Blue Ribbons for the Unquiet Library

Every student has visited the Creekview Unquiet library or if not, they will at one point in time. Whether to learn about LibGuides for the 8 billionth time, check out a book, visit the coffee shop, or simply just go for leisure, the library is always packed with students and teachers. This year there are a few changes to the library, some subtle and some not.

One of the biggest changes to the library this year happens to be the award the librarians diligently work for. The Unquiet Library was awarded one of two of the Exemplary High School Media Programs for 2010 in the state of Georgia by the Georgia Department of Education. The other award went to Kennesaw Mountain High.

“We were very excited [about the award],” says Buffy Hamilton, head librarian. “It was also a very humbling experience.”

The award gives each winning library state wide recognition and a certificate. The library was nominated for the award by Principal Bob Eddy. To enter into the run for the prestigious award the library had to submit an application. Then each one was reviewed with a rubric.

The library media program must meet certain requirements such as: “The library media program fosters critical thinking skills and independent inquiry so students can learn to choose reliable information and become proactive and thoughtful users of information and resources. The Library Media Specialist and classroom teacher collaborate using Georgia Performance Standards to plan and teach the units of study. The library media program uses the AASL standards to help shape the learning of students in the school.”

Not only this, the library must also encourage teachers to participate in the process of media, and the media has to appeal to all students with different learning styles. The library works extremely hard making every students life easier. Research papers or projects are almost handed to students with LibGuides. These are used by almost every teacher and student. Clearly, this award is wanted by many; however our library and our librarians came out on top with all their hard work.

But the library hasn’t stopped running yet. New computer screens and, as always, new books can be found in the library as well.

Kindle eReaders are also being delivered to Creekview in October for students to check out. A form will go out to the student interested. This form must be filled out by the students and their guardian to ensure safety of the Kindle. A librarian will then give a quick lesson on how to use the Kindle which will have best sellers, Peach Books, and classics loaded onto it. The check out time will be the same for any other book, two weeks, but in these two weeks a student can read as many books available to them.

“We also are forming a student and faculty blogging team to contribute guest posts on our blog,” informed Ms. Hamilton. Such blog can be found at http://www.theunquietlibrary.wordpress.com/

Anyone interested in writing book reviews, gaming reviews, or other topics of interest should see Ms. Hamilton.
By: Brooke Gunsauley

Photo used with permission from the Georgia Department of Education