Information Center

Amherst High School has a state-of-the-art Information Center. Formerly referred to in schools as a Library/Media Center, this facility contains state of the art electronic information (housed in the Information Center’s Computer Center) to support traditional Library/Media assets. Library skills reinforcement and development are an integral part of every student’s program of studies at Amherst. The Library Media Specialist and classroom teachers plan closely together to design and support inter-disciplinary projects and research assignments. Presentations made in the classroom by teachers are enhanced by presentations in the Information Center by the Library Media Specialist. The final assessment of library skills is integrated into the curriculum in the form of classroom papers, projects, research and multimedia presentations. The Information Center, along with its Computer Center, is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily, and assistance is available to students at all times.

INFORMATION CENTER PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Grade 9 students will be able to:

1. Utilize the electronic catalog (OPAC) to search for library materials.

2. Use various reference tools for appropriate research purposes (i.e. printed books, electronic databases and audio-visual materials).

3. Use indexes to facilitate and problem-solve research projects.

4. Use correct bibliographic forms (i.e. endnotes – for documentation of materials researched).

5. Use all materials, print and non-print, modes of communication (i.e. manual, mechanical and electronic) in the library.


Grade 10 students will be able to:

1. Locate information from library facilities similar to the vertical file, either in hard copy or electronic format i.e. Proquest, EBSCO, Infotrac and electronic books (E-Books).

2. Locate and use appropriate reference tools (i.e. New York Times Historical Newspaper database, Proquest, Infotrac, Grzimek's Animal Life, etc.)

3. Locate and use appropriate information acquired from the library reserve collection.

4. Use correct bibliographic forms (i.e. endnotes, reference cards or NoodleTools database) for preparation and documentation of information.

Grade 11 & 12 students will be able to:

1. Distinguish and differentiate various reference tools.

2. Select the appropriate modes and means from a multitude of reference sources.

3. Use efficiently and effectively all types of media (i.e. print, non-print, manual, mechanical and electronic) for research.

4. Use correct bibliographic forms (i.e. endnotes, reference list, footnotes and NoodleTools database) for preparation and documentation from print and non-print materials, including electronic databases.

5. Use local library catalogs, including public and college, to locate more extensive information on a research topic.