Library > FAQ

Introduction

Our bright, spacious facility is available to staff and students before, during and after school some 40 hours per week. Classes are welcome to use the library for scheduled group visits, and Grade 12's are allowed access during their study blocks.

The library's resource collection comprises some 15,000 catalogued items, including books, magazines, vertical file, records, tapes, slides, and paperbacks. It offers informational, educational and recreational reading material; meeting our mission to support the teaching programme of the school.

The circulation system is automated, with students checking out their own material on their student Go-card. The library's catalogue is also computerized, and includes electronic resources such as CD-Rom indexes and encyclopedias, and of course, Internet access. The online environment has certainly expanded our virtual library, but also brought its own set of challenges.

Our library resource centre is staffed by one full-time professional Teacher-Librarian (Ms. Law) and one half-time Library Technician, (Mrs. Bedard). We also have a wonderful crew of parent volunteers.

We consider it a privilege to oversee such a fine group of students, but don't hesistate to put them to work. In fact, this library web-page is maintained by the students of our grade 12 Information Technology class. Their effort represents the convergence of library and information science with computer technology. We hope you like this work in progress. Enjoy your visit!

What goes on in the library?

The library resource centre is a place in which a wide variety of activities occur. These include teaching, lectures, meetings, homework, study, tutoring, research and photocopying. The library does not function as a social lounge or lunch room.

LFA Library offers reference and information services to teachers and students, as well as reading advice, book selection, and curriculum support. In addition to the library's own collection, there is electronic access to local library databases via the Internet. Other information services include magazine indexes and CD-ROM encyclopedias.

How do I find a book?

Use the computerized catalogue at the student workstations.

Select the author, title, or subject index to look for general information or a specific title. You can cast a wider net by doing a keyword search.

Once you get a list of books, write down the call number. Check the circulation status (is it available?).

Go to the shelf at the designated call number.

What else is there in the library?

Vertical/pamphlet file, reference books, encyclopedias, paperbacks, magazines, ghetto-blasters, slides, slide projectors, videos, video cameras, tripods, audio-cassettes.

Videos are for instructional use only. You may borrow a video title with your teacher's permission.

Ghetto-blasters are on one hour loan, for school/classroom use only.

Internet?

The library provides student access to the Internet. The Internet station is primarily for research purposes. It is not intended for collecting personal e-mail. Students using the library's Internet terminal must adhere to our posted Acceptable Use Policy. All printouts 10 cents/page (Librarian's permission required.)

How do I sign out books?

	Scan your barcode on your Go-Card, or type in your student number.
	Scan each book's barcode. (Front lower left of book).
	Give the computer enough time to process each scan, about 1 second.
	When finished, press Escape.
	Take a date due slip from the box on the counter.

You do not need to remove the card from the pocket.

What if the book I'm borrowing doesn't have a bar code?

Sign it out manually. Take the book card from the pocket, sign your full name and home room and leave the card in the box on the counter. Take a date due slip.

How long can I borrow a book?

Students may borrow items for two weeks. To ensure fair access to materials, there is a fine policy in place. You will be charged 25 cents a day per overdue item, with a one week grace period. Like any school property, lost or damaged library materials are replaced and/or repaired at the borrower's expense. If your fail to deal with outstanding school charges, your report cards and yearbooks will be with-held.

How do I keep track of my library research?

Look in the wooden rack attached to the circulation counter.

Help yourself to source logs and bibliography formats. Forgot how do to a bibliography? Look in your student agenda.

Who runs the library?Ms. Law is our full-time Teacher Librarian. She oversees the library department, builds the collection, catalogues books, and provides reference service. Her first love however, is promoting good reading. Her duties include purchasing and cataloguing books and instructing classes that are brought to the library.

Mrs. Bedard is our half-time Library Technician. She oversees the library's day to day operations, which include managing periodiclas, circulation (keeping track of 450 users of 15,000 items) and a million other tasks. Talk to Mrs. Bedard about checking out books, finding misplaced items, dealing with overdues, fines, photocopy challeges, etc. This very competent lady is always ready to greet you with a smile!