Library Resources

More than just books

Library offers multiple resources for students

Veda Thangudu thangved000@hsestudents.org

From a 3D printer to a podcasting room, the library offers resources beyond just books. Most of these resources are available at the media center and are open during school hours. “We have lots of resources in the library,” library manager, Shelly Anaba said. “We have books for pleasure reading and research.” There are some bigger resources available here apart from physical books. Anaba believes that these kinds of resources make our library unique. “We have a lot of e-books that we can access because the state of Indiana has paid for it,” Anaba said. “Like Inspire, it is a very useful resource that a lot of students don't know about. There are some classes that come down and Mrs. Isom will teach a little course on how to use digital resources.” There is also Destiny search, where students can find scholarly articles regarding diverse topics. There is a sound recording room where students can make podcasts, 3D printers and a green screen room. “Those are ones that we don't let you go in if you don’t know what you are doing,” Anaba said. “We need to know that you know how to use the equipment.” There is a poster printer that can print enlarged pictures and is mostly used by the speech and debate team. One of the most used resources from the media center is chargers. The chargers for school Mac books are always checked out, according to Anaba. “We have chargers for your phone, your Mac, Lenovo, ASUS, everything,” Anaba said. “The big one is obviously the school Mac charger, and we only have two for the whole school. Most days, I have a waiting list that I don’t get all the way through.” Librarian Renee Isom can take segments of classes and teach students how to use the resources available. Social studies and English teacher Chris Edwards’ class usually goes to the media center for a part of class. “The library staff is very friendly, and mostly it is just fun to take students down there,” Dr. Edwards said. “I try to get my elective classes down there once a week because it is a nice change of environment. She [Isom] works with me frequently to see what resources she can develop for my classes.” Dr. Edwards’ class then reflects on what they thought about the visits to the media center. “In anonymous surveys, my English students often say that the training they received from Mrs. Isom was the most valuable part of the class, and I agree,” Dr. Edwards said. “The books and other reading materials that she orders for students are incredibly valuable for student learning.” Senior Manvitha Veeramreddy said she had a hard time finding research books on audiology in the library. She used Destiny to find e-book versions of what she was searching for. According to Anaba, students should reach out when they need help. “If you’re struggling with your research, the best thing to do is to ask your teacher or Mrs. Isom,” Anaba said. “She is a great asset at that. We can help you figure out how to utilize whatever database you need to and how to really refine your search. We’re going to do anything in our power to help you. Be proactive, come and ask for help.” Podcast equipment available in the library, including 4 microphones and a Mac for editing. Students can access it with permission from the librarians. Photo by Veda Thangudu. Resources in brief: - Books - E-books - Chargers - Online search databases - Office 365 tutorials - Podcast equipment - Green-screen room - 3D printers - Poster printers