When I was a high school student, I loved the library. I would go during my study hall time and during lunch most days. I am currently a substitute teacher for the Norfolk public schools, so, fortunately, I have access to the libraries of the schools I substitute. I recently filled in for a biology class at Maury High School, and during my planning block, I took a walk down to the library.
The Oldest High School
In 1910, Maury High School was founded and was the oldest high school in Norfolk. The building standing four stories high offers education to over 1500 students grade 9-12. I have become rather fond of substituting at Maury High, and I can feel the pride among the students and staff. The school from the outside looks somewhat intimidating because it’s enormous. The library is located on the lowest level of the school, near the cafeteria and gym. There are multiple entrances to the school; however, unless you are faculty with a key, you must enter through the main doors and get buzzed in from the office. Although the library is located on the first floor, the school does have an elevator that allows all students and staff access to the library.
Outside Looking In
Thomas, B. (2022). Outside Library. [Photograph]
During my time at Maury High School, the library was closed for SOL testing. Because of that, I could not go inside and browse around. Rubin and Rubin (2020) explained how “school libraries today focus less on the collection and more on the learners” (p. 168). I found this to be true for this high school library. Although I could not go inside the library, I was able to spend some time viewing the layout through several large windows that surrounded the library. I could see many tables and over 70 computers for students to work on assignments. The school library offers several spaces that students can use to work on group projects.
Thomas, B (2022). Maury High Library. [Photograph 
Thomas, B. (2022). Maury High Library. [Photograph]
Maury High School’s library offers a wide selection of fiction, non-fiction, and reference collection. Above the shelves that hold materials discern the genre of the books. The prominent signage allows students to find material quickly. After speaking with the library media assistant, I learned the library is organized using the Dewey Decimal system. The library catalog is accessible utilizing the catalog computer stations and can also be accessed online with proper student and staff information.
On The Web
I was able to gain further understanding of the resources available to students through their media center library. The school website has a link that allows students and staff to access the media center’s web page. https://www.npsk12.com/Page/10595. The pandemic caused problems for all parts of the public schools, including the libraries. Rubin and Rubin (2020) said that “school libraries were compelled to refocus their instructional energies toward online technologies”(p.168). Maury High School’s website highlights resources for its students.
The website is clear about servicing high school students and staff but is rather vague. The tabs available are reference resources, student resources, citation resources, and an online catalog. I was pleased to see the extensive resources available for students and the ability to gain access to the library catalog. The website indicates three staff members are servicing this school library. The staff comprises two library media specialists and one library media assistant. The hours of operation are also present on the website and indicate the library is open for an extra hour on Monday and Wednesdays. The website states that students can check out up to five books, and parents can sign up for a library card! The public cannot access the library’s catalog from the website without proper login information.
Closing Thoughts
Since I could not physically go into the library, it was hard for me to indicate what I felt was missing. However, from the view I could get, I felt the library could use some updating and possibly create a more welcoming environment. I was disappointed with the website for the media center because of the lack of information and accessibility. I want to learn more about the collections available in the library and hope to gain further access after student testing.
Reference
Rubin, R.E. & Rubin, R. G. (2020). Foundations of library and information science. (5th ed.). ALA Neal- Schuman.
How neat to attend school in a historic building! The library looks open and large based on the pictures you provided. It is a shame you could not enter due to SOL testing; however, that is understandable this time of year. The library I work at was closed all last week for SOL testing. I was impressed with the number of public computers for patrons and the parents’ capability to check out library materials. That is something I had never heard of. I’m glad you were able to get information from the assistant. Cool library!
Yeah, I think this time of year, testing is prevalent. Several other schools I have been to was also doing testing. I also liked getting parents more involved with their school by allowing them access to the materials. The historic building is incredible, and there are many parts where you can see the aging of the building.
I liked your aerial pictures of the library; I was surprised to see so many chairs, tables, and desks. I thought it was a clever idea that some of the computer desks had privacy boards around them since that could be especially important in a school where they utilize the library for testing. I thought the signage was easy to see and would be helpful when students were locating their books. Additionally, I think it’s wonderful that parents can sign up for a library card. It’s not unusual for me to check out books at the school library where I work, but I’m allowed to only since I work there.
Unfortunately, I think a lot of school libraries are closed and use for SOL testing. I understand the need for space, but this has always bothered me. I do think this library could benefit from a more welcoming feeling. While it seems very functional, it wouldn’t necessarily draw me in, if I were a student. I really enjoy that parents can sign up for a card, but it does seem limiting to prospective staff and interested students that the catalog is not searchable online, without login credentials. This does seem to be common practice, though.
Yes, many of the schools I have been to have used the library for SOL testing. I agree the space could benefit from creating a more welcoming feel. I wasn’t drawn into the room either. It seemed functional but nothing extravagant Im not sure if this is due to being a high school library compared to an elementary library.
Having grown up in neighboring Virginia Beach, I am familiar with this high school! I love the history behind being such an old school. Those giant two-story (maybe higher?) windows in the library space must be very nice for students. It would be very relaxing to have that much space in the vaulted ceiling area. It’s a shame that the library was closed for SOL testing. So students aren’t able to access the library at all during testing? Even students who aren’t testing?
Yeah, so the library is directly in the center of the school, and the ceiling is vaulted up into a skylight window. And from the second and third floors, there are windows that you can see into the space. It adds a great deal of natural lighting. During testing, the students do not have access to the area. Signs are posted outside the door, declaring it closed for testing.