End of the Year Report and Reflection

It’s that time of year — the time of year for usage reports and analysis of databases and collaborative projects. The story of 2020 / 2021 begins with a year with COVID restrictions and challenges. However, it remained a year of learning and new experiences in the library! This is the story of the year!

END of YEAR Report in Google Slides...please click through.

Reflection

Upon reviewing the data for the past school year and creating the slideshow recapping the year, here are the areas that will need work in the coming school year. The areas identified in the reflection below are also identified as goals of the LUHS Library Future Ready Plan.

1. In our second year of utilizing the WSDLC for eBooks and digital audio materials, our usage has increased due to the pandemic and increased usage of the assignment feature by teachers. This allows students to be assigned books and have the materials available for the period of time the teacher plans on focusing on the title.

I wonder… Reading across the curriculum and supporting pleasure reading as the goal for students in their development of being future contributors to society. Digital reading and listening are two areas of learning that are increasing in usage would a whole school read or other program to support personal choice reading be something that might support our students as readers and leaders of the future?

2. Evaluated library collection by diversity to identify areas of diversification needs is an ongoing need for school libraries. Encouraging students to be self directed readers, meaning they select a book and read it due to their individual desire to read is a challenge in today's digital entertainment society. Yet, countless studies show the importance of reading. Developing this desire in students encompasses many aspects beyond students reading ability's; it also includes offering materials that are diverse in subject, author, and the story. Reading materials that are utilized reflect the reader.

I wonder...If a full redirect and evaluation of the library reading selections will impact personal reading by students. Can a Diversity Analysis provide direction on selection of materials that more diversely represent our student population. Then, taking it a step further, what is the best way to promote this diverse selection to students and encourage them to self select and read?

3. We have used Noodletools at LUHS for a number of years. I am finding that the usage is predominantly by the English department. Noodletools provides direction for proper citation and paraphrasing of information cited for research and to support one's ideas in writing of all kinds. Our databases are increasing their collaboration and integration with tools such as Noodletools and Google to save the citation in the correct format and a copy of the work cited in an accessible format (Google Drive) that our students and teachers use.

I wonder...If I provided more instruction on how Noodletools can be utilized across the curriculum to improve the honesty of student writing by providing a standardized accepted, and approved tool already provided by LUHS for all students and staff. I wonder if this could be accepted across the curriculum to improve paraphrasing, citations, and bibliography formatted without taking away from the curricular focus of the assignment. Supporting writing across the curriculum.