Abingdon School

Here are some of the answers to questions you may have about the Library - and some that you may not have even thought to ask. Remember however, the best way to find out is to come and visit the Library.

• New to The School?
• Borrowing Resources
• Library Cards
• Use of the Libraries
• Newspapers & Journals
• Computer Facilities
• Finding Your Way Around
• And Finally

New to The School?

How soon can I start using the library?

From your first day at school.

How do I get a library card?

You will either be issued with one in your first week of term, or you may come to the library and collect it.

How will I find out about the library?

You will have an induction to the library in your first week of term, when you will be given a printed guide to the library.

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Borrowing Resources

(for ‘book’ read any resource)

How do I take a book out?

Bring the book and your library card to the library office in Lower Library.

How many books can I take out?

Lower School - 2 books
Middle School - 4 books
Upper School - 8 books

How long may I take a book out for?

Two weeks. You may renew it for a further two weeks if it is not reserved.

I already have my allowance out and I need another book to do my prep?

You may take an extra book out in special circumstances. See a librarian.

My book/s are overdue. What will happen?

• Your name and book will appear on a weekly list on display in the library and lower corridor. Look at it regularly, if you need reminding!
• You will not be fined for the first two weeks overdue but you will be fined 50p for each book in the third overdue week and £1 for the fourth week.
• You will then receive a notice that you will be charged the cost of the book
  and the £1 fine. Return the book with the fine - it is cheaper!

How many audio or video cassettes can I borrow and is there any charge?

You may borrow one of each at any one time and they form part of your allowance.
There is no charge.

The book that I want to take out is a reference book, but I need the information for my prep tonight. What should I do?

Take the book with your library card to the library office. They will arrange for the pages you want to be photocopied and you can collect it at the next break time.

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Library Cards

I’ve lost my library card. What should I do?

Come to the library office and complete a request for a new card. Pay 30p either then or when you come to collect your card, which should be ready within a week.

I haven’t got my library card and I desperately need to borrow a book. Should I borrow someone else’s card?

NO! See Mrs Cooper or Mrs Soper in the library office.

Can I borrow books for the holidays?

Yes, in the last two weeks before the holiday.

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Use of the Libraries

Which library should I use?

Lower Library is for Lower and Middle School use.
Upper Library is for Upper School and is for silent study.
If you want to discuss your work quietly, use Lower Library.

May I take books out from either library?

Yes, except Upper Fiction which is for sixth formers only (or with permission).

When is the library open?

Morning break, lunchtime and after school until 5.00pm during the week and on Saturdays at morning break.

I am in the sixth form. May I use the library for private study?

Yes, but if you are in Lower 6th not until after Michaelmas half-term. If you do choose to use the library for private study, it must be for a complete period and you must register each time with Mrs Cooper in Lower Library.

What is a Grundy Library card - and how do I get one?

Grundy cards are issued to 4th & 5th years who wish to use the Upper Library for silent study. Apply to the library office.

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Newspapers & Journals

Can I take magazines out?

No. They are for reading in Lower Library only.

What happens to back copies?

Some are kept in the relevant section in the library (e.g. History Today is kept in the Gallery in the history section). Some back copies are available to be taken away.
Please ask at the office for more information.

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Computer Facilities

Do I have to book the library computers and can I use them at any time?

No, you do not have to book.
Yes, you may use them at any time in break time. In addition, Upper School may use them during private study.

Can I use them for anything?

NO! They are there to support your studies - they are not to be used for games or email (without permission of a staff librarian).

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Finding Your Way Around The Library

How can I find out what’s available in the Library?

The library catalogue is available on all networked computers. Go to the Study page and click on ‘Access-it' (in far LH column), click on ‘Enter' and put in ‘guest' in Name box and click on Login (no password necessary).

Uh,oh... what's the difference between ‘Fast Find' and ‘Advanced Search'?

Use ‘Fast Find' if you are unsure of any details: e.g. author's name, title of book, the spelling or you want a more general search of resources. Fast Find is more forgiving and will find nearest matches.
DO click on a button to make a search (e.g. Title, Author, Keyword ). If you just press return, it may not find any matches.
Use ‘Advanced Search' if you know the exact title, author etc. and you want to make a specific search.
If you cannot find what you want, don't despair, ask a librarian to make a search for you.

How could I find a fiction book, by Terry Pratchett for example?

All fiction is organised by genre and then alphabetically by author. You will find books by Pratchett in the fantasy section. The spine label will show: L. (Lower Library) and PRA (the first three letters of his surname) and a fluorescent orange dot for fantasy.

How are non-fiction books organised?

All non-fiction is arranged in order of field of study (or discipline), according to a hierarchical system known as Dewey Decimal Classification. Every book has a spine label showing its classification and location.
e.g. U.720 U = Upper Library, 720 = Architecture

The Dewey what?

Dewey Decimal Classification is the most widely used library classification scheme in the world and is used in more than 135 countries in over 30 languages.
Dewey is for Melvil Dewey, who conceived the idea in the U.S.A. in 1876.
Decimal because it is based on a decimal system of division.
Classification because it provides a system for organising knowledge.
As a rule, the more general the number, the broader the treatment of the subject, e.g.

700	The Arts
790	Recreational and performing arts
796	Athletic and outdoor sports
796.3	Ball games
796.34	Ball and racket games
796.345	Badminton

Where can I find a dictionary?

There is a collection of English and foreign language dictionaries in both libraries.
In Lower Library they are on the low wooden bookcase by the stairs.
In Upper Library they are on the shelves directly in front of you if you go up the spiral staircase from Lower Library.

Where can I find local maps?

Ask at the library office. We have a collection of maps including local Ordnance Survey maps and GOAD maps.

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And Finally...

HELP!

 

I need help finding information, finding a book, finding an author, finding an illustration, copying my file, printing...

Then ask Mrs Cooper or Mrs Soper (staff librarians) or a pupil librarian