JMMS Library Updates

It is one of our goals to update the John Muir LMC to increase the flow of traffic, the access to technology, and efficient access to print materials. Below are some of the changes that have been made and some of the changes forthcoming.

Physical Changes

Computer Lab
The computer lab now has 30 available computers with two new networked countertops allowing for full classrooms of students to use the lab. In addition, most computers in the lab have accessibility to printing for with a new laser printer and iPad-ready printer combination. There is no need to notify the LMC staff to sign up for the new lab.

Improved Computer Lab

Laser Printer and iPad-Ready Printer

Reference Section

Right next to the computer lab is a reference section containing books for all discourses: math, science, social studies, and English. This makes for a much better research dynamic because students can use our online databases as well as books resources all within a small sphere. Furthermore, students are now able to checkout any reference books just the same as any other book. Lastly, we are in the process of labeling all of the non-fiction shelves to help students find the information for which they are looking. We still use the trusty Dewey Decimal System, but the labels should make searching for books even easier and more efficient for all learners.

Reference Center

Reference Center

Subject Labels Make Texts Easier to Find

Research Stations
We have also improved the general layout of the LMC by adding some new research stations made from repurposed reference bookshelves. Each station is LAN and WiFi ready and can function as a charging station. Thanks to generous donations from Muir staff, we have enough black chairs for each station. These research stations will house the shipment of Google Chromebooks we have arriving at John Muir. All Chromebooks are currently on backorder, but we expect to receive a shipment of between 8-17 Chromebooks very soon. Right now, students are using donated laptops at each station.

New Research Stations

Chromebooks Coming Soon!

Virtual Changes

Website
The LMC has a much more robust online presence since the beginning of the school year. We have launched what we hope to be a comprehensive library and technology resource with implications for all discourses in the school. You can access the website by going to the following shortened link: http://bit.ly/jmlibrary or by going through the John Muir Middle School website. Below are some of the features of the website

Online Databases
As many of you know, students have access to a variety of academic databases for a range of reading levels and research purposes including math, business, technology, science, and social studies. We have added the Teen CyberSmarts, Lincoln Library of Sports databases, and Easy Bib in the past few months. We are also piloting the Fact Cite database in which we have received a free subscription for one year. Please encourage your students to use these databases to find their information versus using Google for academic research! Not sure about what databases really are, visit the JMMS LMC Database page from the website for more information.

Social Media

The LMC is connected through Twitter, Pinterest, and Scoop.it with subjects ranging from Google Apps tools, iPad app resources, and instructional screencasts to book trailers and helpful posters. Like this blog, all of the social media resources are available through easy subscription processes. If you'd like to set up an account of your own on any of these services, they are a great way to keep in the loop about best practices in any discourse even if you're simply reading and not posting.

Online Reading
As you've seen in other posts, students are now able to use their mobile devices to download and listen to or read books purchased by the JMMS library. Both Catalist and Follett Digital Reader are in full swing, and you can sample audio books by scanning any of the Catalist QR Codes you see around the library. Below is an example.

QR Code Posters for Audiobook Sampling