Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

LIBRARY INFORMATION

Welcome to our Library! If you have a question that isn’t answered on this page, please come see us and ask.

Staff Info

Who works in the Library?

We are staffed by

one full-time Teacher-Librarian: Ms D. Gladwin
one part-time Teacher-Librarian: Ms J. Cowley (blocks 3 & 8)
one part-time Library Assistant: Ms M. Saul (alternate Mon., every Wed. & Fri.)

We are also often helped by our Library Monitors in Library Club. Feel free to ask any of us for help.

Library Services

When is the Library open?

Click for a larger view.

The Library is open from 8:15 – 3:45 most days, but may occasionally close for special events or meetings. Check the Calendar and the Library door for changes.

Outside of class time, students may come before school, during FLEX, at lunch, after school, or between classes to use the Library.

During FLEX, the Library is open for grades 9-12. Grade 8 students need to be in their FLEX rooms with their course teachers.

During class time, teachers may send students to the Library to complete a task. Those students must bring an administration slip from their teacher. If the Library is full for the staff on duty, students will be sent back to class.

Some students have a study block/spare during which time they are welcome to work in the Library if space permits. They need to show the Library staff their timetable (screenshot on your device is fine) with a valid study block when they arrive. Once you receive your new GoCard, see the library staff to have it validated as your “study ID” instead of the timetable.

What types of things can I do in the Library?

Staff and students can use the Library to work on class homework/projects (individual and group) and personal interest projects. Staff and students are also welcome to come relax, read, and explore our activity stations (Lego, puzzles, colouring, Makerspace crafts).

How am I expected to behave in the Library?

Students are expected to work quietly doing homework, research, or leisure reading. While group work and activities are welcome, please remember to use your inside group volume to avoid disturbing those working on other tasks.

Eating food or candy, and bringing in drinks that don’t seal are not allowed.

Students should limit their use of cell phones in the Library. Please turn your ringers/sounds off and if you need to take/make a call, please answer it in the hall.

Also, please do not record any audio/video in the Library; other users have a right to their privacy. If you need to record for a project, please ask for access to our quiet (recording) spaces and equipment.

Please do not move or reorganise the furniture. Always remember to push in your chair when you stand up. Before you leave, log out of the computers, take your belongings–flash drives, earbuds, phones, water bottles, etc.–and remember to release your print jobs.

Library Resources

What resources are available to me? How can I access them?

The library has many resources for students. Some are available only in the library, while our electronic resources* are available in the library and from any Internet-enabled device.

In-Library Only	Electronic Resources*
Books Magazines Movies (DVD) Audiobooks (CD) Loaner DVD players (for movie/audiobook use) Wired headsets (for media listening & recording) Desktop Computers Laptop Computers iPads (v.2) eReaders Lego Station Colouring Table Jigsaw Puzzle Table Comfortable seating areas Individual study carrels Group workspaces Makerspace Printing & Photocopying (B&W or colour)	Library catalogue* Newspapers* eBooks* Online encyclopedias* Online databases for academic research and makerspace tutorials*

What type of physical media may I borrow?

The library has an extensive print and non-print collection. Fiction and non-fiction books can be borrowed for four weeks. Magazines can be borrowed for one week. DVDs are due back the next school day. You will need your Go Card or student number to sign out library resources.

Students can access the library catalogue by going to the BNS Library Web Page and clicking on the search option (Basic or Visual) of your choice. If students log in they also have access to the Destiny Discover search service.

What happens if I have a late or lost library resource?

Overdue notices are distributed each month during Block 1 and/or via email. Students who receive notices should come to the library immediately. Students with overdue resources will have their borrowing privileges suspended until all lost or damaged material is either returned or paid for. While we do not charge overdue fines, students are responsible for the cost of lost or damaged materials.

May I please borrow…?

Students are expected to bring their own materials to complete their work. We do have some equipment available for special projects in the Makerspace (paper cutter, scissors, hole punch, glue, paint, paper rolls, etc.). Equipment must be used within the Makerspace and returned to the correct location. The library does not provide or lend materials such as paper, pens, etc. though students are welcome to check the Lost and Found (red) bucket in an emergency.

What type of digital media does the Library provide?

The library provides access to various online resources as well, including Internet links to specific areas of the curriculum, online encyclopedias, and online databases. You may access these resources from home by going to the BNS Library Web Page. Using our online resources on school computers requires only your regular library login. Using the online resources on your own devices or from home requires you to input the username/password for that service. These are available in the Library only, so come down and take a photo of the orange posters to ensure your full at-home access.

While our resources are extensive, students are expected to have a Burnaby Public Library Card in order to access the public library’s online resources, which include encyclopedias, books, periodicals, maps, radio/television transcripts, and audio/video clips. This access empowers students to access more resources and achieve more success on classroom projects. It also gives them access to a wider selection of resources to support those in ELL programs and Learning Plans (IEPs) like digital books and audiobooks.

What are the Gale and EBSCO Databases?

The Gale and EBSCO Database are excellent, comprehensive, up-to-date sources of information for any research assignment.

Gale can be accessed at http://infotrac.galegroup.com/itweb/41bnss?db=GIC When accessing this resource from home you will be asked to enter the USERNAME and PASSWORD posted at school..
EBSCO can be accessed at http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?authtype=ip,uid&custid=s1499323&profile=ehost. When accessing this resource from home you will be asked to enter the USERNAME and PASSWORD posted at school.

What is the Craft & Hobby Database?

The Craft & Hobby Database is a new service at North. It provides students and staff with access to online courses and tutorials in a variety of hobbies including

textiles e.g. quilting, sewing, knitting, crochet
foods e.g. cake decorating, cooking
visual arts e.g. painting, drawing, outdoor photography
fitness e.g. yoga, ballet barre, dance, HIIT, LIFT
woodworking e.g. tool safety, project plans, specific techniques like inlay, gluing, router edges

Plus some lessons are available in Spanish.

Users will need the login information available in the Library.

What computer resources can I access in the Library?

We have many desktop computers. We also have laptops for loan (if the desktops are all claimed). We can provide headsets for those who need to listen to audio (bluetooth earbuds won’t work with our devices), and DVD drives for those who wish to watch our film collection or listen to our CD audiobooks.

How can I use the Computers/Internet?

Unless a class is booked to use the Library computers/laptops, the devices are first come, first served. Library Internet use is restricted to research for school assignments. Students are issued a user name and password for computer use after they have signed the Burnaby North Acceptable Use Contract. Computers may be monitored to ensure appropriate use. While students may also print their work in the Library to the our photocopier (Student MFD), we encourage students to carefully plan their printing to limit toner/paper waste. Think before you print.

What are the guidelines for the acceptable use of computers?

All users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. Users must sign a the district Internet/Network Agreement Form and abide by the School Acceptable Use Policy for Internet/Network Access

The use of the network/Internet is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use, including any violation of these conditions and rules, may result in cancellation of the privilege. The Burnaby School District, under this protocol, is delegated the authority to determine appropriate use and may deny, revoke, suspend or close any user account at any time based upon its determination of inappropriate use by an account holder or user. Please note: Gaming is not permitted on Library devices. If you want to play (online) games, you must use your own device/data quietly and if your behaviour is disruptive or the Library seating is required for studying, you may be asked to leave.

How do I print my work?

You can send a print job from any school computer. Users cannot print from personal devices or phones. Retrieving your printing requires that you have a PaperCut Account; this can only be setup from a school computer.

From your document, open the print window.
Check to make sure the printer selected is either “Student MFD” or “School Copiers on 04-sc”.
Ensure that it is set to the correct paper size and colour options.
Print your document.
Come to the photocopier in the Library within 24 hours.
On the touchscreen, enter your username and PIN for your PaperCut Account.
1. If you haven’t already setup your PaperCut Account, you will need to log in to create one from a school computer.
Release your printing using the Print Release options.
Check your printing.
Log out of the copier.
If you were printing from within the Library, return to your computer and log out.

How much does it cost to photocopy and/or print?

NOTE: We are currently not charging for the use of the photocopier while we monitor the use of the new printer system. Think before you print to avoid wasting resources. If resources are wasted, the school will reassess our needs and may begin charging again.

If you need help deciding how to best print materials, please ask the Library staff.

Research Support Services

How can I research for my projects?

Once you know what you are looking for, use books and online resources to find your information.
As you read, take notes in your own words.
Keep track of what you are reading and make note of all the sources so you can cite them appropriately on your finished project.

If you encounter problems, please ask the Library Staff for help.

What is plagiarism?

According to a variety of university web sites, plagiarism is using others’ ideas and words without clearly acknowledging the source of that information. To avoid plagiarism, you must give credit (e.g. with your bibliography) whenever you:

use a person’s idea, opinion, or theory;
use facts, statistics, graphs, illustrations–any pieces of information–that are not common knowledge;
quote another person’s actual spoken or written words; or
paraphrase another person’s spoken or written words.

There are various possible consequences for plagiarism ranging from being required to redo the assignment to suspension from school. View the school’s plagiarism policy.

How do I set up my bibliography to cite resources used in my research?

It is important to document the source of the ideas you have discovered in your research as well as images you have used. While there are various guidelines available, consistency is the most important requirement. Burnaby North Library has adopted the Works Cited and Citation Guidelines included in the Student Agenda. There is a more detailed works cited handbook available online from the library webpage, which include the different citation styles.

Can I volunteer with the Library?

Yes! Join the Library Club!

What is the Library Club?

In September interested students are invited to attend an organisational meeting. Students have the opportunity to help in one of several areas where they can learn important job skills, earn Service Hours, and enjoy Library perks. For complete details on all the positions available see the Library Club page.

What is “Vikings Talk”?

Vikings Talk is an opportunity for students and staff to get together over lunch and discuss the books they are reading as part of the Vikings Read program. Vikings Read is a challenge for all students, staff and parents to read 10 books in 10 months and then select their favourite. The book that receives the most votes will be the book recommended for all Vikings to read.