Our Staff
Melissa Corey, Library Media Specialist
Mrs. Corey began her career as an LMS at Benton Library Media Center in August 2009. She earned her Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Missouri in May 2009 and will complete an Educational Specialist’s degree in Educational Technology in December 2010. Before coming to Benton High School, she worked at both public and academic libraries, including Ellis Library on the University of Missouri campus and Columbia Public Library in Columbia, Missouri. She has a Bachelor’s degree in History with Teacher Certification from Missouri Western State University and is certified in social studies, communication arts, and library media studies in the state of Missouri. She has been featured in School Library Journal’s Extra Helping and is a member of the American Library Association’s Emerging Leaders Class of 2011. Professionally she is a member of ALA, AASL, and MASL. Mrs. Corey has been featured in local media for a variety of reasons, including fact-checking on Wikipedia and professional awards:
Teacher Who Makes a Difference: Melissa Corey
Benton’s Librarian Earns Top Honor
When Wikipedia’s Wrong
St. Joseph High School’s Library Honored With Statewide Award
Jennifer Halter, Library Manager
Mrs. Halter spent 7 years as Elementary Librarian at Hall Elementary in St. Joseph, Missouri. She soon moved to a position of Co-Coordinator of Elementary Libraries for the St. Joseph School District for one year. She soon became full-time Coordinator and continued in the position for 4 more years. Mrs. Halter was instrumental in assisting in the remodeling of Benton Library Media Center that occurred during the 2008-2009 school year. The process involved weeding books that were no longer circulating or were out of date, resulting in a smaller, more vibrant collection to suit the new, modern space. Mrs. Halter returned to the library in 2009 to take over the new position of Library Manager. Her duties include the day-to-day operations of the library, including book ordering/processing, planning, and management.
From left to right: Tristan Callaway, Library Aide; Melissa Corey, Library Media Specialist; Jennifer Halter, Library Manager.