Library Use
The library aims to facilitate and offer accessible and varied resources for students in all aspects of their school work. 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 library uses the latest computerised catalogue system called ‘Eclipse’, this is to catalogue all resources, data, produce reports, student use etc. Students are able to log into this system to check their own library account and view everything the library has to offer. The school is strongly committed to promoting reading for pleasure. Data from the 1970 British Cohort Study provides strong evidence for the link between teenagers who read for pleasure and the success in later life. Having a reading book is part of a students required equipment checklist and the school librarian is available to answer any queries or concerns about the library.
Library Opening Times
- Monday– Friday 8am – 4pm
- Except Wednesday when the school closes early – 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 are able to use the library outside of lesson times to do their school work, read, print etc. in its calm surroundings. The library is fully equipped with accessible computers, printer use (black and white, and colour available), 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 wall Sudoku board. Fiction books are colour 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 hand held devices, food and drink are strictly forbidden. Normal school rules apply at all times.
Borrow/Return/Overdue/Fine Books Information
- Student will need their planner with them to borrow a library book.
- Up to two books can be borrowed for two weeks.
- Books must be returned on or before the two week loan time. (The return date is always stamped in the front of the library book on issue).
- If a book is wanted for a longer time, the library book must be presented at the library desk for it to be renewed. Students are able to reserve library books via ‘Reading Cloud’ or at the library desk.
- If a library book is not returned on time an email will are sent every Tuesday morning to students reminding them the book is overdue and needs to be returned to the library immediately.
Additional library books cannot be borrowed if there are any books overdue on a student’s library account.
- If library books are not returned after repeated reminder emails and notice sent via school registers, a letter will be sent home, a fee of £5 per book will need to be paid to cover the cost of replacing the book. Fines are to be paid via the ParentPay website, parentpay.com under the heading ‘Non-returned book fee’.
If a student has lost or damaged a library book, the fine can be paid immediately, without receiving a letter home. Once the fine is paid the book will be removed from the student’s library account.
Reading Cloud – Online Reading Community
The school library has an up-to-date hosted website called the ‘READING CLOUD’ (MLS)
This is an online reading community designed to engage students, teachers and librarians in reading for enjoyment. It 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 our school 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 Reading Cloud can be accessed via the school website www.jorichardson.org.uk under Library. Students can login using their school username and password. Any issues logging in students should see the school librarian.
The library catalogue includes over 25000 books, audio-visual resources and approved websites.
Once logged into ‘Reading Cloud’, students can…
- Create an online identity (Avatar)
- Search, reserve or download resources across the Reading Cloud
- Chat online with other students about books that interest them,
- Blog about their favourite books and authors,
- Catalogue their own books and resources in ‘My Home Library’
- View their library account, see books they have on loan, previously borrowed or reserved
- Write book reviews and recommend resources to other students
- Enjoy a wide range of online features
There is also an App called ‘iMLS’, available for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android & Windows Phone 7. This App can be freely downloaded by going to your App provider and searching ‘iMLS’.
Having the library accessible in this way and having parents engaged with supporting their child with reading will help to support the schools commitment to improving our student’s literacy standards.
Events & Enrichment
The library is linked to various activities throughout the academic year.
World Book Day/Readathon
World Book Day is a key event in the school calendar. Each year we have various different activities in school. The Readathon is an all-day reading marathon which is now an annual event and is very popular with students. A themed staged area is set up and throughout the day different student read for fifteen minutes. Previous years themes have included camping, the seaside, skiing and World War 1.
Authors/visits
Previous trips have included visits to the British Library. Authors have also visited the school to give talks and writing lessons.
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.
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. The library is inundated with request from students to do their voluntary work for D of E in the library. Duties include, prepping/cataloguing books for the shelves, finding resources for staff and students and library housekeeping. Students taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh would need to complete a specific number of hours to complete the voluntary section for DoE.
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 taking 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 Folders
There are folders on the desk for students to use, these are…
You Choose – Students can add any book to a list the library does not have in stock. If the book is approved it will be ordered and the student who requested the book is then notified and can be the first person to borrow the book.
Best Books to Read – This is a compilation of books recommended by students.
Puzzle Folder – A folder containing word searches, puzzles, Sudoku and other brain workouts to keep students engaged.
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. (Look on the school website under relevant subjects).
The library subscribes to two knowledge magazines, the Fact File and Essential Articles volumes. Up to date information can be found and resourced from both of these magazines covering statistics, articles, contacts, current affairs. Information from Britain, crime, education, finance, law, religion, war, wider world, young people and much more. The hard copies in the library are copiable and all copies can be found next to the library desk. The contents from both of these magazines have also been integrated and can be found online at the Complete Issues website, this provides a complete set of resources for students online.
Login information for these resources can be found in the school library.
Once logged in, this online website has a user friendly interface which will help students to explore and browse the wealth of excellent information and links. Students can make a quick start on a topic and chose from a selection of information before exploring further. With over 3000 recommended websites, 2,200 pages of interesting, relevant articles and statistics, access to thousands of up-to-date articles and statistics on current issues. The online version will always contain extra information that cannot be included in the printed volumes.
