GRADY HIGH SCHOOL MEDIA CENTER
Hours: 7:30 – 5:00 Mon.
7:30 - 4:00 Tues.-Thurs.
7:30-3:30-Fri.
Media Specialists: Mr. Brian Montero & Ms. Lisa Taft
Writing Center Monday-Thursday 3:30-6:00
The Grady High School Media Center strives to support student research and independent reading by providing access to a variety of print and digital resources, conducting tutorials on database searching and source citation, and sponsoring a student book club and other literacy-related activities. The Writing Center is also housed in the media center and is open Monday through Thursday 3:30-6:00 p.m.
Resources
Books and Magazines
The GHS media center has approximately 6,500 books for student check-out. Library Solutions our web-based, automated catalog and circulation system, allows students to search for books from any Internet-connected computer. The media center also subscribes to 13 popular print magazines. Current magazines and 2 back issues are located on the magazine rack. Magazines are available for in-library use only.
Databases
GALILEO ( Georgia Library Learning Online) provides access to over 2000 full-text journals as well as encyclopedias, government documents, images and primary source materials on The Digital Library of Georgia. GALILEO serves the University System of Georgia as well as K-12 and public libraries. Databases provide access to authoritative sources and are an essential component of balanced research. The password changes quarterly, on March 24th, May 15th, August 31st, and December 12th.
A subscription service providing access to 28 multi-volume reference sets covering topics across the curriculum.
The Grady High School Book Club
The book club meets once a week in the media center for book discussions and for community service project. See Ms. Taft for details.
The Writing Center
The Writing Center, staffed by former Grady teacher Ms. Riki Bolster and community volunteers, is open Monday through Thursday 3:30-6:00 p.m. Students are encouraged to come by the WC for individual help with writing assignments and college essays. The WC also sponsors creative writing workshops and contests throughout the school year. See Ms. Bolster for details.
The Atlanta Fulton Public Library
Students at GHS are eligible for an Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library card and do not need parental consent to obtain a card. Cardholders have access to a wide range of print and online resources free of charge. Many Atlanta- Fulton library branches also have evening and weekend hours staffed with reference librarians available to help with research. Library card applications are available in the GHS media center. Students may return their completed card applications to Ms. Taft who will forward the applications to the Ponce de Leon Library. The student cards are then delivered to Ms. Taft for distribution.
Policies
Library passes Students must have a signed pass from a teacher if they are visiting during class time. Students without passes will be returned to class. Passes are not required before school 7:30- 8:00 a.m. or after school.
Student Behavior
The media center is reserved for quiet reading and research at all times. The following are strictly prohibited: food and drink, cell phones, loud talking or socializing, taking items from the library without checking them out. Students who fail to observe the rules will be asked to return to class.
Check- out.
Students are permitted to check out books for two weeks. A book may be renewed unless another student has reserved it. In order to renew a book, you must bring it to the library. Reference books may be checked-out overnight at the discretion of the media specialist. Please remember that you are responsible for items checked out in your name. Therefore, you should avoid checking out books for friends. Please return all books to the book drop just inside the media center entrance. Do not entrust the responsibility for returning books to anyone else. Please do not leave books on the circulation desk or carts.
Lost or damaged materials
Students are encouraged to return library books on time and to take care of materials they check-out from the library. In accordance with APS policy, students must pay the replacement cost for lost or damaged library materials. If an item is overdue for more than one month, the media specialist will issue a debt card to the registrar and a hold will be placed on the student’s record until the book is either returned or paid for.
Computer & Internet Use
The GHS media center has 31 computer workstations with Microsoft Office 2010 software including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Publisher. The media center also provides Internet access for research purposes. Computers are strictly for schoolwork.
Students must comply with the APS Board of Education Internet Acceptable Use Policy . Please be aware that a violation of the Acceptable Use Policy may result in the suspension of Internet privileges and may result in further disciplinary actions. For repeated or serious offenses including downloading obscene material and vandalism, the media specialist will contact the administration immediately and disciplinary action will follow.
Saving and Printing Documents
Students are encouraged to be careful about saving their work. We recommend using an email account or jump drive to save work. All of the student computers are networked to a black & white printer and there is no charge for printing school projects and papers. However, students are asked to avoid excessive printing. Printing items unrelated to school work is strictly forbidden. Students who do not observe these rules will lose computer privileges.
Color printing is available for .25 per page.
Last update: 8/12/12 L.Taft
