The Physical Space
I was not able to physically visit a school library, as they are all closed for summer. So, I chose to do a virtual visit of the John Handley High School Library (the website’s homepage has a very limited 360° tour, you can check it out here).
Like the Handley Library, John Handley High School was founded by a grant from Judge John Handley. Construction began in 1922. As you can see, the school building is quite grand – it is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
The library itself is quite modern in comparison, though a bit dated and bland. Interestingly, although it is well-lit, it feels dark. The prominent circulation desk just beyond the entrance is welcoming, as is the large wall graphic to the left of the desk that reads “WELCOME – THIS IS YOUR L!BRARY.” On this floor, I note that the fiction is arranged by genre. Without being there in person, it was difficult to gauge the accessibility of the space, but it seems open and organized, with clear signage. There are plenty of computer work stations for students.
Online Access/Collections
https://www.wps.k12.va.us/domain/1525
The online catalog uses a school library management system called Destiny Discover. This page is a very basic interface, with 3 rivers – one is a breakdown of the collections. Non fiction is organized by the Dewey Decimal System. There are databases, digital media, academic resources (like homework help, test prep, etc.), reading recommendations (this page includes podcasts, which I think is cool), and community resources. In the catalog, there are also curated lists of books and resources on different topics, such as justice, human rights, identity, and LGBTQ+. I really enjoyed reading about the library’s makerspace…or should I say makerspaces as there are three. The Create Space has creative materials and includes a die cut machine and a button maker. The Care Space is used to make things for others, and includes a sewing machine, and supplies to make greeting cards, pet toys for local shelters, and warm hats for cold weather. The Tinker Space is where you can repair/take apart/rebuild electronics.
My favorite thing about this library’s website are the “virtual” tours you can take with the two librarians, Mrs. Logan and Mrs. Putnam. Clicking around on the bitmoji environment opens slideshows on how to do things like get a library card/account and how to browse and reserve books. Mrs. Logan’s tour has a cute recommended book shelf, where you can click on a title to see more info about the book, and check it out.
Mrs. Putnam’s tour includes an introductory video, a link to her dog Lucy’s Instagram, and a link to Lit2Go, where students can virtually access classic literature. I really liked this resource as it allows the student to read and listen to audio of the book simultaneously. It also shows them how to cite the work.
Impressions
As I previously stated, it was difficult to get an impression of how the space is used without being there in person. In a school library, you would expect to see more study spaces, computers, and carrels. The Handley High School Library’s mission states “Our mission is to ensure that students and staff are effective and efficient users of ideas and information using the Four C’s of 21st-century learning: Collaboration. Communication. Critical Thinking. Creativity.” Allthough the makerspace sounds great, the library seems quite drab, and not conducive to – or reflective of – creativity. So one of those four C’s might need a little help.
What is quite evident from examining the website is that the library is well-designed/equipped for virtual use. This is not surprising since schools had to adjust to student needs during the pandemic, and the library was likely a lifeline for students during that time. Rubin and Rubin state that “In the challenging environment of closed school facilities, school systems and school libraries were compelled to refocus their instructional energies toward online technologies; the school library became a vital resource for support of faculty, students, and families” (Rubin & Rubin, 2020). The Handley High School Library appears to have made that adjustment of focus quite well – the website has everything a virtual student would need, assuming the student has internet access. The books and resources seem very diverse and inclusive, and the librarians have clearly made an effort to maintain a virtual presence to help students feel connected. I would really like to go back and visit in the Fall to see the library in use, and to discover how much of the student body actually enter the library as opposed to using it virtually.
Rubin, R. E., & Rubin, R. G. (2020). Foundations of library and information science (5th ed.). ALA Neal-Schuman.
Oh wow. Those makerspaces sound amazing. What a great resource for high school students. My kid would love the Care Space.
I have a confession. I really dislike Destiny Discover. Our schools use it as well and I struggle every time I have to help a kid find something. It’s easy to use to find a specific book, but the graphics make it slow and clunky with more general searches. I usually skip it and look things up on the backside when kids need help. 😉
I’m glad you could take the virtual tour when you couldn’t access the building itself during the summer. Virtual tours are a great way to see the space from the comfort of your own home. I always enjoy reading about makerspaces and offering the chance for students to creatively express themselves. I like that the tables are not scattered throughout the building, but they are in the center in more of a communal style.
Wow! Three makerspaces! I wonder where the spaces are actually located within the library. It’s not easy to tell from the pictures. I like the variety of makerspaces the library offers. I wonder if they asked the students what type of spaces they wanted or if they just said here are some makerspaces.
I love the sign ‘WELCOME-THIS IS YOUR LIBRARY.’ It seems like the librarians try to make the students feel like the library is truly for them.
Thank you for sharing the link to LitItGo. I’ve never heard of it before, but I was super excited to find Wuthering Heights on the list! I can’t wait to use this in class!
This library seems to really encourage creativity through providing so many maker spaces. You mentioned that you would have expected to see more computers. It’s likely this school doesn’t need many computer labs if their students also have school issued devices. They also likely have extra laptop carts stored somewhere for testing.
It is great that the library is an inviting and welcoming space. I love the amount of computers there are available for students to use. Even if students are issued computers, it is important to have computers available. They have multiple makerspaces which is awesome. I am sure the students love getting to use those spaces to be more creative. It makes the library more than just a space to read and do research.