Feature Photo: Marian Library Media

Gathering information via the internet simplifies the process of researching and writing papers for 21^st century students. Gone are the old-school methods of hunting down books and periodicals to use as sources for papers. But how do students navigate through all of the information that floats through cyber space? How do they know if what they are reading is true and from a trusted source?

Stefanie Hughes, Library Media Specialist, lends her valuable research expertise to students in the school’s Library Media Center. She provides her students with a current list of vetted websites for their research needs. She also teaches them how to evaluate a website on their own, so that when they go on to college they can rely on advanced research skills to help them succeed.

Marian’s Library Media Center is designed to support the academic needs of teachers and students in every aspect of learning. Resources are tied directly into the curriculum so that students can access the right information for their area of study.

The focus on 21^st century education encourages group learning, the implementation of web based tools and the use of a variety of information formats for problem solving in their coursework. Once equipped with the information they need, students work with an online writing lab to make their research come alive and reflect their voices. Hughes also teaches students how to keep track of all of their sources for easier referencing when they need to site their work.

Marian’s Library Media Center provides students the opportunity to learn in a diverse, global environment.  During their four years at Marian, students develop critical research skills that prepare them, not only for college, but for life.

This story was provided by Patch reader Holly Everly Mustion, who works in media relations at Marian High School. Have a great photo or two you'd like to share with the community in a quick and easy way? Post it on Bloomfield Patch's new "Neighborhood Gallery" by clicking on the button on the homepage. The gallery will be prominently featured on all article pages, so all of Patch will see your news! You can also always send them to Art.Aisner@Patch.com, with a few details.