'living' collection that evolves with the needs of our population.
Since genrefying our fiction collection, readership has gone up tremendously. In the last couple of years, our book circulation has gone up by 40-50 percent! Students with little time between classes can quickly find the books they love to read. In addition, reluctant readers are more willing to try a book as they can easily find a section of books that may interest them. Now, our ELA teachers bring whole classes at a time to pick out books and cozy up in the Learning Commons to read. Further, as our population changes, we are adding new genres (like Spanish language novels) and combining a few others. As with all of our materials, this is a 'living' collection that evolves with the needs of our population.
2. Easily accessible technology
In the LLC, we offer many options for our students' technology use. We have a small group instructional and presentation area, a collaborative mediascape room for students, staff and guests, a 35-desktop lab area, and individual laptops for student use in the library. Additionally, we have iPads, flashdrives, headphones, cameras, microphones, and charging stations throughout the library. Further, we offer free black/white printing, and also offer color printing for a nominal fee.
3. Video production resources
We support our students and staff with resources for creating video presentations. For professional quality production, we have a green screen room complete with studio lights. Patrons may check out our iPads and use iMovie or our green screen app. In addition, we have video cameras, still cameras, a 360 degree camera, a GoPro camera and microphones. To enrich their presentation, we encourage students to use royalty-free music from the Soundzabound database on Cobb Digital Library.
4. School-wide book swap
To encourage reading and help students to build their own library collection, we offer a school-wide book swap. Parents, teachers, students and community members donate books that we offer to students and staff. Many students donate back test study materials and required reading books that they no longer need so that others may benefit. Take as many as you like!
5. Games and coloring
To enhance the learning process, stimulate creativity and entice students to visit the library, we offer board games and coloring supplies. Board games have many benefits such as building memory formation, exercising the brain, helping students make emotional connections with others, and encouraging students to put down their phones. Likewise, coloring can be therapeutic. It reduces stress, improves focus, boosts mental clarity, and promotes creativity and flexible thinking. Sometimes our students just need a moment to relax and recharge in a comfortable space.