School Library Policy

Aims and Objectives

support the teaching of the curriculum by providing resources in a variety of media for staff and all pupils across all subject areas
provide books for recreational reading and try foster a love of reading for pleasure
be a focal point for the teaching of information skills and to support independent study
maintain a quiet and attractive environment for study
advise on and monitor the use of ICT in the library context
provide opportunity for all pupils to have equal access to resources for their educational needs
be a central and vital part of school life and to provide pupils with opportunities for service

Resources

provide up to date relevant resources, both printed and electronic, to support the curriculum, personal and social education and recreational interests across all ages
maintain a useful collection by regular weeding out of books which are irrelevant, out of date or in poor condition – target is 10% replacement per annum
consult with Heads of Department and staff regularly on the acquisition of new resources for their subject area and their best use
produce project collections on specific topics when required including advice on evaluating internet sources
organise these resources so as to maximise their use and easy access
maintain and develop a collection of non print media e.g. DVD, video, and picture files
operate the library management system to ensure efficient loans, requests and retrieval of resources
encourage use of outside libraries and sources of information wherever necessary and liaise with the Schools Library Service

Reading

provide a wide range of fiction to encourage all ages and abilities
encourage pupils to stretch and develop their reading abilities
provide the latest best fiction wherever possible and be able to recommend books to pupils
encourage reading and discussion of books by various means e.g. book clubs, reading groups, book fairs, author visits, booklists etc

Information Skills

be actively involved in the junior school’s information skills programme
research, compile and update resources for this programme
encourage information and study skills throughout the school and advise on incorporating these into departmental work
monitor and evaluate these programmes

Environment

maintain discipline and a quiet purposeful environment in the library so as to encourage independent study and learning
ensure that furniture and furnishings are well maintained and adequate for the numbers of pupils and anticipated use
display books and pupils’ work wherever possible to stimulate interest

ICT

assist staff and pupils in the use of ICT for research and in evaluation of resources
build up collections of web resources and contribute to networked learning resources
maintain the library management system, ALICE
supervise the proper use of facilities by pupils and operate booking systems so as to ensure fair access for all
promote the use of ICT as an integral part of all Library curricular and extra-curricular activities

Budget

manage library funding which is supplied by the statutory School Library Service (BELB) and from B.R.A.
ensure that the library budget is spent proportionately across needs and departments
provide the best possible quality and range of resources at the best possible value across a variety of suppliers

General

provide opportunities for service and supervise work undertaken by pupils (Library Monitors, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme)
adhere to whole school policies wherever relevant e.g. health and safety, discipline, internet use etc
monitor and evaluate library procedures and programmes to ensure their effectiveness and relevance

23rd Mar 2010

Ulster Hall - 23rd March - 7.30pm

17th Mar 2010

16 - 12 win against Wallace High School

10th Mar 2010

Shield semi-final win & selections for U15 Area Board Tournament

9th Mar 2010

Ballymena Music Festival