Library looks towards facility update

Almost like a second home, the library serves as one of the most visited places for students, as attested to the fact that throughout the day there is never a time when the tables and computers are not occupied. In December, the librarians sent a survey to collect information on how the facility should be improved and updated with the times.

“School Library Media Centers are evolving and it’s important to reassess the programs, the products, and the environment,” said librarian Willis.

According to the survey, 73% of the 180 respondents use the library more than twice a month. Besides a place to borrow books and cram in last-minute homework and studying material, the library also provides students computers, printers, and electronic databases.

“I do my homework in the library during my free period,” junior Anson Tsang said. “I can get a lot of work done in there.”

With popular demand, the library is often crowded, especially during lunch and before and after school starts. Such numbers often lead to noise, and respondents indicated a desire for study corrals and glass partitioned study areas to alleviate the loudness.

“I can’t concentrate with the noise in the library,” senior Dera Ikeme said. “I don’t go into the library expecting to study, and I always find somewhere else to do my work.”

Along with the surroundings, students also expressed enthusiasm for new reading opportunities as well as involvement. Among the highest, 42.5% called for author visits, and 60.9% called for volunteer opportunities. Others wanted the opportunity to download reading material via computer to install in their electronic reader.

As one of the first things, the library plans to implement library research tutoring by private appointment to teach the student helpful and strategic research tips for a more efficient navigation through the electronic databases. This first step heralds the eventual remodeling of the library, which librarians and students alike look forward to in the future.