Are you ready for a new school year? Are you ready to learn, grow, and have fun with your BTS family?
The BTS Library is now ready for you! Look at these pictures…
BTS Students will be provided with a Library Card and will be able to check out books from our new and improved Library. The teachers will show you how to use the Library, the Catalog, and how to check out books. You can also look at our instructions here in this blog. Click at the top, on the link to the page: BTSL Catalog.
Every BTS student will have his or her own Library Card soon!
See more pictures of the Library, the Computer Lab, and the Reading Room/Rainbow Room here:
We hope that you enjoy the Library. Remember, reading takes you beyond!
Soon the BTS Library will be ready for students and families to check out books. The processing of the books is almost done, just a few more weeks away!
In the meantime, anyone can get acquainted with the library’s resources by exploring the BTS Library Catalog. The catalog is housed in a social media site called “LibraryThing.” Here are some tips on how to use LibraryThing and how to use the special features of our BTS Library:
About Library Thing:
From the site librarything.com: “LibraryThing is an online service to help people catalog their books easily. You can access your catalog from anywhere—even on your mobile phone. Because everyone catalogs together, LibraryThing also connects people with the same books, comes up with suggestions for what to read next, and so forth.”
I will give you tips on how to use the Catalog here, but we will approach it in steps. This first part will help you get familiar with the site. In future posts I will show you how to use some of the features.
Using the Catalog (Q & A) Part 1:
Q: Do I need any special software or downloads?
A: No. You can use the site from any internet browser.
Q: Do I need to create an account to view the BTS Library books?
A: No. If you are not a LibraryThing user, you can still view our catalog, do searches for specific books, and get their location in the library.
You only need to create an account with LibraryThing if you wish to catalog your own books, write reviews, share your library with other people, and other social features like that.
Q: How do I view BTS books?
A: Click on this link (or better, bookmark it in your own computer). You’ll see a list of books that belong to the BTS Library. The list will be displayed in a specific format, but you can customize how you see it. You can click on “List” or “Covers” to see the books listed or only the covers of all the books we own. Also, you can change the information that is shown on the list by clicking on “Style” and choosing styles A, B, C, D, E, or custom (the gear wheel.)
Q: How do I find a specific book or books on a topic?
A: At the top right there is a search box with a magnifying glass icon that says “Search your library.” You can enter an author, a topic, a tag, etc… to see what we have.
Q: How do I find the book in the BTS Library?
A: When you find a book that you’d like to check out, look at the book’s “Call Number.” You will find this number in the column that says “Dewey/Melvil.” Write down that combination of letters and numbers, and that will tell you in which section of the library it is, and the location on the shelf. The teachers or librarian present at BTS will be able to point you to the location if you have that number.
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This should be enough for you to begin browsing our books. As previously stated, in future posts I will share how to use features to see the books’ reviews, recommendations, popularity, and other tools that will make it easier to select books for you or your kids. Please send us any feedback on this introduction of the BTS Library. And remember that we are not done! The BTS Librarian is still entering books in the system each week!
Happy browsing, BTS!
Your BTS Librarian.
January is here and my work at BTS begins. BTS Library is born today. I want to share a few updates with my future readers.
BTS Library Q&A
– Why does BTS need a library?
BTS is committed to a quality education for its students. As part of the academic formation provided by the BTS teachers, students need the services that school libraries provide: access to resources to support their learning, research support and assistance, recommendations, and reading advice and programs. Teachers need resources and professional support and materials. Families need quality reading materials, information resources, and helpful advice on where to search for reliable information for their special needs. If those aren’t enough reasons, let me know and I will show you research studies that prove the many benefits of libraries for academic success. Yes, students who use the library have higher test scores and a better school experience.
– Where will the library be located?
The library will have a special dedicated room at the BTS school premises. In addition, the library will be available online through its online catalog and through this blog, in which you can get in touch with the BTS Librarian to ask questions or receive virtual assistance.
– Will students be able to check out books?
Yes! As soon as the library catalog is set up, students will be able to check out books with their teacher’s assistance. Other family members will need to arrange with a teacher or the librarian to get a Borrower’s Account.
– What materials will be available at the library?
The BTS Library will have books that support the curricular needs of students in K-12 grade levels. The main collection will include reference, fiction (divided by reading level-interests,) and non-fiction (arranged like in the public libraries, by Dewey Decimal System.) A special collection of books for children with special needs and their families will also be made available in the future.
This blog is titled “Books & Beyond” for a reason… In addition to printed books, the library will have access to digital resources in different formats such as e-books, videos, podcasts, and other multimedia files or sites. The BTS Librarian will provide guidance for students and families in the use of online resources, apps, and other technological tools and gadgets.
– How can we help?
Families of BTS Students can help to create the library by donating books, furniture, or their time and skills. We have many needs and ideas, including projects that could get done by crafty individuals. If you think you would like to help, please get in touch with the BTS Librarian, we could use all the help you can provide! For donations of books, also get in touch with us, as we have very specific needs. You can also make a donation to BTS especially marked “Library.” Please contact BTS administrators or read more on the website.
As your new BTS Librarian, I look forward to meeting all the wonderful BTS families and working with you all. If you have more questions about the library or this blog, please contact me! I would love hearing from you!
Happy 2013! Let the readings begin!
Author/illustrator Eric Carle wishing happy 2013 (Photo credit Penguin Classroom.)
AKL. Librarian
akl.librarian@gmail.com
Books & Beyond 