History Day Partnership with Minnesota Historical Society
Partnership to support the library research experience for middle and high school students participating in History Day across the seven-county metro region.
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Research is at the heart of National History Day: students will learn how to find good information and the importance of having reliable and accurate sources. These skills are important for young people as students and as informed citizens and life-long learners.
The Hullabaloos and research field trips helped students develop their historical research skills and support students with history resources they might not otherwise have access to, including feedback from History Day experts, reference materials from the library and online resources. The program also supports parents and teachers in supporting students.
Students reported finding a variety of history resources including relevant books (51%), online or print reference materials (50%), and special collections materials such as newspapers, media, microfilm or other archival materials (24%). Students also reported increased historical research skills. 98% said the events increased their ability to do research, 90% improved their understanding of a library catalog, and 91% improved their understanding of a research database.
99% of parents reported that attending MELSA Hullabaloos helped their students increase their ability and confidence to do research. 93% of parents reported that attending MELSA Hullabaloos helped their students increase their understanding of a library catalog and research database.
Teachers also reported that MELSA library programs improve students' ability to do research. 95% reported that students increased their ability to analyze and interpret sources and their understanding of a library catalog. 100% reported that their students increased their understanding of how to use a research database. 100% reported that the library trip allowed their students to find new resources and learn how libraries can be important places to do research. Finally, the program makes a concerted effort to support students who are struggling in the classroom; 72% of teachers reported that their lowest-performing students were more engaged in these library programs than in the classroom.