Judith Barber
Media and InstructionalTechnology Specialist
706-265-6555
Ext. 1420
Welcome to the DCHS Library Learning Commons!
Click here to visit the DCHS Virtual Library learning Space
Hello! I’m Judith Barber, and I am excited to begin my first year as Media Specialist at Dawson County High School. I earned my bachelor’s degree in English Education from Kennesaw State University and my master’s degree in Instructional Technology, Media, and Design from the University of West Georgia. For the past 30 years, I have taught in a variety of settings including preschool, elementary, ESOL, and high school. Most recently, I spent ten years teaching English Language Arts at Pickens High School.
My family and I have lived in the Jasper area for 16 years. I was blessed with 34 wonderful years with my husband, Garry, until his passing in 2020. Together we raised five incredible children, and I have welcomed three equally amazing “children-in-law,” and three grandchildren. Family time is my favorite, but I also enjoy reading, design, hiking, gardening, and games of all kinds.
Travel is another passion of mine. I lived in Eastern Europe for six years, exploring much of Central and Western Europe during that time. I have also visited several islands in the Caribbean, including the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. With one of my sons and his family moving to Asia this fall, I hope to expand my travels there soon.
Now, I look forward to beginning this new chapter at Dawson County High School and to building a media center that inspires curiosity, supports learning, and serves as a place where students and staff feel welcome and encouraged.
Mission/Vision Statement
My mission is to create a welcoming and innovative media center that inspires curiosity, supports learning, and provides resources for both students and staff. I aim to foster a love of reading, encourage digital literacy, and help every student grow as a learner. My vision is for the media center to be the heart of Dawson County High School, where students feel supported, creativity is encouraged, and collaboration leads to success in school and beyond.
Educational Goals of the DCHS Learning Commons
Inspire a lifelong love of reading by offering diverse and engaging materials for all learners.
Teach students how to find, evaluate, and use information responsibly while practicing safe, ethical digital citizenship.
Provide resources, instruction, and services that strengthen classroom learning and student achievement.
Offer spaces and tools that allow students to work together, share ideas, and create using a variety of media.
Guarantee that every student and teacher has access to the print, digital, and technological resources they need.
Empower students to explore their interests, ask questions, and take ownership of their learning journey.
Media Center Policies
Students are welcome in the Learning Commons during the school day. Small groups and individuals are required to sign up to enter through our digital SMARTPASS app. Dual enrollment and/or students with virtual classes must sign-in on the iPad at the door as they enter.
I am available to help with locating resources for research or pleasure reading.
Books may be checked out for 2 weeks at a time and renewed if needed. Students are responsible for taking care of the books checked out from the media center. If materials are lost or damaged, the student is responsible for the current replacement cost. In addition to books and reading materials, students can check out iPad chargers and calculators as needed.
Teachers/staff can reserve time in the media center using the Learning Commons Reservation Calendars in the Virtual Library. Reservations are in 15 minute increments. Feel free to reserve more than one slot depending on time needs.
The Dawson County High School Learning Commons serves as a learning and technology hub for our school. Our collection contains over 5,000 print volumes and over 600 digital and audio books. The Learning Commons includes comfortable seating, a cafe table area with device charging stations, and plenty of room for collaboration. We also hostthe DCHS coffee house "Common Grounds" each morning from 7:15-7:35.
I look forward to seeing you soon!
Student/Teacher login to AJC FREE e-edition (get username/password from any teacher)