When the switch to online learning took place, the library team began making adjustments to the library system to make learning from home as pleasant and efficient as possible for students and teachers alike. During summer break, the librarians were hard at work enhancing the library website to give students and teachers the tools they need for a successful 2020-2021 school year.
Screencasts are one new feature on the Inglemoor library website. A screencast is a digital recording of a computer screen output. These recordings of teacher presentations are saved so that students can refer to them later. Screencasts allow students to look back at previous classes and review the materials and content they have missed or need clarification on.
“We have added screencasts for using some of the research tools, hoping to reach more students and help them with their research skills, while creating flexibility for teachers,” librarian Julie Westerbeck said.
Another library development is the addition of pick-up and drop-off bus services. On Wednesdays, school buses deliver books all along their route. Information on these buses, their routes, and their schedules can be found on the library website.
Additionally, both librarian Teresa McCausland and Westerbeck host open library hours when students can drop off books they’d like to return and pick up books they’ve checked out from the website.
“Our favorite service we are providing now is opening the library from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays for the library, as well as textbook and supply pickups and drop-offs,” Westerbeck said. “We also love that the bus drives around delivering stuff to kids’ neighborhoods on Wednesdays.”
The library staff said that for students to conduct research thoroughly and effectively, the website will also provide additional research pages, containing sources that can be used to research for an assignment.
“We are starting to build new research pages for classes in the “Classroom Connections” big yellow button section,” Westerbeck said.
Some students have already had a chance to learn about the library’s developments. McCausland and Westerbeck said that they have been touring virtual classrooms and giving presentations on the website changes. Those who haven’t had a librarian visit their class yet may see one of them soon.
“Mrs. Mccausland built a slide deck and presentation that we asked history teachers to let us come and present,” Westerbeck said. “We have been in most 9th and 10th and 11th-grade classes.”
Inglemoor student and freshman Samantha Smith said that she encourages students to take advantage of the resources the library has to offer.
“I didn’t use it much last year, but it was a great library, and I’m an obsessive reader, so I now regret that choice,” Smith said.
For now, eager-to-read students can find the books they’re looking for by visiting the Inglemoor library website. Students with questions for the librarians can reach them via email at [email protected] and [email protected].
