History Day Hullabaloo
On November 27, 2018, thirty students working on National History Day projects came to a research Hullabaloo at Rochester Public Library. Hullabaloos are opportunities for students to visit public and academic libraries to receive help on their National History Day projects. Students that attend hullabaloos can work with librarians to locate relevant resources, receive one-on-one feedback from MNHS staffers or mentors about their projects (called Power Conferences ), and attend specialized talks about various aspects of History Day projects.
The Rochester Public Library Hullabaloo was structured with this pedagogy in mind. Students conducted online and print research with the assistance of specialized reference librarians. One of the goals of this experience was for students to find relevant resources for their project and, ideally, to take something away from the library for them to use at home or in the classroom (whether checking out a book, scanning a newspaper article, or obtaining a digital copy of a scholarly journal). Students also had the opportunity to attend Power Conferences or talks given by MNHS staffers.
37 participated
Provide library and research support for National History Day participants in grades 6-12 as well as the documentation, evaluation, and reporting of History Day library research. The goal is for students to 1) have a positive experience 2) use a variety of resources 3) have increased confidence in research. For libraries to see increased use.
37 middle school and high school students from ten schools participated in the Rochester Public Library Hullabaloo. Of these students, 31 completed a survey about their experience at the event.
Students were satisfied with their visit to the Rochester Public Library Hullabaloo.
84% of students rated their experience was excellent or very good.
93% of students participated in a Power Conference and found them helpful
Students utilized a variety of resources at the Rochester Public Library Hullabaloo.
87% of students found relevant books.
71% of students found resources online
81% of students utilized a library specific resource, such as subscription databases, reference materials, archival materials and microfilm.
Students increased confidence in their research skills as a result of attending the Rochester Public Library Hullabaloo.
96% of students increased their confidence in doing historical research.
86% of students enhanced their understanding of a research database.
70% of students increased their knowledge of how to use a library catalog.
History Day projects benefit local libraries.
66% of students use libraries more for History Day than other projects.
61% of students would recommend that others participate in a Hullabaloo.
Minnesota Historical Society , Rochester Public Library , SELCO