Rohini Gupta Instructor & Research Specialist Miller Branch, HCLS Program : The Researcher's Apprentice : A Research-Based Game

for Grades 8-9

This is a team based quiz contest where the contestants would have to answer research questions before they are buzzed. Each team would have two participants and they would have access to a library computer and the internet for their search. This event would be fast-paced, humorous, quirky and exciting. It would not be academic. A question that could be asked,for example, would be The second wife of King Henry VIII is said to haunt the grounds where she was executed. What does she supposedly have tucked under her arm? The team with most points would win an Award and a Prize. Additional awards would be given in the following categories: Most Whacky answer, Most Humorous answer, and Most Scientific answer.. Need for the program : Research assistance has been moving more from static printed resources to evolving online databases and websites. With this program we would promote our databases as well as demonstrate our skills in this domain. Most importantly, we would be reaching out to that elusive demographic entity the rising high schoolers. The students are challenged to expand their internet search skills in a fast-paced and fun way. It will create a channel of communication and interaction with a segment of customers who have high research needs yet seem to have out-grown us. Our Library System Mission : Our key mission is to enhance education, specially in the STEM area. This program would complement the goals of the new HiTech Initiative of HCLS which incorporates instruction while hanging out. Potential Community Partners : We would partner with media specialists and science, history, literature and social studies teachers from the high schools. Friends of the Library and other community businesses for prize

donations. Steps Necessary for Setting up the Event : After discussion and Supervisor approval, the event would be advertised on the Source magazine. As this is a first time event and requires extensive research, I would start preparing for this event 4-6 months in advance. Advertising for the event would be through Facebook,the library website, Posters in schools and information distributed through the library system. I would use social media since the customers in this demographic profile are high users of social media. It would also synchronize with the excitement and coolness factor that we are trying to create around the event. Evaluation : The class would be evaluated based on attendance, customer feedback surveys and on how well it met our own system objectives.
Press Release For Immediate Release Press contact: Andrea Misner (410.313.7781) Kelli Shimabukuro (410.313.7763)

HOWARD COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM The Researcher's Apprentice : A Research-Based Game for Grades 8-10

This is a team based quiz contest where the contestants have to answer research questions in a given time . It is for eight and ninth grade students. Each team will have two participants and they would have access to a library computer and the internet for their search. The questions would be about everyday science, literature, and history. This event would be fast-paced, humorous, quirky and exciting. It would not be academic. The students are challenged to expand their internet search skills in a fast-paced and fun way. The team with most points will win an Award and Certificate. Additional awards will be given in the following categories: Most Whacky answer, Most Humorous answer, and Most Scientific answer.. Date : October, 2013 Venue : Tech Lab, Miller Branch, HCLS Time : 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. For further information please contact : Rohini Gupta, Instructor & Research Specialist, Tel: 410-313-1997 Email : rohini.gupta@hclibrary.org