Library Policy

We believe that the enjoyment of reading is a life-long treasure and that it should be encouraged at all age levels. We believe that children should learn to use the library properly and come to respect the knowledge it holds. The library program should be an integral part of the total school program, serving both the recreational and the curricular needs of the students and faculty.

Libraries are institutions that provide the opportunity for life-long learning. As students finish their formal education, we believe they should continue to use libraries as a means of intellectual growth. We must prepare them adequately, so that they will be eager and productive library patrons as adults.

The Library is a center for research with both the existing collection of materials and the Internet as resources. The Library staff will provide expert assistance in the responsible use of the Internet as a resource for school projects. Internet users will be held to the terms of their signed agreement. Library staff will use the Internet to obtain documents and information that is particularly important for TIS students and staff and will supplement the existing collection as necessary and appropriate, with Internet sourced material.

Objectives and Aims for the Children

To apportion library funds so as to obtain materials of the highest quality for the greatest number of people, based on the written and adopted materials selection policy.

To provide a structured, progressive program of basic library skills.

To provide informed and concerned guidance to students and faulty which will assist teachers in the classroom and students in their research.

Reading/Literature Enjoyment and Appreciation

to provide resources and opportunities for students to develop and expand their literary appreciation and reading competence.

to provide a wide range of resources for the recreational reading, viewing and listening of students and teachers.

Information Literacy

to provide resources and consulting services to teachers and students while supporting and enhancing the school's curriculum;

to provide instruction in the evaluation, selection, identification and use of appropriate information resources in all formats;

by planning and working directly with classroom teachers, to actively participate in the instructional process in which students use data and information to create new knowledge;

to provide resources and consulting services to parents and community groups appropriate to the school setting;

to identify and implement access to resources and information that will enable teachers to implement new teaching strategies;

to encourage appropriate instructional applications of technologies and provide guidance in their use;

to effectively and efficiently manage the library facility, resources, and program to benefit the entire school community;

to encourage and provide resources that support and extend the multilingual capabilities of the students.

Library Collection

The library collection is fully automated using LibrarySoft automation program, with the access to the Internet that is available for the students to do their research. Books, magazines, and audio-visual materials are available for use. The library includes two sections: Secondary and Elementary sections. Secondary section houses approximately 6500 volumes and elementary section contains more than 3500 books. Our audio-video collection exceeds 400 items. Our library subscribes more than 20 different types of magazines and periodicals.

Computer Catalog

The entire library collection is computerized using LirarySoft automation software. The catalog allows searching by author, title, subject, and key words, including Boolean searches. The catalog is available in all the computers in the classrooms including the office. The students may look up their overdue items from the catalog and renew them if they need.

Activities

All elementary grades visit the library once a week for library-information skills lessons, storytelling and borrowing books. Other than studying and borrowing, library specialists arrange all kinds of Reader of the Month competitions, “Readathons”, Drop Everything and Read and Book Fairs throughout the year to encourage the students to read and how to become effective users of information.

Parents Circulation Policy

Visiting Time

8:15 - 4:30pm Monday through Friday when the school is in session.

Registration

All parents must be registered and have a library card to borrow materials. Library cards are free and are issued to all TIS members. To receive library cards one passport size photograph or digital photo should be submitted.

Loan Periods and Renewals

Most books and magazines circulate for one month and may be renewed if there is not a reserve list.

Reference books are non-circulatory. Upon request, some reference items may be checked-out overnight.

Limits

Parents are allowed to checkout up to ten books/periodicals and selected 5 videos. Occasionally materials may be limited.

Overdue Materials

Library materials should be returned before the due dates. Patrons will be notified about the overdue materials by email or phone. No further checkouts will be available unless all the overdue materials are returned. The patron will be held responsible for missing or damaged items. At the end of the school year all the materials will be required to be returned. Children's report cards will not be released unless the accounts are settled.

Renewals and reserves may be made by electronic mail or by phone.