Problem

ou are looking for a item or resource that may be available at the School's Library. This item may be a book, DVD, or equipment. You want to firstly check if the item exists, and if so, see if it is available for loan before going to the Library to collect it.


Solution

  • You can search for a Library item using the Library Search link that is in Compass > School Favourites.
  • You can check if the Library has a copy of the item on hold.
  • You can email the Library staff and ask to loan the item.
  • You can know why you can not reserve a Library Item.

Steps

Accessing the SmartLibrary database

The Library has an online database that contains all items available for loan. You access this database either by:

  • Clicking on the link in Compass > School Favourites > Library


Searching for a Library Item

The SmartLibrary Database lets you enter any combination of words to search. Enter your words at the top if the screen and press the Enter key.

For example, you can search for anything with "Harry Potter" in the title



Check if the Library has a copy of the item

You must make sure the Library actually has the item you are looking for being held in the Library.

  • Look at the search results and identify the item you are looking for
  • Check that the Library has copies of the item available by looking at Holding:.
  • Holding: must be at least 1 for you to be able to loan the item.
  • If the Holding: is 0, this means the Library has loaned all copies of the item, and you will not be able to loan the item until a copy has been returned to the Library.



Ask to loan the item by Emailing the Library Staff.

Send an email to library@kambryacollege.com to ask if you can loan the item. Students can email the library for books for the Independent Reading Plan (IRP) or Home. In the email, state the purpose of the loan, e.g. “The Hunger Games for IRP", or “The Scorch Trials for Home", for example

The Library Staff will email you when they have organised your loan item and it is ready for you to collect.

Collecting Loan Items from the Library

You can then go to the Library Desk to collect the item. If the Desk is unattended, ring the bell.


Returning Loan Items to the Library

Returned items can be placed in the library chute, which is located in the library foyer (to the left of the blue double-doors, just before you enter the library).


Things to be aware of when loaning.

  • Students can loan one book for IRP and up to two books for home. Home books can be loaned for 2 weeks (with extension possible during holidays).
  • Overdue books must be returned before loaning for items.
  • The library can not reserve books for you, as reserving does not work successfully when combined with the long-term loans required for Independent Reading Plans (IRPs). Tip: You will have more success in loaning an item if you can be flexible in the items you are interested in!