The Loreto College Library Resource Centre provides curriculum based resources and recreational materials in a wide range of print, digital and online formats, to accommodate the current needs of both staff and students, and to support the curriculum and cultural ethos of the college. This information guide outlines the resources, facilities and services available to support the teaching, learning and recreational needs of staff and students.
Print the PDF as a reference guide, or refer to the content boxes below.
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The Library purchases copies of The Age, The Australian, The Courier and The Herald Sun for the Library every day of the year and the Herald Sun and The Courier for the staff room each school day. Back copies are kept for six months.
Visit our Newspapers LibGuide for information on full-text access to newspapers and newspaper article research and analysis.
For staff and student use we have the following items. Please keep in mind these items are in high demand and will be required to be returned promptly.
The Library has two copiers for printing, photocopying and scanning using their Loreto ID Card.
Staff are asked to limit their copying at peak times such as before school, recess or lunch time. All large print runs should be undertaken at Student Reception or upstairs near the Development Office.
The Library has an extensive collection of Teacher Reference materials including current text books and support material. It is expected that staff will return items no longer required so that other staff members may use them and all staff are required to return resources to the Library at the end of each year or to renew for the following year. From time to time a list of items on loan will be sent to staff. The Library also has a wide selection of DVDs, novels, biographies and other non-fiction resources for staff use.
Information received about your research topic, in advance of Library bookings, will help us to help you, by
In consultation with the Head of Faculty and or class teachers, the Library staff will be happy to develop a LibGuides research page for any units of work incorporating digital and print resources. Our LibGuides digital platform is accessible from school or home. The Head of Library is available to work with staff and students to assist in the research aspects of the unit of work. For more information on how our Digital Resources can enhance your teaching program please see or email mdouglas@loreto.vic.edu.au.
The Head of Library is responsible for the development of the Library collection, including the Library home pages, and the purchase of periodicals, newspapers, books, audio-visual material and equipment. She will assist Heads of Faculties with items on approval, publishers’ information and searches. Faculty Heads are responsible for selecting specific curriculum-related materials, often in consultation with the Head of Library.
Items purchased by Heads of Faculties must be handed to the Head of Library together with the appropriate invoice and purchase order blue slip, for processing. If teaching staff require a text or other resource, they need to consult with their Head of Faculty first. Staff are asked to not acquire resources without authorisation.
At Loreto we use ClickView, a digital video system, and both staff and students have access to it. Please speak to a member of the Library Team for more information or help with ClickView.
If you would like a recording of a television program please contact Donna Byrne. Please keep in mind that we cannot, due to copyright restrictions, make copies of commercial DVDs or streaming programs and place them in ClickView.
Students may borrow up to 10 books at one time and students are required to present their Loreto ID card. DVDs are generally not for loan, except during school hours or with written permission from the teacher. Equipment may be borrowed for use within the school. Students may be sent from class to borrow in small groups (no more than 8).
Lists of overdue books are compiled on a regular basis and the lists are emailed to students or printed and put in Mentor Group folders for distribution to the students.
Up to three classes of 26 can use the Library concurrently.
To book the Library areas please use SIMON or contact Library staff to discuss how your students can be accommodated in the Library spaces.
Private Study
Students from Years 7-10 may be sent to the Library for private study in small groups of no more than eight students. Students must bring an Out of Class Pass or note from their teacher when arriving at the Library. This is to ensure that students are at the Library with the teacher’s knowledge and to inform the Library staff of the reason for the visit. Students who are unwilling or unable to work independently may be sent back to class. Students do not need a pass if they are coming to collect printing from the copier.
Missed Assessments
Students from Years 7-10 may be sent to the Library to complete missed written assessments individually or in small groups. Please send students with a Library Supervision for Students Sitting an Assessment form so that Library staff can supervise the students under appropriate conditions, e.g., with(out) notes or calculators, whether the paper needs to be handed in to the Library.
The form and assessment papers can be lodged with Library staff prior to the date students will be sitting the assessments. This helps Library staff ensure that there is adequate quiet space for students to sit a missed assessment.
Year 12 Study Periods
Year 12 students have open access to the Library for study purposes. There are also 17 desks on the mezzanine level for Year 12 students to use; this space is strictly for silent study only. The mezzanine area also holds the Teacher Reference collection.
Teachers requiring a student to use the Library for extended periods of private study are requested to discuss this with the Head of Library so that the reason for extra study hours is understood and the proper management of those study times can be maintained.
Displays are used as a means of promoting the love of reading, the Library, fostering the cultural ethos of the school and they provide an engaging environment for personal learning. We are happy to support the curriculum by setting up displays reflecting units of work currently being taught, or by displaying students’ own work.