Library and Resources
Introduction
The Resource Centre comprises the Library and the Computer Room and is located on the "Science Corridor".
Staff
Library Stock
Library Opening Hours
Library Catalogue
Borrowing Books
Effective Use of the Library
Computers
Photocopying
Library Rules
Staff
The school employs a full-time Librarian (currently filled on a job sharing basis).
Library Stock
The Library stock includes approximately 5000 books, as well as
journals, newspapers, CD-ROMs, audio cassettes, video cassettes and
DVDs.
The Librarian regularly selects and acquires new material (in consultation with the teaching staff) in response to the changing needs of the curriculum.
The Library boasts a comprehensive and varied fiction section, including both teenage and suitable adult fiction. Fiction reading is strongly encouraged by both the Librarian and the English teachers. Other areas outside the formal curriculum, including hobbies, extra-curricular activities and aspects of personal and social development are also catered for.
The Internet can be accessed on the six library computers, as well as on the twenty-four computers in the adjoining computer room.
Library Opening Hours
Monday to Friday:
Open 8.30 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. (including students' morning and lunch break periods)
- Closed for lunch 1.30 - 2.30 each day
Open 2.30 - 4.30 p.m.
Individual students occasionally visit the Library during class-time with their teacher's permission. Teachers sometimes arrange with the Librarian to bring their class into the Library.
Library Catalogue
The Library Catalogue can be accessed on the library computers. Books are classified according to the "Dewey Decimal Classification System" (as used in public libraries).
Borrowing Books
Each student is issued with a bar-coded library card. Students may borrow up to three books at a time. The normal lending period is three weeks.
Effective Use of the Library
Each
September the Librarian organises a library tour and introductory talk
for each First Year class. Students are told how the library is
arranged, and the use of the Library Catalogue is demonstrated. Rules
and borrowing procedures are explained. Each student is given a copy of
the brochure: "Resource Centre: a guide for students". Copies of the
booklet "Guide to the Library Catalogue" are available for consultation
near the library computers.
The Librarian offers help and guidance to students of all years as the need arises. This would include advice on leisure reading choices. Help with research work is also available, including advice on how to identify, locate and evaluate sources of information, whether from reference books, newspapers, magazines, the Internet or CD-ROMs.
Computers
Students
may use the library computers, under supervision, during opening hours;
they may use the computers in the computer room at times when the room
is not being used for teaching purposes. Computers may be used, for
educational purposes, for any of the following activities:
- Searching for information on the Internet
- E-mail, in connection with research or school activities only
- Using educational CD-ROMs (available on request at counter, to be returned after use
- Using the Library Catalogue
- Word processing
School computers may not be used for playing computer games, for personal e-mail or for Internet Relay Chat.
Photocopying
A photocopying machine is available in the Library for student use. This may be used, on request, for copying from library material or for other school- related purposes. Copying costs 5c per page.
Library Rules
Detailed rules are displayed on the library notice board and at the counter. In summary, students are expected to preserve a quiet atmosphere in the library, and to treat books, computers and furniture with care. No food, drink, walkmans or mobile phones are allowed at any time.