The Library Resource Centre
LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTRE (LRC)
Staff within the Department:
Miss. C. O’Brien, Library Manager
Miss A. Stewart, Librarian
Students can visit the library during, break, lunch
and after school
We aim to nurture a lifelong love for reading, foster a curiosity for learning and provide students with an inspiring, welcoming learning environment with diverse, relevant resources to support the curriculum.
The Library is a vibrant place to read and study. It is used throughout the school day by classes and during break and lunch the library is used by students to borrow and return books, use the computers, as well as for schoolwork. This service is also extended after school hours until 4:15.
CURRICULUM SUPPORT
The Library is at the heart of the school community and fully supports and offers enrichment to all subject areas. Teachers can bring students and classes to the library to access and explore the resources available.
Accelerated Reader
At Ellen Wilkinson, we follow the Accelerated Reader programme which helps students progress with their independent reading. Students following Accelerated Reader receive dedicated Library lessons and guidance with their reading. Students read books that are targeted at the right level for them to progress, and then visit the Accelerated Reader website to take quizzes on the books they have read.
Link to Ellen Wilkinson Accelerated Reader site:
https://global-zone61.renaissance-go.com/welcomeportal/1894054
RESOURCES
Books and Other Printed Resources
The Library has over 20,000 printed and electronic resources including fiction, non-fiction, reference books and journals.
The library is dedicated to providing students with a diverse range of books and the large fiction section caters for students of different ages and abilities. This includes the classics, fiction of all genres, short stories, graphic novels, quick reads, dyslexia friendly books and the latest releases. Students can borrow two books for up to two weeks, after which they must be renewed or returned so that other students may borrow them. Throughout the year the students have a chance to decide what books they would like in the library by making book suggestions and by taking part in the Student Voice Book Choice, where they vote for their favourite book.
The non-fiction section covers a wide range of stock to support the curriculum. We actively encourage students to engage in wider reading and to be curious about the subjects they are studying. There are encyclopedias, dictionaries and reference books to help with research for assignments. These books are arranged using the Dewey Decimal System and are also colour coded on the shelf. There is also a dedicated reference section for revision books covering KS3, KS4 and KS5 curriculum areas. The Library has GCSE and A Level magazines covering many of the subject areas.
The Reading Cloud
We use the Reading Cloud to keep track of our books and resources and make them available for students to borrow, reserve and review. Students can visit the Reading Cloud online to search the library catalogue, access their library record, find out about favourite authors and books, write and share book reviews, look for book recommendations and view websites and resources to help with homework.
Link to the Ellen Wilkinson Reading Cloud: https://u015311.microlibrarian.net
Sora, E-Books, Audio Books and Magazines
In addition to the books available in the school library, students are also able to access E-books, Audio Books and magazines through a new digital book collection, called Sora. This allows students to browse, borrow and read books at anytime from anywhere on smart devises via the Sora App. Students can simply download the Sora App or go to the Sora website to borrow digital books with their G-suite login details. They can be enjoyed on all major devices and tablets. Local residents can add the London Borough of Ealing to their Sora account to browse and checkout titles from the London Libraries Consortium.
Link to Sora: soraapp.com
Complete Issues and other Electronic Resources
The library has an online account with Complete Issues where students can easily find reliable, relevant and interesting articles, statistics and more to help them with their studies. This resource can be accessed from home and school. There are also other recommended websites that are accessible through the Reading Cloud. The library provides web links and access to other online subscriptions and resources such as the News Library and the Churchill Archive. These electronic resources allow students to undertake independent research while ensuring the information they use is academically credible. All website links and login details can be found on the library pages on Firefly, the schools virtual learning platform.
Link to Complete Issues: http://www.completeissues.co.uk/
Computers
There are 18 computers in the Library for student use. These are all linked to the school network, the Internet and a printer. In addition to these computers the Library has a dedicated Library search computer. The computers must be booked before use during break, lunch and after school and are for school work and research purposes only.
LIBRARY ACTIVITIES
The library not only supports the student’s academic studies, but also provides a gateway to personal development. It is a great place to come and make friends. We hold regular competitions for the students to get involved with and on Fridays, the Library operates a relaxed lunchtime Friday Games Club, where students of all levels to test their mental agility through a range of board games including chess, draughts, scrabble, monopoly and more.
The Library also holds regular competitions linked to book genres and literary and global events. World Book Day is an important day in the school calendar where every department celebrates the joys of reading and encourages the students to read through booky activities, competitions and costumes. The Library also supports Book Swap, where students and staff are encouraged donate books to share, read and return, in a whole school community Book Swap exchange.
Volunteering
We are dedicated to providing students with opportunities for personal development. All EWS students, from year 7 right through to year 13 are able to help in the Library during their break and lunchtimes. They are trained and organized by the Librarians. This valuable contribution by the students provides them with practical work experience and serves as part of their citizenship contribution to the school community.