OCS MIDDLE/H.S. LIBRARY


Touring the Middle/H.S. Library:
The browsing area is straight ahead when you enter the library.  This includes 11 magazines and our local newspapers, The Daily World, The Daily Advertiser, and The Advocate.  Magazines and newspapers are also available through the Gale databases.

Fiction Books are the first large collection of books. This includes hardback, paperback, and audiobook fiction books, the short story collection, and Newbery and Printz award winners.  Four computers are located in the fiction area to access the OPAC, online public access catalog.  Genre (type of literature) stickers are found on the spine of many fiction books.  These let you know if the book contains mystery, adventure, fantasy, sports, cats/dogs, science fiction, or historical fiction.  A "Series Order" binder is located on top of the filing cabinet (near the globe) to help students find the perfect book and read it in the right order.

Nonfiction Books are located across the front and left side walls of the library and are arranged in Dewey Decimal numbers from 001 to 999.  Signs on top of the shelving units depict Dewey classes and their respective subjects.

Biography Books are shelved alphabetically according to the last name of the person who is the topic of the book.  The call number of a biography/autobiography book is 92 and the person's last name.  The group biographies are in the 920 nonfiction section.

Career books are located in a special section near the Dictionary stand.  Pamphlets and literature concerning the College and Vocation options are displayed on the top of this section.  Many career encyclopedias and books are available for students to peruse through the Gale databases.

Professional books are located next to the Career section.  A variety of books concerning Education and specific subject areas are available for teachers to use in this section.  Many professional journals and books are available for teachers to peruse through the Gale databases.  DVDs, videos, and professional magazines are available for teachers to check out in the Magazine Room that is available only for them.

Reference Books are located on the right side wall and include encyclopedias, dictionaries, almanacs, thesauri, atlases, books of quotations, and sets of many specialized encyclopedias that correspond to the Dewey Decimal system.  Six computers are located in the Computer Room next to the Reference section where students can access the electronic catalog Gale databases, and other electronic resources such as their Edline accounts.


Electronic Sources:
The OCS Middle/H.S. Library contains ten computers (four are located near the Fiction section and six are located in the Computer Room near the Reference section.  Shortcuts to our online catalog (Librarian's Edge OPAC), our Edline home page, and Renaissance Place Real Time (Accelerated Reader) are located in the center of the desktop on each computer.  Other shortcuts include Gale databases (available at school and home with password), AR BookFinder (find AR Quiz information), Internet Explorer, Microsoft Word, etc.  Everyone must follow the Computer Use Policy that is posted at each computer.  Students may print up to ten pages daily after using Print Preview and getting permission from the librarian.  The librarian orders Accelerated Reader quizzes for the books in the libraries and for titles requested by teachers and students.  

Several large TVs with DVD/VCR capability are available for faculty to check out for use in the classroom.  Overhead projectors are also available for school year and short-term check out to faculty.


Renaissance Place Real Time
Accelerated Reading is our reading program (third through eighth grade students currently participate).  Students take the STAR test twice a year (beginning and middle) to determine their reading levels.  A final STAR test at the end of the year to chart growth is also taken.  Accelerated Reader Books are each marked with a round, bright orange sticker.  OCS now subscribes to the Reading Enterprise program so students have access to all available AR quizzes (updated weekly).  Students should access AR BookFinder to search for quiz information and availability.  The steps for participating in the AR program are simple:

  1. Take the STAR (Standardized Test for the Assessment of Reading) test to determine reading level.
  2. Read an Accelerated Reader book in correct reading range.
  3. Take a computerized 10-20 multiple choice question test on the book (Reading class or Library only).
  4. Earn points.
  5. Earn grades in classes and win prizes from the Reading teacher.
  6. Improve reading skills and comprehension.


General Use Policy
COMPUTER USAGE POLICY:
The purpose of computer usage, including use of the Internet, at Opelousas Catholic School is to promote educational excellence through research and learning.  Your use of the computers must be consistent with this purpose and the policies for students and teachers of the Diocese of Lafayette.  Therefore, if it isn't allowed in the classroom, don't do it on the computers in the library.  Violation of this policy could result in the loss of computer privileges, disciplinary action, monetary payment for damages, and possible criminal charges.

GENERAL USE POLICY
  1. Do not use the computer for business or entertainment purposes.
  2. Do not harm other computers or networks.
  3. Do not engage in any non-school related activity.
  4. Do not use personal software.
  5. Do not break any school rule.
  6. Do not copy commercial software in violation of copyright law.
  7. Do not tamper with the school network.
  8. Do not use the computer for too long a period of time.
  9. Do not use the Internet or email for personal use.

    Contact Leslie Carloss (Librarian) for more information.
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