Library

INTRODUCTION

The school library is an important learning centre at Holy Family Catholic Primary School.

A part-time permanent teacher/librarian has been appointed to the school to enhance the teaching and learning programs at the school. The school’s teacher/librarian plays a vital role in the staffing arrangements at the school. Currently, the librarian is employed for three full days each week.

The library is available to teachers, students and parents throughout the week. All classes have access to a weekly (Infants), fortnightly (Primary) formal library lesson. Class teachers are provided with face-to-face release from teaching duties during their class library time.

Students and teachers are encouraged to use the library as often as possible at other times. It is an important resource for everyone.

AIMS OF THE LIBRARY

Holy Family School library strives to achieve the following aims:

  • The primary aim of the School Library is to be an educational resource service centre for the school community.
  • Provide essential resources for teaching and for learning - resources that are both human and material.
  • Be a resource for planning and the implementation of the teaching program of the school. It also aims to be a recreational and reference centre for the students and teachers.
  • Be a centre of technology within the school.

PURPOSE OF THE LIBRARY

The purpose of the school library is to enhance teaching and student’s learning within the total program of the school:

  • by co-operating with teachers in the planning, implementing and evaluating of teaching/learning programs;
  • by providing opportunities for students to develop information skills and use them competently and confidently;
  • providing experiences to stimulate reading and developing in students a desire to read;
  • extending and enlivening students’ learning experiences and enriching their lives through the effective use of resources.

LIBRARY SERVICES

Services, which translate the aims into practice, must be based on the school’s learning priorities.

  • provision of services must be flexible and encompass the full range of resources available;
  • services provided will reflect planning with other staff.

General Services may include:

  • involvement in planning and implementation of an information skills program which enables students to develop skills related to the retrieval, evaluation and use of date and information in its context of learning in co-operation with the class teacher;
  • promotion of the enjoyment of literature;
  • development of discriminating, reading, viewing and listening habits;
  • assistance to teachers and students in selecting and using resources most suited to teaching/learning processes;
  • provision of resources to fulfill needs of students and teachers;
  • facilitation of the use of resources.

Technology Services include:

  • use of computerised barcode borrowing system;
  • student catalogue computer terminal;
  • computerised student borrowing records;
  • computerised index of book titles;
  • internet facilities for staff and student use;
  • use of computers as research tools;
  • use of 'Google Classroom' to support student learning.

Student Recreational Services may include:

  • chess and draughts recreational play;
  • chess and draughts competition play;
  • video/DVD outlet;
  • use of computers for recreational purposes;
  • puzzles, colouring, drawing and other recreational activities;
  • opportunity to read for leisure in a comfortable environment.

TEACHER / LIBRARIAN

The teacher/librarian shall have a general professional involvement in the school’s teaching and learning program by:

a) participation in curriculum development and revision as relevant to the library;
b) assisting individual teachers in curriculum planning;
c) evaluating the suitability of facilities, equipment, materials and services with regard to learning outcomes;
d) establishing a basic library policy in consultation with Principal and staff;
e) being responsible for conduct and discipline of pupils while in the library.

The teacher/librarian shall exercise initiative in improving methods of teaching and learning by:

a) developing new uses for materials and equipment;
b) working with teachers to design innovations in teaching and learning;
c) participating in in-service programs.

The teacher/librarian shall ensure that students and staff learn the necessary skills to locate, select and use efficiently library materials and equipment by:

a) co-ordinating library activities with school instructional programs and introducing materials of special interest;
b) planning a sequential program of library instruction with teaching staff as requested / required;
c) giving incidental instruction in library skills;
d) co-operating with staff to assist students to develop competency in reading, listening and viewing skills;
e) designing and implementing with the teaching staff a program to develop student learning skills as requested / required.

The teacher/librarian shall be responsive to user demand by performing general reference and advisory user services.

The teacher/librarian shall stimulate user demand by:

a) assisting in developing reading and listening programs;
b) promoting and publicising within the school the services of the library and the
c) resources of the community outside the library.

The teacher/librarian shall perform the administrative duties of:

a) preparing and administering the library budget;
b) devising systems for the acquisition, organisation, circulation, maintenance of materials and equipment;
c) maintaining statistical records which will support the evaluation of library organisation and services;
d) submitting reports to administration;
e) organising and keeping under constant review the arrangement of library space and furniture;
f) participating in the preparation of the educational specifications of the planning of library facilities.

ROLE OF THE CLASS TEACHER

The class teacher should be involved in planning, implementing and evaluating library services with the teacher/librarian because they have the immediate responsibility for meeting the educational needs of students. Active involvement will promote the extension of the classroom program into the library. Co-operation between the class teacher and the teacher/librarian is essential to this process.

  • Ensure that the library procedure policies are implemented
  • Encourage the use of the library as a learning resource and recreational centre
  • Be familiar with the resources available to staff and students
  • Promote the library in their reading programs
  • Use library resources
  • Include the library in teaching/learning activities whenever practical
  • Be aware of library procedures, systems, new acquisitions and give suggestions for improvement
  • Ensure the teacher/librarian is aware of class needs in regards to Library resources and facilities

ROLE OF THE LIBRARY STUDENT HELPERS

Each year the school’s teacher/librarian appoints Library Monitors. These library helpers have special responsibilities in the library and are from Year 6. Their duties include helping with the day-to-day running of the library, shelving of books, minor cleaning and general duties. The helpers are inducted at the beginning of the year and they hold the duty for the duration of the year. The school values the work of the library helpers.

LIBRARY DOCUMENTS

Additional documents:

  • Library Procedures Manual
  • Computer file for library resources
  • Hard copy of computer catalogue – Back up copy on disk
  • Cross Reference Computer File
  • Fiction Books by Subject File.