Librarians
Mrs. Budzynski and Ms. Widel have been part of the University Schools’ teaching faculty since 2001 and are certified teacher librarians in the state of Colorado. Both librarians serve on leadership teams at all three school levels and work closely with administrators and teachers. Mrs. Budzynski and Ms. Widel have graduate level degrees in library and information science, have extensive training in the field of school libraries and regularly attend conferences, trainings and workshops to further expand their teaching and library knowledge of best practices.
Both the University Schools’ libraries have been awarded the Highly Effective School Library Status by the Colorado Department of Education on two occasions and work with the Colorado School LIbrary Leaders (COSLL) initiative through the Colorado Department of Education.
Mrs. Budzynski and Ms. Widel have been part of the University Schools’ teaching faculty since 2001 and are certified teacher librarians in the state of Colorado. Both librarians serve on leadership teams at all three school levels and work closely with administrators and teachers. Mrs. Budzynski and Ms. Widel have graduate level degrees in library and information science, have extensive training in the field of school libraries and regularly attend conferences, trainings and workshops to further expand their teaching and library knowledge of best practices.
K-12 Library Program & Collection
The University Schools’ Libraries plan a comprehensive K-12 library program to meet the needs of all students at an age appropriate level. Lessons are prepared for K-12 students that meet their age level needs and expectations. We provide enrichment opportunities that include Battle of the Books, Makerspaces, Book Clubs and Book Fairs.
The University Schools’ Libraries collections are curated specifically for each level (elementary, middle and high school). When ordering materials for the libraries, Mrs. Budzynski and Mrs. Haas confer with teachers, administrators and students and then consult professional tools such as School Library Journal, the Horn Book, Booklist and others and evaluate professional reviews that indicate recommended age levels for reading level and content level. The libraries have a collection development policy we utilize to ensure we are ordering books that are appropriate for each level of students at elementary, middle and high school.
Access
Beginning in second grade, students are instructed in the use of the Destiny Discover program. Through Destiny Discover, all students may browse collections, check their library accounts and place books on hold.
Books with the call number UHS can only be checked out by UHS students. Elementary students may not borrow materials from the high school library and they learn this during instruction. As an elementary school, we recognize that having a high school library combined with elementary is unique and we have created a space that is just for our high school students.
