Sixth Form - A how to guide on the Library
Your sixth form years are, arguably, the most important years to be reading, or start reading if you haven't already! A significant number of your subjects will require this, for you to be able to obtain those higher grades. Below is a quick guide on how the Library can help, and what you can do to use the resources available.
How many books can I take out?
Sixth form students are able to borrow up to 10 books at a time, that are stamped for four weeks.
How do I know what the library has available?
Our Library system, Oliver, is a hosted webpage, which means that anyone can search our catalogue. Use the basic search, and type in either the author or the title of the book you are looking for. If we have the resource, it will appear on the page. If we have it available on the shelves, a green tick will appear next to the book. To search the catalogue, click here
I've found the book on the catalogue - now what?
If you would like to borrow the book, but can't get over to Wootton, email libraryrequests@wootton.beds.sch.uk, along with the title and author of the book you are asking for. We will then find the book, issue it to your name, and send it over to Kimberley, where it can be picked up from Reception. If the book is currently on loan to another student, we will place a reservation on the title, and the first copy available will be sent over. There is likely to be a longer wait for books already on loan.
I've received my book, but haven't finished with it and it's due back -
Books borrowed by sixth form can be renewed up to three times, before the book has to be physically seen by the Library. If your book is nearing the due date (stamped in the front of the book) or you have received an overdue reminder and would like to keep it for longer, please email the library requests email above to let us know. If we are not told that you would like books renewed, you will continue to receive overdue reminders and may end up with your account suspended.
I've finished with my book - how do I return it?
If you can't get to Wootton, books are to be returned in the book drop box at Kimberley, next to Reception. They will then be brought back to the main Library. Please note that there may be a time delay between you returning the books and the Library receiving them, as we rely on incredibly helpful members of staff to bring them back for us! If you receive a first overdue about a book that you have returned, ignore this in the first instance. If you receive a second overdue, please let us know and we will query where the book is.
What else is available from the Library?
It's worth checking out our online subscription links (found here) to see what information you can research online. Resources such as the Philip Allan archive is designed specifically for A-Level subjects, and provides coherent articles that can contribute to your wider reading. This particular page is password protected, so if you aren't already aware of what this is, please ask a member of staff.
A final tip on external resource providers
If you haven't already joined your local Library, I strongly recommend that you do so. As a school Library, we won't always have exactly what you are looking for, or may not have a book that has been recommended to you. The local library service is extensive and, as a member myself, I can vouch that it helps when studying for A-Levels. Membership includes borrowing up to 10 items at a time, stamped for three weeks. They have large collections of fiction and non-fiction, including magazines that can be borrowed and newspapers that can be read in the Library. Each Library has computers which you can use for up to an hour, and thousands of online resources you can access. This is all FREE! For more information and to find the opening hours, click here (I'd really recommend it!)
If you have any other questions, or you have a recommendation, please drop us a line at libraryrequests@wootton.beds.sch.uk
“It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.” - Oscar Wilde