Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

LIBRARY INFORMATION

When is it open?

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

Students may come before school, at lunch, after school, or between classes to use the Library.  During class time, an administration slip from your teacher or Go Card with valid study block ID (“study card”) is needed.  If the Library is full for the staff on duty, students will be sent back to class.

During Tutorials, the Library is open for grade 12 students.  Students in other grades must have a signed tutorial slip from their tutorial leader/mentor to use the Library.

How am I expected to behave?

Students are expected to work quietly doing homework, research, or leisure reading.  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 make a call, please take it in the hall.

Please do not move reorganise the furniture.  Always remember to log out of the computers, take your flash drives, push your chairs in when you leave, and pick up your print jobs as soon as you print them.

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)
  • 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 ($–B&W and colour)
  • Photocopying ($)
  • Library catalogue*
  • Newspapers*
  • eBooks*
  • Online encyclopedias*
  • Online databases*

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.

The library provides access to various online resources as well, including Internet links to specific areas of the curriculum and online encyclopedias.  You may access these resources from home by going to the BNS Library Web Page.

To successfully complete class assignments, 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.

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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.

May I use the Computers/Internet?

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.  Think before you print.  The first two sheets are free for you and/or your group; further sheets cost 10¢/sheet.

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: In the library, computer games are not permitted. 

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.  For complete details on all the positions available see the Library Club page.  Library Club members earn service hours.

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.

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 receiving 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.  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.

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

  • Photocopies are 10¢ per page and are available in black and white only.  You must ask Library staff to access the photocopier.
  • When printing from a computer, the first two sheets are free for you and/or your group.  Additional sheets are 10¢ each.
  • Colour printing is available through the Library Staff only.  You must provide your file to the staff on a USB drive (.pdf’s will permit us to print them fastest).  The cost for colour printing is $1 per page.

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.

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.

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