Cox Library Reimagined

,

Typically a busy hub for study and research, Cox Library needed a plan to serve the community through this year’s remote and hybrid learning phases. Milton’s librarians went to work finding creative ways to operate.

When Milton first went remote last spring, it “coincided with the start of the history department’s ‘research season,’” says Laura Pearle, the library’s director. “We created a portal that included a chat box so that students looking for library assistance could talk with a librarian from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Students from all over the United States, China, and Europe contacted us for help with citations, using the databases, and general help on various topics.”

Over the summer, the librarians (Pearle, Beth Reardon, Joanna Novick, and Mitchell Edwards) participated in professional development; attended numerous webinars about books, providing remote services, and tech tools for remote learning; and participated in online discussions with their peers nationwide on providing service with a closed facility. They started a library newsletter to promote new resources and remind people of existing ones.

The librarians also added SORA, an ebook service, and curbside pickup for the print collection. Students can reserve books online and pick them up from a table in front of the library. For Middle School students, books are delivered to homerooms.

Dare to Lead

Uncertain times demand great leaders—and great leadership demands courage, intellect, and unshakable sense of ethics. Milton centers these ideals in its classrooms and community at large. Alumni at the tops of their fields cite their Milton experiences as foundational in preparing them to lead. On campus, students begin leading as soon as they begin learning, readying themselves for the world they will inherit with the confidence needed to effect positive and lasting change.