Click on the Oliver logo to search the LRC and Junior School Library catalogues

The Learning Resource Centre is central to the academic and cultural life of the College. It may be used by pupils from Year 7 to the Sixth Form and by all staff of the College. The Learning Resource Centre’s primary objective is to contribute to levels of academic attainment by giving all pupils access to appropriate and relevant information to support their studies.

Our principal aims:

Opening hours:

The Centre is open from 8:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday, during term time.

Staff:

The Centre is managed by Mrs. S. Brown. I have a degree in Philosophy from Exeter University, a postgraduate diploma in Librarianship from North London Polytechnic and I am a Chartered Member of the Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP)

The LRC Assistant is Mrs D Greenhill.

Stock:

The stock comprises some 14,000 books, of which 2,500 are fiction. The Centre provides 2 daily English language newspapers, weekly foreign language publications and a range of periodical titles, both academic and recreational.

Information Technology:

The Centre has 18 networked computers for pupil use; these have the standard College software and access to the internet for academic work only. Use of the facility is subject to the College’s Acceptable Use Policy, which is prominently displayed. There is unrestricted use of a colour laser printer.

Catalogue and Classification:

The resources of the LRC have been catalogued onto the Oliver library management system which will allow all items to be searched via computer. The collection is organised using a simplified version of the Dewey Decimal Classification System used in most school and public libraries and in many universities.

Loans:

Items are generally issued for two weeks, and may be renewed by bringing in the item in person. Pupils in years 7 to 11 may borrow 4 items; those in the Sixth Forms may borrow 6. There is no restriction on the number of items staff may borrow.

Overdues: 

Due dates are stamped on the slip inside each item; it is the responsibility of the borrower to note this date and return the items on or before the due date. Pupils are advised of overdue items through notes distributed via their form tutors. Fines are charged for late returns.

The Learning Resource Centre Manager should be informed immediately as soon as an item is thought to be lost. The replacement cost will be charged and, in certain cases, a service charge will be added. Charges will also be made for damaged items.

Pupils are formally introduced to the Learning Resource Centre at the start of Year 7 and in Year 12.

Individual & group use:

Sixth Form pupils are encouraged to use the Centre during their free periods: for silent study, research, quiet reading and use of the ICT facility. Pupils in other years may visit during lesson times only with their teacher’s permission. All subject teachers are encouraged to use the Centre for class research and reading lessons. These should be booked in advance. The Centre manager is available at all times to guide students in their research.

Stock selection:

Stock selection is carried out by the Centre Manager, often in consultation with Heads of Department and other teaching staff. New items are displayed prominently in the Centre and are listed on notice boards throughout the College. Pupils are encouraged to suggest items for stock and forms for recommendations are held on the issue desk.

Photocopying:

There is access to a colour photocopier. There is no charge for copying relating to school work.

Rules:

• Bags should be left outside the Learning Resource Centre. Items of particular value may be left with the Centre manager for safe-keeping.
• Food and drink are strictly forbidden in the Centre. In accordance with the College rules please do not chew gum.
• Personal stereos may be used as long as they do not disturb others. Mobile phones should be switched off.
• During study periods silence should be observed at all times so as not to disturb others.
• Periodicals and reference items may not be taken out of the Centre.
• All users are expected to treat the resources with due care. Books should not be annotated or written in. Book marks should be used.