Support for K-12 Teaching

The Spencer Research Library welcomes secondary school students and teachers and offers the following services especially for them:

Class Visits: Staff are available to meet with secondary schools classes to tour the Library, offer instruction in how to use the Library, and discuss library resources relevant to an area the class is studying. These sessions typically include an opportunity for students to view, and, whenever possible, also to touch, sources relevant to the students' interests. Staff also will provide information about related collections and services offered at other libraries at KU. Advance notice is required (at least two weeks) to plan for and schedule such visits. Call 785/864-4334.

Visits to the Classroom: Spencer Library staff have numerous specialties and often are able to make arrangements to visit classes to give a presentation on a particular topic. For example, Kansas Collection staff are available to speak on the African American experience in Kansas and Kansas history generally. Staff in the Department of Special Collections have expertise in such areas as the history of the book.

One-on-One Assistance: Staff are available to meet individually with teachers to help them plan use of Library resources to teach a class, or with students in beginning their research. Making an appointment in advance (785/864-4334) will insure that the student or teacher will meet with the appropriate staff member. No appointment is necessary to use the collections.

However, because portions of the collections are housed off site, it will require at least one working day—not including Saturday, Sunday or holidays—for such items to be retrieved.

Teacher Workshops: The Library invites visits by teacher workshops and in-service training sessions, especially for groups working in disciplinary areas for which the Library's collections and services can add special value. Contact the Library well in advance of need at 785/864-4334.

Territorial Kansas Online (www.territorialkansasonline.org): The Kansas Collection, located in Spencer Research Library, and the Kansas State Historical Society have launched an interactive website containing a selection of the best primary sources from the period of the Kansas Territory (1854-1861). This site includes manuscripts, maps, newspapers, photographs, and museum objects. It is geared primarily for use by secondary school students and teachers and includes sample lesson plans.