There is seating for 38 students as well as six computers with Internet access and a printer for student use.
Over 1,100 students and staff use the library, which has a collection of approximately 13,500 resources managed using Heritage IV library management system.
Materials collected include books, newspapers, journals, videos, DVDs and audio resources.
Services
Staff
Classes to the library for research by arrangement.
Subject specific guides to the library resources and research techniques produced on request.
Regular notification of acquisitions by subject.
Students
For both curriculum and leisure related purposes, students can:
Students may borrow up to four items for two weeks at a time. Other arrangements can be made with the librarians on request.
The librarians will undertake reference and research work with individual students on request.
New book displays and recommended reading lists by genre.
Photocopies may be made for students on request.
Programmes
Information Literacy Programme
The purpose of this programme is to teach students to become information literate - to identify their information needs, locate information to fulfil these needs, and evaluate and use this information in an ethical manner. It is our hope that this programme will build upon what students learn in the classroom, and help students transition into independent researchers.
New Students and Teachers
Library Introductions and Orientations will be conducted for all new students and staff.
The library will also continue to offer a variety of information literacy resources to all classes. These resources include:
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Library Orientation and Introduction classes
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Information literacy and/or research skills classes in consultation with teachers.
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Subject guides for students
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Information sheets on methods of evaluating sources and information
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Information sheets on ethical use of information and citing sources
First Years
Students in 1st Year will:
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become comfortable in the library
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understand the purpose of the library
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navigate and locate resources
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be comfortable and proficient in using the computerised library system to locate resources
Second Years
Students in 2nd Year will:
Third Years
No classes - exam year
Fourth Years
Students will become familiar with and acquire some level of skill with the following concepts;
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Information is untidy and some effort may be needed to acquire it.
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Understanding and coping with choice is essential to successful information gathering and use.
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Information does not equal knowledge, it must be evaluated and applied to the purpose.
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Ethical use of information provides greater rewards than the standard 'cut and paste' method.
Fifth Years
In-depth, subject research skills lessons in consultation with subject teachers. This follows on the Leaving Certificate Syllabus requirements of classes such as Biology, History, Geography and Business for students to conduct independent study and research.
Self-directed research guides and subject guides will be available in hard copy and on the school network.
Sixth Years
No classes - exam year
IB Students
The library is integral to research and is equipped to help students. Information handling skills are built into the IB Curriculum at key stages during the year, particularly when students commence research for their extended essays and again when they commence writing their essays.
IB Students will:
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learn how to conduct research on topics.
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learn to identify and locate suitable information sources.
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learn the most efficient ways to access and evaluate their information sources.
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learn to use information ethically
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be confident when writing and presenting their work
American Studies Students
American Studies learners will:
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be introduced to the library
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learn how to conduct research on American Studies topics within the wider collection
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learn the most efficient ways to access and evaluate their research tools
