For years, the high school’s media center has served as a gathering place for students of all grades. Boasting a stamp-making machine, gaming computers and consoles, Maker Space, Java Joint, and of course–books, the media center has quickly become a hotspot, hosting a large influx of students, including those that have study halls, cyber courses, and dual-enrollment classes. However, the library’s limited space has prompted the introduction of a new library protocol.
Implemented at the beginning of the school year, students are now required to use a sign-up sheet if they would like to remain in the library for a specific block. In the morning, sign-up sheets for blocks and lunches on a first-come-first-serve basis. Each sheet has columns for study hall and release students, allotting a limited amount of spots per block. Upon signing up, hall passes are made and students are then required to go to study hall where their appointment passes will go into effect, allowing them to go to the library.
Mrs. Taaffee, one of our librarians, explained that dual-enrollment and cyber students catalyzed the decision to utilize sign-up sheets, as some elect to stay on campus and must be accounted for if there is an emergency. Additionally, she reports the new procedure has been going well, stating, “Before, we never knew how many students to expect each day and sometimes there was no seating available, especially during the lunch period.” She continued: “Now that we have a definite number of students to expect, it's easier to handle.”
Presently, the library makes alterations from week to week, sometimes prohibiting groups of students from attending during different blocks to better maintain order. The library has plans to continue this system in the foreseeable future to ensure that visiting the media center is both an enjoyable and organized experience.