Student Feedback & Data

Students

At the conclusion of my first year at Mountain Ridge, I sent out a student survey to see what library users thought about their library. I wanted to know what was working and what needed work. I shared the results with my administrator to help guide my ideas for the next year and I used the feedback to make changes with the support of my adminstration. The images below show the results of the survey, completed by approximately 200 7th and 8th grade students in the Spring of 2023.

The results felt genuine based on the informal feedback I received throughout the year by having conversations with students. Most students were happy with their library experience, but some had ideas about how things could be made better. It was clear to me that I needed to cultivate a more robust collection of newer titles to grab their interest and an overwhelming percentage of students wanted the fiction section to be genrefied. A low percentage of students had used our digital collection of audiobooks and ebooks and seeing those numbers helped me understand that I needed to highlight those resources much more.

I wanted to hear more from the students and in their words about the library experience they had during the 2022-2023 school year. The images below show what they had to say directly from the survey. I knew that I needed to improve the library collection with more titles, but their comments helped me understand more clearly what exactly they wanted for the shelves. After the survey results, I was able to focus on enhancing nonfiction and horror as well as middle grade LGBTQIA+ titles.

I was happy to know what the students liked about the library, but even more I wanted to know what could be better. They made it clear that the way the library was made available to them during "Access" (a period during the day when students can receive support from teachers to work on missing assignments, test corrections, etc.) was not working. Many students commented that they were unable to visit the library and they were unhappy about it. I was able to think through the process of how teachers could send students during that period of time and communicate new expectations the following year.

Administrators & Colleagues

During my time at Mountain Ridge, I have received incredible feedback from my administrators and colleagues. I know there is always room for improvement, but it is also incredible to know that the library is working well and supporting the classroom effectively. Below is some comments that have been graciously shared with me.

"Alicia is a fantastic librarian, teacher, facilitator, colleague and champion of children. She has created creative ways to engage students in both the library setting and their content classrooms. Alicia has made it a priority to provide teachers and students with dynamic content extensions and enrichment. We are fortunate to have her presence on our campus, she is an extremely effective educator." Summative evaluation, Martin Singleton 2023

"Alicia's efforts to update our book collection and improve our school's library space have benefited both students and teachers. I'm constantly amazed by her creativity and her monthly decorations always teach me something new. She is always willing to help and goes the extra mile for anyone who asks." Bri Hepworth, April 2024

"Thank you for all you do for kids with so many creative endeavors - integrated literacy, co-teaching with peer teachers, community drives, book fairs and supporting the district-wide One Book One District initiatives to celebrate the human spirit via a metaphor of kindness in literature." Mark Harmon, April 2024

"Alicia has demonstrated exceptional initiative and proactive engagment in her role as a teacher librarian. Her committment to fostering collaboration with teachers and staff has significantly contributed to the enrichment of our classes. She has consistently displayed a self-starting attitude and dedication to professional development, particularly in their efforts to teach staff development sessions. Her advocacy for the library and making it the best possible environment for our school has been outstanding. Alicia has shown a strong commitment to staff development by providing valuable training sessions to leverage library resources." Summative evaluation, Alison Shanor 2024

"You have been an amazing addition to our MRMS family. The % of books checked out, the updated books purchased from gratns earned, the philanthropy projects, the annual bookfair, and the amount of classes that coteach with you regularly are all a testament to your dedication to so many different student needs." Mark Harmon, April 2025

"Alicia, we have a wonderful thriving media program because of your great contributions to our communitya nd care for kids." Mark Elliot, April 2025

"Not only do you do a great job with the kids and all of the students and teacher slove you, but you bring a warmth and light to the school that is completely refreshing and welcoming. I think you really are appreciated more than you realize." Brett Beckett, April 2025

"Thank you for always having a safe space for kids to explore through the magic of books. Thanks also for fighting the good fight." Jeff Kohls, May 2025

"Alicia has improved the overall quality of the library as well as the specific quality and quantity of books available for students. Alicia is consistently contributing to developing and maintaining a positive school culture through collaboration with colleagues, leadership with school and district initiatives, and showcasing important people, places, and events to increase student and staff connections. Alicia demonstrates instructional and planning skills as well as management skills with classes/students in the LMC. Alicia also demonstrates planning as related to short and long-term goals for library development." Summative evaluation, Michelle Davis 2025

Apple Award 2026 nomination Beckie Salmi, September 2025

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