Library Media Center Information

Students who READ always SUCCEED! 

The library media center aims to support and enrich the Overlook Middle School curriculum.  Students have the opportunity to be exposed to a wide range of print and technology based resources.   Library & information skills are integrated with classroom curricular instruction through research assignments, and interdisciplinary projects.  Students receive a general orientation to the LMC which covers location skills, library organization, search skills for using the computer catalog, and borrowing procedures.

The Donna C. Philbin Library Media Center is open throughout the regular school day.  Students may come to the library with their class teacher, or obtain a pass to visit on their own.  At the library students may search the library catalog, borrow books and materials, use reference sources, search online databases, search the Internet, and work on projects requiring the use of the library.

The library is fully automated, with Internet access and electronic databases.  The library maintains an on-line catalog as part of our membership in MassCat.  The online catalog, located on the main library page, is available 24/7. The library participates in Interlibrary Loans with member libraries in the Central Massachusetts Regional Library System. The Library Media Specialist and Technology Education Specialist, along with the district Director of Technology, are responsible for maintaining the Overlook Middle School home page.

Overlook scholars searching the Internet.

   Just where was that??

Student Responsibilities

All students are expected to be polite and respectful in the library media center and to handle all materials, computer equipment and furniture with care.

The LMC is a place of study and work, and students should be respectful of others by behaving in a responsible manner.

Students should recycle reading by returning and renewing books on time.  Students are held responsible for lost or damaged library materials.

FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

How may books can I borrow?
   Students may borrow three books at a time.  The loan period is for 14 days.  Books  may be renewed if necessary.

How do I borrow books?
    Every students is given a library number.  Memorize your number.   When you borrow a book your number is scanned into the computer along with the barcode numbers of the books you are borrowing.  The computer keeps a record of all books borrowed, and prints out overdue notices.

What is the borrowing procedure?
    Books must be returned to the circulation desk in the LMC, and must be scanned into the circulation computer in order to clear your borrowing record.

What happens if I damage or lose a book? 
    Borrowing is a privilege. If you damage or lose a book you are held accountable for the replacement cost of the book.  You may not borrow if materials are overdue.

Do I need a pass to visit the library?
    Yes! You must have a pass to visit the library.  Check in at the circulation desk and sign in on the library log sheet.

How do I find books and other materials in the library?
    You can discover the wealth of materials in the library by searching our online catalog.  You can search the library catalog by:
1) the author's LAST name
2) the title of the book
3) the subject or keyword

The catalog will tell you the Call Number of the book so you can locate the book on the library shelf.  The catalog will also tell you whether the book is in the library or if it has been checked out to someone else.  Write down the Call Number so you don't forget it.  Go the section of the library where that Call Number is located.  The library shelves are marked to help you find your way around.  Remember .... If you need help . . . please ask for help.

Note:  The library catalog may also be searched from your classroom computers, and from any computer that has Internet access, including your home computer.  To access the catalog outside of the library you must select the MassCat Online Catalog button located on the main library webpage.

Eileen M. Barnacoat, Library Media Specialist
LMC Links - Library organizations, library standards etc.

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