--It is stated in the district computer guidelines that computers are for educational use.  No arcade type games are allowed.  However there are certain educational “games” that may or may not be allowed.  There are links to some of these games on the student site as well as on some teacher’s websites.

--AR books can be located by browsing the shelves.  An orange sticker indicates that we have the AR test and the level of the book.  You may also ask at the desk for an updated list of AR books available in our library.  Another option is to open the AR program located in the ELA folder on the computer and access the quiz list. 

--The web catalog can be accessed on any computer in the school.  It is a rainbow circle on the desktop.  If you know the author or the title of the book choose the correct term in the pull down menu and simply type the author’s last name or title in the search box.  If you would rather browse through books with certain subjects, I suggest using a keyword search.  See a library staff member with any additional questions on how to use the catalog.

--Every student in this school who wishes to use the Internet is required to go through the licensing process.  If you have been a student here since 7th grade then this process happened automatically when you visited the computer lab for orientation.  Every 7th grader goes through the orientation and has a permission slip signed by their parents/guardians.  If you did not go through this process as a seventh grader you are required to take a brief quiz on the district’s computer policy and have a permission slip signed.  On your ID card is either a sticker or an imprinted I that indicates you have completed the licensing process.  If your ID card has neither of those then you may pick up the licensing packet in the library. 

--You may sign reference books out overnight or if it is a Friday over the weekend.  It is important to limit the check out of reference books because normally students are doing some of the same research topics.  The reference books should be kept in the library as much as possible to allow the most number of students to use them.  There is a copier machine located in the library and for 10 cents a page you may copy any information you find a reference book.

--If you find a website that you would like to save as a bookmark simply go to favorites located on the browser toolbar and add to favorites.  The site may be accessed again by going to favorites or by going in your H drive to your  My Favorites folder.

--You can inquire at the circulation desk about what books you have checked out in the past.  Of course only you know if you’ve read all the books you’ve ever checked out.  You may also find out what books you currently have out by going to user status on the web catalog.

--To reserve a book find the book on the web catalog.  Click on copies on the far right side of the results page.  If the book is out click on reserve and type in your full first (not nickname) and last name.  Be sure to click reserve again at the bottom of the page.  When the book is available a note will be sent to you in your homeroom.  You will need to return any overdue books you have before checking out the book you reserved.

--Printing is free as long as it will be handed in to a teacher or is for a project.  If it is something personal then a black and white print out costs 10 cents and 25 cents for color.  Be cautious when printing even if it is for a class. 

--As a rule of thumb you should always carry your ID card.  It is necessary to buy lunch, use the internet, and check out a book.  However, it is possible to check out a book without your ID card but be aware that the process takes a little longer so make it easier for you and for us by having your ID card.

--Every book and magazine in the library has a metal strip in it.  The alarm is a security measure.  When you check out a book the strip is desensitized and will not set off the alarm.  If the book is not checked out or has not been desensitized then the alarm sounds.  This is the same system used at video stores.  We like our books and want to keep track of them so all the students can use them.  Sometimes the alarm goes off for unknown reasons.  Please cooperate with library staff when this happens and simply walk back through to see if you have any library material that has set off the alarm.

--This amount changes almost daily because of new books and the weeding of old materials.  As of right now (Jan. 2007) the library contains approximately 21,500 materials, including AV materials.

--The library is reserved as a quiet place to study, to do homework, and to research.  It is necessary to limit the amount of noise so that everyone has the chance to work in a quiet environment with minimum distractions.  We feel that by limiting it to 2 students to a table, we are limiting the noise level.  There are 4 chairs at every table for use by classes.  Maybe you are able to concentrate on work with noise but the person at the next table may not be.  Be considerate of your fellow students.

--You may check out as many books as you need as long as you have no overdue materials.

--The library is open before school at 7:25 and after school until 3:25. 

--You sure can.  The CDs and Videos can be located using the web catalog.  You may also browse in the AV room with permission and supervision.   AV materials may be check out for 2 weeks, unless the material is being used by a class, then it can only be taken out overnight.

--Books may be checked out for 3 weeks and renewed there afterwards as long as the item is not on reserve by another student or teacher.

--It is possible to borrow a book from another library through interlibrary loan.  Contact Mrs. Cincotta with the title of the book you are looking for and if it is available from another school you should receive notice that the book arrived within a one or two week(s).

--You may use your thumb drive as long as no software/drivers need to be installed.  The icon is located on your desktop in the special programs folder.  To save to your thumb drive locate the drive in the pull down menu or put a e:/ before your file name.

--You may burn a CD.  Put a blank CD in the drive and drag any files you want to burn to the disk to the CD drive folder.  Once the files are in that folder click on File and Write files to CD?  School computers are meant to be used for educational purposes so you are only allowed to burn CDs with data files as a means of saving.  You are not allowed to burn music CDs which also violates copyright law.

--You may borrow a digital camera or other electronic equipment.  However parental permission is needed to do so since these items are so expensive.  Contact Mrs. Marks in the AV room to do this.

--Projects may be laminated with permission from your teacher.

--You may purchase these items at a cost of…

                      3 ½ “ floppy – 50 cents

                      CD-R – 50 cents

                      CD-RW -- $1.00

Was your question still not answered?  Ask a library staff member.