Irvine H. Schmitt Library, the library of GMHS, is always full of students, especially during Mustang Block. Students sit and do homework, charge their laptops, finish work, and more. However, not so many people know about the great resources available at the library.
“I go to the library often to do my homework and check out books. I know about the resources, but I don’t use them often,” said sophomore Harshini Ravi. “I don’t know that many people who use the resources, but I think they would use it if it was publicized more.”
There are numerous resources that students can use, either from the library or from the GHMS library website.
(1) Library website
Under the Academics tab on GMHS website, there is a Library tab: a source many students don’t know about. The Library tab provides easy access to resources such as online encyclopedias, online databases, and the library catalogs of the GMHS library, as well as four other libraries, one being the Mary Riley Styles Public Library.
(2) Sessions with the librarian
On the left side of the library website, there is a yellow sticky note with information concerning the staff and library hours. On the note, there is also a link to a website where students can schedule appointments with Mrs. Kesha Legagneur, the GMHS librarian, to work on and get help with research and extended essay. Four sessions are available: two options for research papers and two for extended essays.
(3) Databases
Furthermore, the website provides a link to all available databases, under the “Library Resources” section. Students have access to numerous online databases, which can be used for conducting research. While some databases require a password when accessed from outside of the school, students can ask the librarian for the password to access the databases.
(4) Playaways
Playaways, small all-in-one audio books, are available at the library through Legagneur and library assistant, Mrs. Lynette Kemp. The playaways are efficiently portable, and small enough to put in one’s pocket, or stash in a backpack.
(5) E-audiobooks and ebooks
On the library catalog website, students can log on using their student account username and password. Students have access to many e-books and e-audiobooks; when searched, ebooks have a green “E” symbols under the title.
“We’re open 24/7 and we are happy to help anyone find the next fun book, or with research papers. Also, the e-books are available to anyone,” said Legagneur.
