Library

St. George Secondary School’s library is a dynamic department necessary to the school’s educational objectives.

The role of the library is pertinent to enhancing student learning. Learning should stir curiosity, allow students to use their creativity, and make them want to become lifetime learners. In this regard the school library can assist the students and teachers in obtaining the skills required for lifetime learning.

The use of learning methods is not a natural skill, but one that must be taught. Poor reading, comprehension, and research skills, can lead to confusion, time wasting and frustration. However, proper utilisation of the library’s resources can reduce these issues. The library also seeks to collaborate with the Heads of Department to achieve this objective.

The Library Programme

This programme seeks to ensure that all students are capable of using the library’s resources efficiently for reading and doing research, while utilising modern technologies.

General Objectives

On completion of this programme, students should be able to:

  1. Develop an appreciation of the purpose and nature of a library.
  2. Understand the general organization of the library.
  3. Gain an awareness of the Dewey Decimal System of Classification.
  4. Make student more aware of the use of books.
  5. The care of library resources.
  6. How to use computers for simple projects.

Suggested time-table allocation

  • Two forty minutes orientation periods for each of the first forms aimed at introducing the students to the library.
  • One forty minute lesson integrated with the General Studies, English Language, and Science Departments.

Rules of the school library

  • All students and members of staff can become members of the library.
  • The library will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00pm.
  • Part time members of staff must state their stay- of- duty, and resources must be returned one week before duties are terminated.
  • Fifth formers must return any books, one week before study leave begins, or 2 weeks before 3rd term ends. (The librarian’s permission is required to keep resources for longer periods)
  • Each student can borrow a maximum of two books.
  • Books can be kept for a period of 2 weeks. Any overdue books will incur a fine. Members will not be able to access new resources if they have overdue materials or unpaid fines.
  • Books will be held on reserve for no longer than 1 week.
  • Magazines and newspapers are not to be taken from the library.
  • Person caught damaging or defacing the library’s resources will incur fines or penalties.
  • The use of the library will be timetabled, any changes will be at the librarian’s discretion.

Library Books

  • Students who lose library books are required to pay for the replacement. Any student failing to pay for lost books will be excluded from all other library services of/or at the school and may also be excluded from such other activities as the principal/staff may recommend especially those which cost money (e.g.) tours, sports, etc.
  • Late returns: students who return books late will be charged a fee of ten cents per day for each outstanding book.
  • Playing, eating and drinking are prohibited in the library, and on the corridor outside the library. The librarian/assistant has the authority to ensure that good conduct is maintained in the library.
  • Any behaviour which disrupts or obstructs others from working in an atmosphere characteristic of an effective library, is subject to disciplinary action by the principal or deputy principal.