We here at Catherine Jones Library of Garfield High School are able to take pride in a high quality of service. To do this, the library depends greatly on a usually unseen workforce known as the Library Practice Students. These students are committed and have responsibilities that range from the circulation desk, to helping students and teachers locate material, to performing a variety of projects assigned by the library staff. When the action dies down, they tackle their library assignments.
Being in the Library Practice class allows students to obtain beneficial work experience and school credit towards graduation. More importantly, the students also learn how to best utilize the library and its resources. This includes finding materials on their own, evaluating research sources, using information in critical thinking and to problem solve. All this allows a developing of skills that will make them life long learners.
A continuing valuable aspect of working at the library is that the students create friendships at the circulation desk or as they help to meet the needs of other students. We have had many groups that have maintained strong ties because of working closely.
These benefits, work experience, research skills and social development through teamwork and collaboration help to create a well-rounded person that Garfield High School strives to produce.