"Make an impact" is our tagline for the Pine Grove Middle School Library in the East Syracuse Minoa School District. We pride ourselves on facilitating connections between our customers and the information they need to be successful. Our services range from basic (access to printers, connecting students to a book they request, or providing a place to word process their assignments) to issues that require a more intense collaboration.

 
One of the cornerstones of our program that increases engagement AND helps us tackle a myriad of tasks is our iStaff program. This is a student workforce (all volunteers!) who follow a "real life" application process to become part of the team. The focus of this team is to develop a group of student stakeholders who develop their ability to be self-directed and support teaching and learning in the library and throughout the entire school. We have had approximately 75 applicants since applications went "live" on September 17. Qualified applicants are being hired in waves so that iStaff members can provide "turnkey training" for new hires. The iStaff team provides support for teachers with technology and instruction in and out of the library, they manage delivery and set up of mobile equipment, coordinate advertising via virtual and print campaigns, manage serial books and a graphic novel collection, contribute to ordering of books, and serve as the public relations team for the library and our programs. More information can be found at PG Library iStaff

 
We are always looking for meaningful ways to connect to our stakeholders. The library is one of the many groups at ESM that uses Textmarks to get information out via a text to a list of subscribers. We promote arrival of new books, special events, and club announcements and shout outs to students for unique accomplishments connected to the library program. If you would like to subscribe to our list, text pglibrary to the number 41411

 
Inquiry learning will continue to be a key component to the instruction that happens through collaboration with the library. This year we are beginning to use Easy Bib to continue our emphasis on the process of reading for information and understanding while paying close attention to the quality and credibility of the sources we choose. This web-based tool provides students with the opportunity to manage their own learning. We have added our subscription databases to the EASY BIB page so students and teachers have 24/7 access to this resources. We are recently making the transition to EASY BIB and integrating this tool at scaffolded levels from grades 6-8.

TRAILS is an assessment tool we are using to help shape our understanding of what students know and are able to do in the area of information literacy. Through pre and post tests, we can continue to modify instruction to increase student learning.