Phoebe Christos ’18, Abigail Hogan ’18: When it comes time for research projects, one of the most accessible resources is typically forgotten: the Roger Annenberg Library and its staff.
Even before a research topic is introduced to the class, an incredible amount of effort is put in behind the scenes by the librarians. “Before the assignment topic is given to the students, I talk to the teacher and make sure that the library has the correct resources to support it,” said Jen Phiambolis, EA Librarian for grades 8-10.
Linda Smith, Middle School Librarian, agreed on the importance of resource availability. “I have a meeting with the teacher to touch base on the structure of the project to make sure we have all of the support materials.” Smith noted, “We have to make sure that there is a good supply of resources, either online or print materials.”
Photo Courtesty of Sammi Ciardi ’15
After the topic is approved, the class is introduced to all of the resources in the library. “We introduce the class to the topics and aspects of the projects and make sure everything is running smoothly in the beginning,” said Smith. Phiambolis went into specifics on the introduction to resources explaining, “I demonstrate how to search the various databases to find relevant information and I answer all questions about whether or not an article is credible or relevant and then how to go about citing that information.”
Phiambolis also commented on her newest creation, LibGuides, the compilation of online resources arranged by class and project. “Basically, I go in and create a web page for the student’s specific project and link resources they can use to research.” LibGuides has been a major success, commended by a large number of EA’s students and teachers. Nicole Julicher ’18 who has used LibGuides on a variety of occasions throughout the school year, said, “LibGuides are really helpful because the links to all the information you need is in one place.”
Both librarians agree that students should be more confident in seeking help and instruction when needed. “My biggest tip is if you have any questions about how to go about something, come and ask me! Definitely use me as a resource as well as the database. It makes life so much easier and saves a ton of time. Sometimes kids are reluctant to ask for help, but please do so,” said Smith.
Cassandra Keith, Upper School Librarian for grades 11-12, also shared her tip for students. “Particularly for the juniors, who I see a lot over the span of four months as they work independently on their big research project, it is very important to make sure that you are well organized. You should also prioritize your steps and make sure that you are staying on top of everything.”
As a junior writing her US History term paper, Madison Soukup ‘17 gave her perspective on the librarians’ help. “The librarians’ experience with the term paper in the past makes them one of the best resources when you’re a junior going through the process,” said Soukup. “In my personal experience concerning the term paper, one meeting with Mrs. Keith helped me narrow down my broad ideas into an arguable topic.” She specifically mentioned that, “Mrs Keith located the sources I had already picked for step #3 and I talked to her for at least 30 minutes about generally what I wanted to focus on; by the time I got home that night, I had three emails from Mrs. Keith, two emails with articles and one email regarding a book she ordered for me.” Soukup especially emphasized the fact that, “In a week she had all my sources on her desk with my name on them and ready for check out.” For Soukup, “They are always available to help whether it’s you need more sources or you need help with organization.”
Smith also stressed the importance of communicating with the librarians about curating sources. “One of the things that can be overwhelming in this particular library is that we have so many resources for the kids. The best thing you can do is just talk to us. That is our favorite part of our job, to talk to and work with you guys.”