LIBRARY USE
The library aims to facilitate and offer accessible and varied resources for students in all aspects of their schoolwork. Its aim is to promote, engage and encourage reading for pleasure. We support learning and guide students effectively with independent study. In addition, supporting students with alternative resources the library has to offer.
The school is strongly committed to promoting reading for pleasure.
The library uses the latest computerised catalogue system named Reading Cloud (Eclipse), this is to catalogue all resources, data, produce reports, student use etc. Each student has their own library account and can log into Reading Cloud to check their own library account and view everything the library has to offer.
Having a reading book is part of a students required equipment checklist.
LIBRARY OPENING TIMES
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 8am – 4pm
- Wednesday 8am – 1.30pm – Library study time is 2 – 3pm
The library is open throughout the day. Students can use the library before and after school, as well as during breaks. Students can use the library outside of lesson times to do their schoolwork, read, print etc. in its calm surroundings.
The library is fully equipped with accessible computers, printer use (black and white & colour), along with table and chair areas for study.
The library boasts a fiction section of almost 6000 books and a very extensive non-fiction section.
Other sections in the library include Careers, Sixth Form, Reference, Study Guides, Resource/web reference guides, encyclopaedias and dictionaries, the library also boasts a large Sudoku board.
Fiction books are colour coded, labelled according to reading level, this enables students to easily recognize the appropriate reading level. Non-fiction books are in Dewey order, (number order), and there are signs and folder lists visibly available showing where to find a relevant subject.
Scheduled lessons also take place in the library, and teachers have the option to take advantage of the extended space for alternative curricular lessons and study time for students.
Students are expected to behave responsibly and to be respectful in the library.
Mobile phones or any personal mobile handheld devices, food and drink are strictly forbidden. Normal school rules always apply.
borrow/return/overdue/fines – library books
HOW TO BORROW A LIBRARY BOOK
A Student will need their planner with them to borrow a library book.
Up to two books can be borrowed for two weeks.
Each student has their own library account, and library books borrowed are logged (registered) to a student’s library account on issue.
Two ‘REMINDERS’ are issued with a book, stating when a book needs to be returned.
- The date to return the book is stamped in the front of the reading book.
- A yellow reminder sticker placed in the student planner on the same date when the book should be returned.
returning A LIBRARY BOOK
A student is responsible for returning library books on time or before the due date.
Library books must be returned to the main desk in the library, the book can then be cleared from a student’s library account.
A ‘returned’ message is then stamped on the yellow reminder sticker in the student’s planner.
renew A LIBRARY BOOK
If a book is wanted for a longer time, a student must present the library book and their planner at the main library desk. The time will then be extended on their library account and the return date adjusted in the student planner and library book.
fines – overdue LIBRARY book
A student is responsible for returning library books on time
OR before the due date.
Email reminders to return a library book are sent to a student’s school email.
- If for any reason a library book cannot be returned the £5 library fine (per book) should be paid on ParentPay. This goes towards the cost of a replacement book.
Once a book is returned or the fine paid, the book will then be cleared from a student’s library account.
Additional books cannot be borrowed if a student has an overdue library book.
Head of Year receive reports concerning overdue library books.
Any concerns regarding library books email: library@jorichardson.org.uk
READING CLOUD – ONLINE READING COMMUNITY
The school library has an up-to-date hosted website named
‘READING CLOUD’ (MLS)
Students can login using their school username and password
Reading Cloud is designed to capture the imagination of students, linking real and virtual reading experiences to drive up literacy standards and develop core reading skills. The system allows students to view the school’s library catalogue online and students are encouraged to use this to help with research, to write reviews about books they have read, and search for new books that they may like to read. The system provides an online reading community designed to engage students.
The library catalogue includes over 12000 books, web-linked resources, and approved websites.
Once a student is logged in at ‘Reading Cloud’ they can
- Access and manage their own library account
- Search the school’s library catalogue (the books stocked in the library)
- Write or record book reviews and access reviews by peers
- Reserve resources
- Write book reviews and recommend resources to other students
- Blog about their favourite books and authors,
- Catalogue their own books and resources in ‘My Home Library’
- Access the catalogue via the iMLS mobile and tablet app
Having the library accessible in this way it aids parents keeping them engaged with supporting their child with reading and will help to support the school’s commitment to improving our student’s literacy standards.
EVENTS & ENRICHMENT
The library is linked to various activities throughout the academic year.
World Book Day is a key event in the school calendar. The day is acknowledged in school holding varied activities to encourage reading including an all-day reading marathon. This is now an annual event and is very popular with students.
A themed staged area is set up in Mainstreet and throughout the day different student’s read for fifteen minutes. Previous year’s themes have included camping, the seaside, skiing, and World War 1.
AUTHORS/VISITS
Previous trips have included visits to the British Library. Author visits to the school.
EXTENDED HOMEWORK
Book boxes are made available to students as an extension from their lesson(s) when working on specific subjects. This actively encourages independent information finding encouraging students to find more resources available in the library.
D of E, VOLUNTEERING AND SUPPORTING THE LIBRARY
Students who enrol for the Duke of Edinburgh award, frequently ask to complete their ‘volunteer’ section helping in the library.
There are students who just want to help support the running of the library and give up one of their break times to carry out various library duties. Students from all year groups may wish to volunteer to help in the library for varying reasons, this maybe to earn credits for a LOC or Sixth Form Students for their CV or University Statements.
The library participates in supporting students from other schools to complete their Work Experience and students gain an understanding in all aspects of work life in a school library.
INFORMATION/RESOURCES
The library is a Learning Resource Centre, a hub full of information for every student to seek out and use. The resources available can be found in books, encyclopaedias, subscription magazines, online searching along with designated websites which the library subscribes to. Other departments in school also offer websites and resources to students to help them with their studies.
The display boards in the library give various information and displays of events.
Login details for resources the library subscribes to can be found on display, in the school library.
Any queries or concerns relating to the library
Email: library@jorichardson.org.uk
Telephone: 0208 270 6222