Using the Library

Online Information Portal

Access our new 24/7 online catalogue at school using our netbook computer on the slat wall shelf in the last row of Non-Fiction?   The netbook has a dedicated purpose. It is solely for browsing the school’s resources. Internet explorer launches the new Search screen or Inquiry. If the terminal is logged out, please log in again using the generic login on the sticker.  This OPAC or catalogue can be accessed at school (using the “Search Web & Library” shortcut on your desktop or at home via the school website or library blog. As before, you can locate books, DVD’s or online resources.

Remember to think laterally (broadly) using synonyms until you are successful with a subject heading used by our database. Libcode’s unique code will suggest related subjects and for phrase or title searching, you only need to type the first couple of letters of every word in the phrase.  If you have no luck with specific words, try general subjects and scan the contents of those titles manually.  For instance, we may not hold a book about Hatshepsut, the female Pharoah, but if you search for Ancient Egypt there will be chapters or pages about her in these books, located by consulting the index and contents pages.   If you are having trouble with the OPAC, just ask Library staff.

We have a federated search function now which kicks in after you click on an exact subject heading in a list provided. Along with the print or DVD holdings in our school, you only have to click on the links to external sites to see what is held at these sites. The federated search includes: JCU Library, TAFE Library, The Learning Place (EQ), Trove (National Library) and SCIS Websites. You do not have to type in your keywords again – click the external site and it will automatically search for your information.

Who Writes Like?

Looking for a good book? Click on the “Who Writes Like” link on the OPAC terminal.  Type in the name of your favourite author and press enter.  It links to the Literature Map which works like a sociogram of authors. The closer the new suggested authors are to your author, the more you are likely to enjoy their books.

 Search Web & Library functions

Libcode Online Library Search will allow you to do much more. You can reserve resources from home, and search for clickview films.   The online catalogue has some great Quick Links. You can  search the entire JCU library including their online journal database holdings by using OneSearch.  We have tutorials online and on paper to help you save full-text journal articles  from the JCU library and from the online databases of the State Library of Queensland via our local Cairns Library. Just ask at the loans desk for these publications or download them from our Library Tips page of the Library Webpage or from tutorials here on our “Using the Library” Blog page.

 Teachers and students can request television documentaries, recently screened on television (send your request to Mrs Sheppard) either prior to screening .  Teachers can search the various online video directories. Faculties have their own free-to-air films saved on the school network.

Have fun, using a variety of information tools to become more efficient in your approach to research of any kind. Explore all the links in this blog, the Information Portal Site  and on the main library webpage.

 ALL LIBRARY BOOKMARKS ARE LISTED IN OUR  LINKS LIBRARY IN DIIGO.  THIS IS THE FIRST LINK IN OUR RH SIDEBAR WEB 2.0 MENU. SEARCH BY TAG  OR SCAN THE LISTS FOR YOUR CURRENT UNIT, TO CHECK WHETHER A PATHFINDER OR HOTLIST OF USEFUL LINKS  HAS BEEN CREATED

 

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