MUSCATINE, Iowa — Janelle Grammens became a public school teacher librarian 18 years ago when students thumbed through card catalogues to find books and reference materials to research  school projects.

Today, she introduces students and teachers to technology that puts thousands of references at their fingertips and within a moment’s reach. She also teaches them how to create attention-grabbing audio visual, multi-media presentations.

But all the change hasn’t scared or overwhelmed Grammens.

As a matter of fact, she loves it.

To maximize the use of the library, Grammens, who became a librarian at Muscatine High School four years ago, attends the Area Education Agency’s Media Specialists’ Academy in Bettendorf.

She shares her new knowledge with students and fellow staff members.

“Librarians are in the forefront of knowing what’s out there in terms of technology,” said Grammens, 54. “And our teachers take classes to learn about different equipment and new software during in-service sessions.”

Almost like home

Standards set forth by the Muscatine Community School District’s Library Media Curriculum Committee, which Grammens is part of, calls for  libraries with welcoming atmospheres that are filled with tools to enhance learning.

A $40,126.28 grant from HNI Corp. Charitable Foundation supplemented the $31,500 the school district invested to transform the media center in late 2007. Volunteers also made the project possible and affordable.

Books and other materials were packed up and stacked in some of the library’s side rooms until the carpet was laid and walls were painted.

When that work was done, Grammens said the MHS football team happened to be practicing and agreed to haul all the materials back to the main floor.

The renovated center has a lounge-type reading area filled with soft chairs and couches and the newest editions of national magazines. 

Some of the magazine subscriptions come in the form of donations from area businesses and industries, such as Hamilton Technical College and Central State Bank.

MHS junior George Rangel said the casual reading area entices him to spend more time in the library.

“I used to come in and check out a book and leave,” he said. “Now I can relax and sit on the soft couch and read a magazine.”

Kyle Curtis, a junior, said the living room-type furnishings are a big improvement over the wooden, straight-back study chairs that had been in the library since the school opened in 1975.

“We can relax,” he said.

Grammens said the increase in library traffic is noticeable.

“It’s so nice to see students sitting down and reading,” she said.

Anything you want

Internet research sites provide school libraries with a multitude of information that, Grammens said, was often unaffordable in book form.

Many librarians still face that problem today because many of the most credible research sites are only available through paid subscriptions. 

In Iowa, Grammens said the Area Education Agency pays for public school students to use subscription-only research sites that make navigating the Web smoother and more productive.

Grammens said the Agency contracts with subscription Web sites to get a good price at a bulk rate and then provides those sites to Iowa schools free of charge. The Agency provides MHS students with seven sites that Grammens said provide good, reliable information.

EBSCO Host, designed especially for students in grades K-12, zones in on popular magazines along with biographies, primary source documents and newspapers.

Students can also log onto Discovery Streaming, which features digital video from Discovery Education. This site provides a current K-12 digital video/video clip library.

Other sites provided by the Area Education Agency include World Book Online, Atomic Learning (an electronic help desk and training system for software programs), and clip art.com

The Muscatine Community School District provides two more Web sites: Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center, and Issues and Controversies in American History.

Opposing Viewpoints is an online library of current event topics along with pro and con arguments. It includes Thomson Gale’s Information Plus series, which features statistics and government data.

Issues and Controversies features a realm of background information on major topics in American history.

Students can also seek online assistance in planning for college costs using Choices Planner, which is provided by the State of Iowa.

Because these sites are subscription-based, users need a log-in and password number to gain access. That information is provided in the library on hand outs that describe all the different subscription sites made available to MHS students.

Grammens strives to make students aware that not all Web sites contain credible or useful information. She said introducing the high quality research sites provides her with solid, contrasting examples of useful research tools.

“It’s like having their own paid research assistant,” said Grammens.

Smartboard jungle

Fast research is just the tip of the technological iceberg when it comes to skills MHS students are learning.

Once they have the information they need, students and teachers can put it all together in colorful, interactive PowerPoint presentations with still graphics or video productions.

Grammens said Netcasting, a video presentation that can be downloaded onto computers and Web sites, has captured the attention and imagination of many students.

Video productions and interactive lessons can be viewed by  entire classrooms using a multimedia projector and large screen that were purchased with the HNI Corp. Charitable Foundation  grant.

One of the library’s newest technological acquisitions is a large Smartboard, which provides multiple interactive features.

Images and lessons can be displayed on the board via a computer, and special pens are used to add details, make references or record answers. The entire image can be copied and saved for future reference.

“The optimum goal is to have these optical projects and Smart boards being used in more classrooms,” said Grammens.

Grammens said teachers who have access to the Smartboards will become more comfortable with their many features and be more likely to use them to their full advantage.

“I think kids would pay more attention to this,” said MHS senior Johnnie Jindrich as Grammens demonstrated the use of the Smartboard in the library Thursday.

“Today, students are more visual and hands-on and these boards could help enhance student achievement,” said Grammens. “Everything we do is geared toward that.”

The library’s audio-visual room stores video and digital cameras and an in-house cable system which broadcasts to all the rooms in the school.

Grammens said the Area Education Agency works with a co-op to purchase technical equipment for schools at more affordable prices. That advantage is passed on to Iowa schools, Grammens said, and assists in keeping the library’s technology up to date.

A place to study

Grammens said the HNI Corp. donated study tables, soft, fabric chairs and study cubicles to create a comfortable study area for students.

Computers are placed throughout the library area for students to use as study and research tools.

“I come here a lot when I have big assignments,” said MHS senior Allie Fuhlman as she worked at a library computer Thursday afternoon. “The research sites give you a lot of examples to use in your work.”

Kyle Prevenas, a junior, used the Internet to look up guitars and music during his free period. Prevenas, who plays guitar, said he could go home during his free period, but he enjoys researching his hobby and getting quick results.

“You can find out whatever you want on the computer,” said senior Victoria Rada as she worked on her homework in the library. “We can do more when we have more choices.”

Reporter contact information:

Cynthia Beaudette 563-262-0527

cynthia.beaudette@muscatinejournal.com