The Library Is for Learning

Abstract

ACCORDING to the school librarians, one critical need of our junior high school students is more direction and practice in developing research skills. Conversation with the librarian and principal at Lefler Junior High led to planning an experimental library research project for the two or three top students in each of my five ninth grade World Studies classes. The project was to supplement a six week unit on Sub-Saharan Africa specified by the school curriculum. Although such a research project would deal with only one aspect of providing for the needs of academically able students, it would, nevertheless, expand considerably their regular classroom experience and give greater opportunity for skill development and depth study. Arrangements were made with the principal to release the designated students from the regular class one day a week during the six week unit so that they might report, instead, to the librarian. By arranging lesson plans accordingly, no new or vital areas were covered on the day the special stu-