Archive for the tag 'Ohrstrom Library'

Seeking Ohrstrom Library Prefects: 2010-2011

Kevin Barry April 14th, 2010

Applications are now available for a student leadership opportunity at Ohrstrom Library. A team of 12 students in the current 4th or 5th forms will be selected this spring to serve as Ohrstrom Library Prefects from September 2010 through May 2011. Below is a description of the program and information about the application process.

How Will a Library Prefect Serve?

  • Will set a positive tone and example by exhibiting respect for the Library’s physical plant, patrons and staff; facilitating a quiet and harmonious study environment for all; and being helpful to students in need of direction.
  • Will meet with the Library Director and staff.  Will offer advice and suggestions associated with the collections and operation of the library and its services.  Will serve as a liaison between the student body and the library.
  • Will be visible, approachable and available to students; reaching out to those who appear to need guidance or assistance with locating library resources, and referring students to library staff for help with research and resource questions.  Will serve as a peer resource for students who would like to discuss the topic of academic integrity in the library.
  • Will promote the development of library and research skill sets by learning how to confidently navigate the Ohrstrom Library website; locate cataloged materials in the stacks; and operate library equipment such as film readers, copiers and scanners.
  • Will possess an understanding of Ohrstrom Library’s expectations and discourage all behaviors that undermine the success, academic potential, or well-being of students using the library for research, study, writing, or reflection.  Will discourage all abuse or misuse of library property, and report questionable or potentially dangerous behaviors to the library staff.
  • Will behave in an objective manner should conflicts with patrons arise, always honoring personal boundaries.  Will refer or report students with policy questions, concerns or special needs to the Library Director or library staff on duty.

What Kind of Time Commitment is Involved?

  • If you are selected as a Library Prefect, you must fully commit to covering one weekly 1.5 hour shift in Ohrstrom Library on a mutually agreed upon evening.
  • Library Prefects will be on duty in Ohrstrom Library, Sunday through Friday evenings 7:30pm to 9:00pm.
  • Library Prefects will work in teams of two, one evening each week.
  • Swaps will be allowed but all shifts must be covered.

What Might A Typical Evening Involve?

Working out of a space adjacent to the Library Director’s office on the second floor of Ohrstrom Library, Library Prefects will make regular “rounds” throughout the building. During this time they might assist students who are having difficulty either locating materials or navigating their way around the building; discover routine problems that can be quickly solved or referred to the Library staff; cover the Circulation Desk for very brief periods if the Library staff are called away. They may shelve current periodicals, books and newspapers; assist with shelf reading; and as liaisons between the student body and the library, bring suggestions to the Library Director and staff regarding the operation, services, and best practices of the library.

How Do I Apply for Consideration and What Happens Next?

  • Access a PDF version on the application by clicking HERE,  OR pick one up at the Circulation Desk in Ohrstrom Library.
  • Turn in the completed application at the Library Circulation Desk no later than Monday May 10 at 5:00pm.
  • Mr. Barry will acknowledge receipt by e-mail of all applications received.
  • All applications will be reviewed by Library staff and current 6th Form Library Prefects.
  • With applicant’s permission, applicant’s adviser will be consulted.
  • All applicants will be notified as to whether or not they have been selected by Friday Monday May 17 at 5:00pm.
  • Training and duty schedules will be completed by mid-September 2010.

Please see or contact Mr. Barry if you have any questions about the position or application process.

Holiday Greetings From Ohrstrom Library

Kevin Barry December 16th, 2009

A message from Library Director Kevin Barry:

Dear SPS Community,

Just a reminder that Ohrstrom Library is open Thursday December 17th and Friday December 18th from 8:30am to 5:00pm.  Beginning on Saturday December 19th the Library will be closed through Sunday January 3rd.

Come by, browse and borrow some recreational reading, listening, or viewing to enjoy during your well deserved break.

We would love to see you, and many many thanks for being such a warm and supportive Library community.

Sincere best wishes and happy holidays from all of us at Ohrstrom Library.

Holiday Hours

Thursday, December 17
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday, December 18
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 19 – Sunday, Jan. 3
CLOSED
Monday, Jan. 4 & Tuesday, Jan. 5
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 6
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 7
Regular Hours Resume

As always, you can see the Library hours HERE, or by clicking the link in the menu at the top of the page.

Image courtesy of aimilino01 under this Creative Common license.

Ohrstrom Library on Facebook: Your New BFF!

Lisa Laughy November 2nd, 2009

Lisa Laughy – Library Web Sevices

Ohrstrom Library has a page on Facebook and you are invited to become a fan!

The Ohrstrom Library Facebook Page has been set up for a few months now and the number of fans is growing every day.  If you spend time on Facebook, becoming a fan of the Ohrstrom Library page is a great way to stay in touch with library-related news and information.  Links are added to new Ohrstrom Blog posts as soon as they become available.  New links added to Ohrstrom Library’s Delicious account are posted as well.  When you become a fan of Ohrstrom Library you will receive updated notices of these postings on your account’s Home page News / Live Feed.  You will then be able to keep track of all of the great new reference books, reliable online resources, and the latest news from Ohrstrom Library.  It is an effortless way to stay connected while networking on Facebook.

To become a fan of Ohrstrom Library, log into your Facebook account and type “Ohrstrom Library” into the search box.  Look for the familiar Ohrstrom logo under the “Pages” heading.  Or – click the link located further down in the Ohrstrom Blog sidebar where it says “Ohrstrom Library on Facebook”.  Once you are a fan, invite your friends to join too!

Ohrstrom Blog: What It Did on Its Summer Vacation

Lisa Laughy September 15th, 2009

Lisa Laughy – Library Web Services

While SPS students were off on their own summer adventures the Ohrstrom Blog took advantage of the down-time to make some improvements.  The summer months were jam-packed and fun-filled for the blog and now it has a new look and offers some great new features to enhance the users’ experience.

When school ended you may remember that the blog had the following look:

Now the design is updated to coordinate with Ohrstrom Library’s other web resources including the new online catalog:

You may already have noticed the new poll feature located in the sidebar on the left asking the question:  “How many books did you read for fun during your summer vacation?”  Take a moment now to submit your answer the poll and be sure to return to see how your choices compare within the larger results.  New polls will be added on a regular basis so check back often.

Additionally, a visually interactive Library calendar has been added.  You can access the calendar through the “Hours” link in the top menu above or through menu in the Library website.  Running your mouse over the day block on the calendar will show you the hours the library is open for that day.

Ohrstrom Library’s New Catalog: A Summer Makeover

Lisa Laughy September 11th, 2009

Kevin Barry – Library Director

Ohrstrom Library’s online catalog has a whole new look and feel. Over the summer months Library staff have been working hard to customize the new catalog, incorporating graphics and a color palette in concert with Ohrstrom Library’s other web resources. The “out of the box” functional elements have been reorganized and rewritten with a focus specifically on the Ohrstrom users’ needs.

Be assured the new Online Catalog includes all the familiar information and options offered by the earlier catalog interface. You will continue to see a basic record, location and call number for any item held by the library, and you will continue to be able to do advanced searches, opt to view a full catalog record, mark records for printing, and sort by a variety of elements. While searching the online catalog, you will now be able to see the exact date due back for any item in circulation.

In the upcoming weeks you will receive a user ID number and pin number via email.  This will allow you to log in to the “My Account” area to place online holds, renew items, and to view the items you have checked out.

A specially customized Help file is available in PDF format, accessible through links located on every page of the catalog. It provides basic information on new features like “My Account” as well as searching tips and guidelines. If you have any questions about searching the new catalog  don’t hesitate to contact Library staff.

The Library staff is very pleased with this new online searching interface and excited about expanding the usability of the Library’s holdings through the improvements it provides.

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