Librarian Amy Brokaw accepted the AISLE Library Award on October 6th at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. U-High found itself as the only Central Illinois school amidst New Trier, Oak Forest, and Oak Lawn-Hometown. In order to qualify for the award, school librarians must apply with a supporting narrative and evidence from the school that demonstrates the standards outlined in Linking for Learning, which focus on how the library contributes to student learning, much of which can be attributed to teachers.
“[The award] is highlighting the collaborative nature of how all the teachers at U-High are so excellent, and because they are excellent, what we are doing here is excellent,” Brokaw said. “It highlights that it’s very much a team award for the school because everyone is working together.”
The award could not have been won without the involvement of the school’s students and faculty associates, which Brokaw recognized as exemplary. Teachers use the library as a space for teaching and learning, and the library’s flexible schedule is responsive to the needs of the learning community. Additionally, administration protects the flexible library schedule that meets the instructional needs of everyone.
When asked what motivates Brokaw’s dedication to working with teachers and administrators in making the library what it is today, she was quick to direct the attention to the students themselves. “The students. They’re all the best, and it’s so much fun to provide different opportunities or host the classes here to see what everyone is learning,” she shared.
In turn, students also recognize Brokaw’s impact in and through the library. Sophomore Grant Vaughan shared how the library was where he consistently hangs out for multiple purposes, including talking with Ms. Brokaw. He made it known that he feels comfortable in the library, and Ms. Brokaw encourages people to come out for Scholastic Bowl, do their best, and encourages everyone to participate.
After talking about how the library space is openly used and beneficial to the students, Brokaw celebrated how the administration works on policies and procedures for the school library and respects and supports intellectual freedom and ethical use of information throughout the district/school.
The third major component that stood out on the application is that our library reflects an engaged and welcoming learning community, thanks to recent updates. U-High Boosters, Principal Andrea Markert, Finance Manager Stacey Welter, and many others provided support to update the library’s physical space and online presence. The U-High Foundation provided funds to update the tables and chairs, engaging book displays were added to enhance the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, and website updates made the library webpage more accessible and streamlined.
Brokaw hopes that the library remains a collaborative place for conversations. “Students can come and they can have lunch, they can also come with their classes for research projects, or to check out books for the classes, and also making it a space that we can host different events, like yesterday we had the college panel with the counseling office, and just being a place for all sorts of conversations,” she shared.
The application process took several months and was truly a team effort. “The evidence was collected last school year and compiled in Google Drive. Mrs. Market reviewed the administration portion. Ms. Durham evaluated the evidence, provided feedback, and submitted additional evidence,” Brokaw said. “Many pieces of evidence were the result of collaborative efforts between lab school librarians, U-High faculty associates, School of Teaching and Learning faculty, Milner Library librarians, and ISU College of Education administration.” Highlights of the application include library space usage, encouragement to read, and the overall learning environment.
Despite the library’s recognition and success, Brokaw continues to look for ways to improve the space. “One of the things is that I would like to have more student feedback. More of their reflection about what we’re doing, so we can plan what that looks like in the future as well.”
