When I began working at Hall HS in 2013, the library looked and sounded like our cafeteria. I have transformed the space (through a multi-year remodel), and the culture (with dogged persistence and relationship-building), and it is now a quiet, mostly academic space. Student surveys show that most students appreciate this shift and want to preserve it.
However, each year, a small but vocal minority of students complain about the oppressive (read: quiet) atmosphere I have spent over a decade cultivating.
I aim to gather information about high school libraries to give students and administrators some perspective on expectations/management in other libraries. Please take a moment to complete this survey. I am happy to share the results!
Some facts about Hall Library:
- We have close to 1,500 students.
- We have one librarian and one full-time teaching assistant.
- We have 93 seats. We are full/close to full during lunch waves (per 4-7) on most days, esp. Wednesdays.
- Juniors and seniors can come to the library during any free period without a pass.
- Underclassmen can come during study hall and lunch, with a pass from an academic teacher.
- We have a digital check-in system that records students' names, grad year, and time of entry.
- Students are required to write themselves a digital SmartPass whenever they leave the library.
- Other than the cafeteria, we have NO alternate space for students to congregate or work collaboratively. We have a small career center with 15-20 seats, which is closed on the busiest day, Wednesdays.
Best,
Monica
Monica Vaida (pronounced V-EYE-DA)
Library Media Specialist
Library Media Specialist
Student Council Advisor
Mock Trial & Yearbook Co-Advisor
William H. Hall High School
860-232-4561 x6330