Library

Hispanic Heritage Month

The library is currently decked out in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15).  Check out our book display for your next read!

Reorganization project

We are in the process of reorganizing our library books and opening up the back corners.  Pardon our mess in the meantime!  The goal is to have all of the fiction, poetry, and graphic novels/manga on the right side and all non-fiction on the left.  We are also working on new signage for both sides and a complete reorganization of the non-fiction in more of a bookstore style. 

Breakout games 

Teachers can collaborate with librarians to plan a breakout game to fit their content area.  Think Escape Room, but where you have to open locks to get into a box. 

• Students should enter quietly and be respectful of other Library Media Center users.
• Food and drink are allowed (within reason). 
• Students should sign in at the Circulation Desk upon entering and sign out when leaving. 
• Each student must present a Library Media Center pass obtained from the teacher upon entering.
• Students may check out up to 5 books at a time for 3 weeks.
• Students who have no overdue books or fines may renew books as needed unless the book has been requested by another student.
• Students may place a book on hold if it is checked out by another.  Ask the staff at the Circulation desk or email Mrs. Holloway or Ms. Grouzis.
• We do not charge late fees, but if a book is more than 30 days overdue, the book is marked as lost and an obligation is entered into Skyward.  You will not have access to Skyward until the book is returned or paid for.

Most important!

Don't hesitate to ASK FOR HELP :-).  If you need anything, ASK!

Why should I do this? Library lunch is an opportunity to have lunch in a quiet space where you can read, catch up on homework, or talk quietly with friends.

Who can do this?  Any student is welcome, but space is limited. 

How do I do this?  Join the library lunch Google Classroom - use code wrsscj7. Then use the correct Google Form (found in Classwork tab) to sign up each day.  The forms open at 9 a.m. and we limit to the first 50 participants each lunch period. 

Do I need to bring my own food?  A microwave is provided, but you'll need to bring your lunch and utensils from home.  Students are not allowed to purchase food in the cafeteria and bring it to the library.

What else should I know?  If you choose to have lunch in the library, you need to report directly to the library at the start of your lunch period and stay the entire time.  

Google Accounts and Apps

Students and teachers all have access to a Google for eduation account.  This grants access to the valuable tools listed below. You can access any of these by logging into your Google account and clicking the "waffle" or "cube"on the top right of the login page.

Logging onto School Computers & Google

• Username
  • First 5 letters of last name
  • First 3 letters of the first name followed by 000 (if 000 doesn't work, try 001, up to 015)
  • Example = hollobro000
• Password
  • First 3 letter of last name + lunch code
  • First letter of password MUST be capitalized
  • Example = Joh12345
• Teachers can look up student logins under "student access login' in Skyward.  The student's lunch number is listed as "other name."
• Google email address is your username followed by @wilsonk12tn.us.

Google Classroom

Similar to Schoology, Google Classroom helps teachers create and collect assignments paperlessly. Students need a code (usually 6 or 7 characters with a mix of letters and numbers) to join a specific class.  Classroom codes are provided by the individual teacher. 

Google Drive

Google Drive is a file storage service created by Google. It allows users to store, uploads and share files in the cloud and access from any internet connected device.

Google Docs

Google Docs can be used instead of Microsoft Word. Create, add, or upload documents and files with a single button. Your files in Drive can be reached from any smartphone, tablet, or computer and all of your information saves automatically. You can quickly invite others to view, download, and collaborate on what you are working on. Most teachers require students to share Docs, so it is a good idea to be familiar with it!

Google Slides

Google Slides can be used instead of PowerPoint. With Google Slides, you can create, edit, collaborate, and present wherever you are. Google Slides has a variety of presentation themes, fonts, embedded video, animations, and more. 

Google Sheets

Google Sheets can be used instead of Microsoft Excel to create spreadsheets with automatic data calculations, and gives you the ability to sort, filter, and organize all of your information in one place. 

Sharing within Google Apps

One of the most powerful features of our district-wide usage of Google for Education accounts is the ability to share documents and collaborate in real-time.  To share your Google Slides, Docs, Sheets, simipy click the blule SHARE button in the upper right corner of the page.  From there you can share with another student or teacher by typing in their email address.  Then you can both work on the document together at the same time.    NOTE!  Google files that have been "turned in" using  Google Classroom cannot be shared unless you unsubmit the assignment or make a copy to share. 

Formatting tips for Google Docs

Finding and Using Library Resources

Search Library Catalog

Search Online for Articles, Newspapers, Journals, etc.

Evaluate Resources

Making sense of information you find online can be tricky.  Try the SIFT method (developed by Mike Caulfield)

For a full course on using the SIFT method to become more research savvy, check out this website.

To make life easier, use the resources through the Media Center.  Using physical books purchased by your librarians and information found within the TN Electronic library means that you're more likely to find credible sources for your research. You can also use  Google Scholar to find scholarly resources.  

Search Tips

• If your search doesn't come up with any results, try broadening your search terms or using different words that mean the same thing.
• To find an exact phrase, put quotation marks around it when searching.
• Use the Advanced search in Google, or choose the Advanced option when searching online databases in Option 2 above to really narrow your topic and find exactly what you want. You can also use filters after searching the Media Center and in the online databases.
• When scanning through a website or online database article, use FIND to quickly jump to a keyword. Just hit Control and F on your keyboard and type in a word of phrase you're looking for. You'll be able to quickly jump to wherever that word appears in the online document.

Citations

You have to give credit whenever you use someone else's ideas (whether or not you use their exact words). Here are some resources to help you cite it right:

• Purdue OWL- This is the ultimate source for all types of citations. Everything you ever wanted to know about citing your sources (both inside your paper and on your References or Works Cited page) is here. It also tells you how to format your paper depending on which style you're using (APA, MLA, Chicago Style, etc.).
• CitationMachine - You put in a URL and it will create APA, MLA, Chicago Style, and other types of citations for free. You may have to fill in some of the blanks if the machine can't find certain pieces of information on its own. This site does not provide formatting help and isn't as reliable as Purdue OWL.
• MLA Style Guide - A great reference for citations and formatting in MLA Style. The "Works Cited" and "Formatting a Research Paper" sections are most helpful. 
• Columbus State Community College Library's guide to MLA8 - Another great resource for MLA formatting.  Includes sample pages.

Citation tips:

• At the very beginning of the research process, start a running reference list. It makes life so much easier as you go. Open a Google Doc and copy and paste the URL (or the title and author of the book) and Citation of every source you find along with a quick 4 or 5 word description of what the article or book is about. Don't worry about making it pretty, just save all the info so you can come back to it later. Even if you don't use all the sources in your final paper, it will save so much time and effort.
• All of the resources you find using the credible options at the top of this page have built-in tools to help with Citations later on. Take advantage of them!
  • For Option 1 (resources in the Media Center), after you click on a title, click the blue Cite button.
  • For Option 2 (online databases and eBooks), after you choose an article, click Citation Tools on the right side of the screen.

Avoiding Plagiarism

Most students plagiarize because they aren't sure how and when to cite someone else's work.  When in doubt, CITE YOUR SOURCE!  

Types of plagiarism that students fall victim to (from turnitin.com)

There are several free plagiarism checkers online like Plagiarisma

Dr. Seuss Presentation on plagiarism

Formatting Tips

Formatting your paper correctly means setting your margins, centering certain items, double vs. single spacing, etc. It can even be as specific as what font and font size to use and whether or not to use all caps for certain words. Ask your teacher what the formatting expectations are for any given assignment. It can really make a difference.

• Use the formatting tools built in to your document. Don't try to space words manually to line them up.
• Google Docs provides templates for reports in both APA and MLA styles.  Simply open a new Google Doc, click on "File", then "New", then "From Template". 

• Textbooks are issued in August and due in December for Fall classes and issued in January and due in May for Spring classes. 
• If the students textbook is not returned by the due date, an obligation will be placed in Skyward and the student will not be able to access their account until the book is returned or paid for. 
• Classroom teachers decide if textbooks are checked out to individual students. 
• Students are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to write their name inside their textbooks as soon as they receive them.
• Students are advised not to leave textbooks in teachers' classrooms. If they choose to do so, they will still be held responsible if the book is lost, damaged, or stolen. 
• If the textbook needs to be paid for, please bring cash in exact change or write a check payable to MJHS and bring the payment to the library.
  • Currently, there is no way to pay for a textbook online.

These books can be pricey...please keep up with them.  If you suspect a textbook has been lost or stolen, report it to a librarian immediately. 

If you have concerns about the appropriateness of a library book, please feel free to contact the librarians at hollobro100@wcschools.com or grouzsel100@wcschools.com . 

If you wish to make a formal request to have materials removed from the library, please contact school administration.