The Library and Learning Resources Centre lies at the heart of Ashlawn’s learning community, supporting the teaching and learning activities initiated by all departments and cohort groups. The Library is a valuable resource available to students, staff and Governors. It is a well-equipped multimedia facility, providing a stimulating, purposeful and pleasant environment for research and private study throughout the school day and after school.

Networked computers, together with a printer, television, VHS and DVD player and photocopier co-exist with an ever-increasing printed catalogue that is currently in excess of 12,500 volumes. In addition to the printed catalogue, students have access to a range of CD ROMS, DVD’s and Britannica Online. Several national and local newspapers and periodicals including Total Film, The English Review, Newsweek, National Geographic and Computeractive are taken and made available for students’ use.

Through their use of the facility students refine their understanding of how libraries function, develop information location, retrieval and handling skills and strengthen their understanding of how to successfully undertake independent research. Above all the Library and Learning Resources Centre is committed to encouraging a love of reading and to fostering the recognition that libraries are essential tools in lifelong learning.

Ann Garratt
Library and Learning Resources Centre Manager
February 2009