Library FAQ's

Welcome to the information page about library facilities at Ratcliffe College. I hope this fact sheet will help to answer many of the questions you may have about using both the Emery Library and Rosmini Sixth Form Centre Library at Ratcliffe College, but if you would like any further information, please feel free to e-mail me on:

mwilliams@ratcliffe.leics.sch.uk 

-Mrs Williams

THE EMERY LIBRARY: 

Who uses the Emery Library?

The Emery Library is used by all members of the school community but predominantly by students in Years 7 to 11. While the resources are mainly selected to support the curriculum needs and leisure reading of students during Key Stage 3 and GCSE level, there are resources suitable for all ages.

Will there be anyone to help me use the library?

 Yes, there is a full-time Librarian, Mrs Williams, who is available right through the school day to help and guide you in your use of the library so that you can take full advantage of the resources available to you both to read for pleasure and to aid you in your studies. You will also receive induction lessons on the use of the library facilities when you start at Ratcliffe.

When can I use the Library?

The Library is open throughout the school day, including break and lunch times. Many of your lessons could take place in here as it is an area that is often booked by staff to allow students to conduct research or for quiet reading. Students can use the Library to read or finish their homework at any break or lunch time, space permitting. It is also open during prep. time for students in Year 11, and during the evenings and at weekends for students who board.

How many books can I borrow?

All students can borrow 6 books at a time, for a period of 4 weeks. Books will be stamped with the date of return. Most books can be renewed if you have not finished them in that time       providing they have not been reserved by another borrower. DVD’s/ videos/ CD’s are available for a one week loan and fines will apply for their late return. 

How do I take out a book?

All books being borrowed must be issued by the Librarian. Please go the Issue Desk where the book will be stamped with the date of return and desensitised so that it does not activate the security alarm. If the barrier does sound when you leave the Library, please return to the desk so that your books can be checked. When you have finished with your books, please remember to return them to Mrs Williams so that they can be discharged from your account.

Will I get fined if I return a book late?

Students are not fined for the late return of their books. However, we do ask you to make every effort to return them on time in case they are required by another student. Reminders for late books will be sent via tutor groups. Students WILL be charged via the school bill for any books that are lost or missing, so please look after them.

What type of resources will I find in the library?

There are over 9,500 books and multimedia resources in the Emery Library laid out in the following sections:

• Non-fiction-these books are located in the wooden bookcases around the walls of the

Library. These are filed numerically by subject according to the Dewey Decimal System of classification.

• Fiction– these are housed on the carousels found in the bottom end of the library, and are split into teenage fiction for Years 6 - 9, and senior fiction for Years 10 & 11 to adult. These books are filed in alphabetical order according to the author’s surname. Themed reading lists, year group recommended reading lists and book reviews are available to help you.
• Reference books– these are located in low wooden bookcases in the centre of the Library, and consist of dictionaries, encyclopaedias and general reference books. These books can be used in the Library at any time, but should not be removed, or taken to a classroom.
• Serials/Periodicals - a selection of current serials and magazines are available to read in the   Emery Library, although they are not normally available for loan. Titles include The Good Food magazine, Which, Astronomy Now, Focus, Flipside, Computer Activ and a range of sports magazines. 
• DVDs /CDs and Videos –these are available to borrow for one week. No charge is made but students will be fined for late returns. 
• Printer and Photocopier – there is a colour printer and photocopier available for student use. 
• Careers Information –there is a comprehensive Careers Library containing a variety of careers information in the office adjoining the library. The teacher in charge of Careers, Mrs Hadley, holds a “drop-in” session at lunch time on a Tuesday and Wednesday for students seeking careers advice. 

How can I find out whether the library has a book I am looking for?

The Library has a computerised library management system called “Heritage.” This enables us to maintain an efficient record of all stock, loans etc. and students can access this information via the “Heritage Enquiry” module on the library computers. Simply go to “Start”, then “All Programmes”, find “Library” and you will see the “Heritage Enquiry” module. You can search for books either by author, title or keyword. The information displayed will tell you whether the Library stocks the book you are looking for, and whether it is available or out on loan. If a book is out on loan, it is possible to make a reservation. The information displayed will also give the Dewey decimal number if the book is non-fiction, which will help you to locate it on the shelves.

When can I use the computers in the Library?

There are 20 network-linked computers in the Library, all with Internet access. These are      available during lesson times to aid you with your research in the library, but as they are often pre-booked by members of staff, please check with Mrs Williams before using them. They are also available for use by students at break and lunch times.

Are there any rules and regulations I need to remember when I am using the Library?

To ensure that the Library remains an environment suitable for quiet reading and study, all

students are asked to observe the following guidelines;

• Food and drink must not be consumed in the Library.
• Students should work quietly at all times and respect other users of the Library. Anyone who is being disruptive will be asked to leave. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are designated as “Quiet Working” lunchtimes to enable students to complete their homework in a quiet and conducive environment.
• Please leave the Library tidy; put books back where you found them, chairs placed under the tables and all scrap paper in the bins.
• Games should not be played on the computers during lesson times. The computers at the top end of the Library are always reserved for students needing to complete homework. If they are not required by students needing to work, the computers at the bottom end of the library may be used to check emails and to view non work-related sites on a Monday or Friday lunch times, but this will be at the discretion of Mrs Williams.
• The library has a security system. If you set the alarm off, you must return to the Issue Desk.

 

ROSMINI SIXTH FORM CENTRE LIBRARY:

Many of the same principles of using and borrowing resources apply to the library area in the Sixth Form Centre. However, you may want to know the following:

When will I use the Sixth Form Centre Library?

Sixth Form students use the study area and library during their private study periods. The Library is not booked out for class use at any time.

What resources are there in the Sixth Form Centre Library?

There are currently just over 2,500 resources but the library area is still under development and will be increasing over the next 5 years. The resources are specifically chosen to support A-level study and students’ wider reading interests, and include fiction and non-fiction books, a wide range of periodicals, online subscriptions and language DVDs.

What should I do if I can’t find any resources to help me with my coursework?  

We recognize that there may be specific resources that you need to support your A-level coursework. If you cannot find anything suitable, please speak to Mrs Grant or Mrs Williams explaining what you need and we will do our best to supply it.

I am thinking of going to University when I leave school. Is there any information to help me in the Sixth Form Centre?

There is a variety of careers information specifically geared to Higher Education available in the Sixth Form Centre. There are also copies of all UK university prospectuses to help you make your choices.