Library resources are expensive and it is the library media specialist's responsibility to ensure that use of the library's resources is maximized to support the School Strategic Plan (SSP). This library usage study examined data on the scheduling of high school classes for research-based assignments, related to content area curriculum standards, as well as the level of thinking skills applied by students engaged in the activities. Study results indicated a relative increase in library usage resulted from the introduction of a collaborative library portfolio. Yet, there was no statistically significant difference in data compared from fall 2009 to fall 2010. Teachers surveyed consistently reported that students applied higher-order critical thinking skills while working on research-based assignments, which supported the SSP. (Contains 2 tables and 3 figures.)