Student Responses:
-MHS library is important to me because it helps me find exactly what I am looking for whether it be books or a good source to cite from. The librarians help everyone in need and do their best to make sure we can have a great experience and leave on a positive note. I greatly appreciate MHS library and the librarians that run it in helping me find sources and books for the times I have needed it. In addition to all of this it is a nice quiet place that I can get hw done and and just relax when needed. Everyone uses the library time to time and it is essential to the school. I feel secure, safe and relaxed when I am in the library. I have never been turned away or not helepd when I have had a question as well. So in conclusion the MHS library is an important asset to me and other MHS students in the school. Thank you for all your help and guidance.
-I get to embrace my love of reading with recommendations of the two amazing librarians! I get to read and learn about situations other than my own.
-It's a calm place where me and my friends can go in the morning. Has great atmosphere with the music and the carpet and the abundance of actual chairs to sit in. If I ever need to print something, with is literally every other day, I come here, and it's a big help.
-The MHS library is important to me because I can always find the perfect book. It is also important to me because I can always come here to study.
-It's a space where all the information you could possibly need is neat and organized. It's incredibly calming to work in such an atmosphere especailly when your stressed with a big paper or presentation due that you need to plan for by reading.
Teacher responses:
-It is a place of knowledge. Whenever I have a specific question, or need some information for my students, I always go to the library to get the answers. It is a great environment to find cool stuff in.
-One of the most valuable resources in the school. The librarians are crucial to the research process for all students across multiple disciplines.
- The librarians offer support and encouragement whenever any staff member or student needs it. They provide an invaluable safe space for all of us here at MHS. In addition, they also go out of their way to help with any media center related questions!
-We have two of the best librarians in NJ.
-The MHS library is a good resource that is easily accessible for students.
-As a Special Ed. English teacher, the MHS library offers so many resources that can benefit my students in writing and reading. Many of my students often aren't proactive about finding these resources, but our media center specialists and so kind and helpful to each student. They help them find books that they will actually enjoy reading, and assist them in using online resources as well.
These are just a sampling of the comments that we received on Tuesday, October 26, as part of Snapshot Day 2018, sponsored by the New Jersey Library Association. This was a day to compile statistics and receive feedback from students and staff. We provided an online survey as well as a paper & pencil survey in the library.
The Center for International Scholarship in School Libraries (CISSL) a part of the Rutgers University School of Information and Communication undertook a multiyear project to provide "evidence on how school libraries help students with their learning, and to understand some of the complex dynamics that shape these impacts." Morristown High School was one of 12 schools that were chosen because of their exemplary library programs.
Works Cited:
CISSL. Center for International Scholarship in School Libraries. N.p., 2011.
Web. 5 Dec. 2011. <http://cissl.rutgers.edu/index.html>.