LibrarySpeer Library The Speer Library, shared by Middle and Upper schools, supports and enhances the curriculum with a complete range of resources. Two full-time librarians collaborate with classroom teachers to develop projects and exercises that engage students while strengthening skills and knowledge. The Speer Library is a center for programs that prepare students for college-level research. Instruction in doing research and citing information starts in 6th grade and builds progressively as students advance. The library’s programs and resources prepare for students to be lifetime learners. Middle School students use the library as part of class assignments and projects, as well as for independent reading. Library Hours Monday -- Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
In addition to class sessions in the library accompanied by a teacher, Middle School students may visit the library before and after school, or during lunch or recess. Students may also visit at other times with a faculty member’s written approval. Resources
Librarians continually expand and refresh the resources, which include: non-fiction works related to classroom curricula literature scholarly and popular periodicals reference works general interest works for student and staff enjoyment Online databases
Online Resources
Shipley students have access to a wide range of resources available through the library’s computers or through Internet access at home.
The Speer Library’s catalog, available through Shipley’s intranet.
Databases provided through Shipley
Selected subject-specific annotated websites
AccessPA’s POWERLibrary databases Research
The Speer Library’s librarians work together with teachers to develop research assignments that increase skills and knowledge. Students are taught to be discerning about the resources they use, including print and non-printfrom books to online resources. As part of the research process students: - Form questions
- Identify appropriate resources
- Search print and online materials
- Evaluate the relevance and validity of information
- Use proper documentation
Librarians
The Speer Library has two experienced full-time librarians who work closely with the faculty to coordinate and provide materials relevant to the curriculum and research projects.
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