MHS library moving forward with technology

Maricopa High School students now have the luxury of using state-of-the-art technology in their recently renovated library on the high school campus.

Twelve wireless computer stations are located around the library on pillars that reach to the ceiling. Students can browse the library’s extensive book catalogue, access the Internet to research papers, browse e-books and even print their work.

Above the computer stations on three different pillars and one wall are brand new 32-inch LG monitors. “They will be able to play what’s going on, clips of their soccer games, announcements, what’s happening today, author interviews,” said Maricopa High School’s librarian Robin Shoup.

Shoup pointed out the different media rooms in the 10,000-square foot library, “There is a computer lab with 32 stations, and a projector, which the teacher controls. In addition, there is a small conference, resource room where hopefully we can get stuff for parents and teachers. Students can reserve the conference room for group work. Last year they did things like practice performances or work out what they were going to do on their presentations.”

“This building is the old administration building; it was totally gutted. It used to be the administration office, the old library, two classrooms, art and science, and the district conference room. It looks like a new building, both on the inside and the outside, but it’s not. Only the walls and roof stayed,” Shoup explained.

Shoup said there has been a big improvement in the number of books housed in the library since last year, “We are around 1,600 students now, and the state standard is to have ten books per student. Last year we were at 2.3 books per student; as of right now we are pretty close to 9 books per student.

As the library is a work in progress, it’s open to students and faculty on all schools days except for Wednesday. Shoup said that there have been some classes taught in the library, and teachers make arrangements ahead of time to have students in the library, as the technology is not completely functional.

“When we get everything going, we will have at least 32 computers in the lab. Ten laptops will be available to check out to students, which will only be available in the library; they will not be allowed to take them home, and twelve work stations are available to teachers and students.”

“I’m the only person here, so there’s administrative work I have to do. There’s paperwork, along with ordering, policies, over dues, book processing. I have some volunteers that are helping, a couple of adults that come in and some student aides that are really, really good. But we could use more. Even if someone knows how to play chess and wants to come play at lunchtime with the kids,” Shoup said.

For information on volunteering, contact Robin Shoup at 520-568-8100, ext. 4147

Photos by Brandi Stange