Show All Hide All

Q

When is the library open?

A

We are open from 8am until 5pm Monday through Thursday. On Friday we are open until 3 pm. However, the library is never completely closed because our catalogs, databases and citation tools are searchable from all classrooms and from home.

Q

I know that there are faculty proctors assigned to the library each period, but who is in charge?

A

Mrs. Dawe, Mr. Thomas and Ms. Brandeis actually run the place. Not only will they provide paper for the copier, help you to check out materials and collect your overdue fines, but they also know something about what is inside the books and databases. If you need help with your research just ask.

Q

Why is it sometimes hard to find a librarian?

A

There is a lot of work involved in running a library. We are often in the workroom, where among other things, we read book reviews, order and process new books, check in magazines, plan new displays and work with faculty members. If you don’t see us on the main floor of the library, you should feel free to check out our work space.

Q

Why can’t I find the reference section or a separate section for biographies?

A

Our library integrates reference books and biographies into subject areas. Thus a science encyclopedia will be found in the science section and a biography of Charles Dickens will be found with the books on English literature. So that you can spot reference material and biographies quickly, we have put stickers so noting on the spines of the books.

Q

How should I save my work when using the computers?

A

This is really important. If you are using a library computer you must save by clicking on “save as”, and then saving to one of your own folders. If instead you click on “save”, your work will disappear. We all know how horrible this is, so beware. We also advise students to purchase a flash drive from the school store. You can then save your work to your flash drive.

Q

What is Noodle Tools and how does it work?

A

Noodle Tools is the software available through GA, which students are asked to use to prepare citations for research papers. It can also be used to create note cards. An extensive tutorial is available on the site, but if you feel you need additional help, please see a librarian.

Q

What is AccessPA?

A

AccessPA is Pennsylvania’s interlibrary loan system. It enables faculty and students to borrow books from other public, college and university libraries. You may search their state-wide catalog. If you find material that you would like to borrow, print out the pages and email or take them to Ms. Brandeis. She will order the material for you and will send you an email when it arrives at GA.

Q

My public library belongs to McLinc. May I use their system?

A

Yes, if you have a library card from your local library, you may search http://www.mclinc.org . Similar to Access PA, this network provides online catalog access to additional local libraries, but you will have to go to your local library to pick up the book. Unlike AccessPa there is no delivery from MCLINC to our school.

Q

Why is there a fish tank in the library?

A

Mr. Thomas loves fish. In addition, we have found that when one is feeling stressful, it is very relaxing to take a few minutes out of a busy day to watch the fish. When you feel that things are getting out of hand, you are always welcome to come to the library. In addition to the fish we have many self-help books and novels. Reading offers a very special kind of escape.

Show All Hide All

Q

Am I permitted to talk in the library?

A

Yes, as long as the talk is in a whisper and it is necessary for a project that you are researching. Social chitchat is not allowed and if you are overheard, the librarians or the proctors will ask you to stop. If you continue, you will be asked to leave. Remember that the name of the game is not to disturb others who are trying to do their own work.

Q

May I eat in the library?

A

No, you may not bring any of this stuff into the library. Food, gum, candies and drinks can all ruin library materials. They get into books, make tabletops sticky and damage computers. You will have to find other places to eat and drink.

Q

May I copy pages from a book instead of checking it out?

A

Sure, there is a photocopy machine in the library. Each page costs ten cents. The machine will make change for one and five dollar bills. If you need to break a larger bill, see a librarian. If you are researching with a class in the library, librarians will provide you with a key to the copier, so that you may copy reserved books without charge.

Q

How long may I keep borrowed books and videos?

A

All materials circulate for three weeks, unless they are reference materials or if they have been reserved for class use. If you interlibrary loan a book through AccessPA, the lending library will set the date of return.

Q

May I borrow reference books?

A

Yes, you may borrow a reference book at the end of the school day but it must be returned before 8:30 a.m., the following day. Here’s the catch. There is a fine of 50 cents per hour if the book is not returned on time

Q

Is there a charge for other books that are overdue?

A

We charge an overdue fine of ten cents per day for books in the general collection. Remember, however, if you keep a book for a long time, you are denying others the right to use it. When you check out a book, the librarian will put a date due sticker on the back of the book. It is your responsibility to return the book by that date. After that date fines will begin to accrue. If you ignore your responsibility, you will be sent a courtesy overdue notice. Should you continue to ignore these notices for three weeks, Mr. Thomas will request that you serve a detention.

Q

If I don’t agree with an overdue notice, may I ignore it?

A

There are times, even for librarians, when we forget that we still have a book out. There are also times when the library computer actually does make a mistake. If you have a question about a book or a fine, ask to speak to a librarian. We are reasonable people. The one thing that you should not do is ignore a problem. While you are ignoring, the library system is quietly adding charges to your bill. It is best to straighten out discrepancies right away.

Show All Hide All

Q

How do I know if the GA library has the book that I want?

A

Check the online catalog, which is available on the library homepage. You may access from your classroom, your home, in fact from any internet computer. You may look materials up by title, or by author.

Q

What if I don’t have a specific book in mind, but need materials on a specific subject?

A

You may also look items up by subject or by keyword.

Q

If I don’t find the book in the GA catalog, what should I do?

A

You should search AccessPA. This will locate materials in public, school and university libraries throughout Pennsylvania. If you find an item that you want, print the page and email it, or take it, to Ms. Brandeis. She will borrow it from the other library. When it arrives at GA she will notify you by email. If you belong to a local library and have a card number, you may also check out http://www.mclinc.org. This will take you to participating libraries. We do not have direct delivery to GA from these libraries, but at least you will be able to check out their holdings.

Q

When I search the catalog some items have a “www” icon beside them. What does this mean?

A

The U/M library subscribes to Web Path Express. This means that when you search by subject the catalog will not only bring up a list of actual material in the library, but it will include in that list relevant web sites. Clicking on these items will take you directly to that site out on the web.

Q

Do you have other materials in the library?

A

We have VHS tapes, DVDs and ebooks. GA subscribes to a number of databases and, in addition, databases are available through Power Library. This is a collection of databases made available to schools in Pennsylvania through state funding.

Q

Do you have magazines in the library?

A

Yes, we have a small number of popular magazines for casual browsing. A larger collection of periodicals can be found in the Thomson Gale subscription database titled Elite 500 . We also have a collection of scholarly journals, in the subscription database JSTOR.

Q

Is internet access available throughout the campus?

A

Yes, you can take your laptop outside under a tree anywhere on campus and access our library resources.