General Information

    J.R. Masterman School Library strives to offer a space where patrons can study, research, and explore information effectively and efficiently. Therefore, we maintain a mostly quiet space in consideration of our patrons’ needs. Our library exists first and foremost to develop intellectual pursuits, thus, this aim is a priority.

      J. R. Masterman School Library adheres to the School District of Philadelphia’s policy of internet use and academic integrity.  Professor Bill Taylor, retired political science teacher from Oakton Community College in Illinois, offers a comprehensive view on this subject in his letter to his students.
Link: http://www.grin.edu/academic/writinglab/faculty/Letter_To_My_Students.pdf

Our librarian is: Bernadette Cooke-Kearney

 

Schedule

Morning:
7:45 AM -  8:15 AM    Monday - Friday

Lunch Periods:
5th, 6th, 7th Graders: admitted with pass
8th Graders: sign out from the lunch room
High School Students: sign in

After school:
3:19 p.m.  -  4:19 p.m. Monday-Thursday

The library is not open after school on half days.

If the librarian needs to attend a meeting after school, she/he will post a notice.

Staff

Mrs. Bernadette Kearney, Certified School Librarian
Mrs. Ardella Jennings, retired LIMA, Ink Drinkers moderator
Mrs. Julie Naylor-Nolas, Home and School Liaison
Mrs. Jane Piecuch, Home and School Liaison

Library Procedures

1. Sign in as you enter the library.
2. Check out materials at the circulation desk by signing out circulation card and getting book scanned. 
3. Materials are to be checked out at the circulation desk for a period of two (2) weeks. Students are permitted to check out two materials at a time. There is a fine of five (5) cents per day for overdue materials. Students who have overdue materials will not be allowed to check out new materials.
4. Students must sign out computers at the circulation desk. Students using computers for homework or research have priority. 
5. Return materials in the book drop box if on time. If materials are late, please see the librarian at the circulation desk.
6. Observe quiet in the reference room. Teachers should alert the librarian if they need to reserve the reference room.

Book Reviews

Guidelines for Book Reviews:

•Bibliographic information (author, title, illustrator, copyright date)
•Genre
•Length
•Interest level: 5-6; 7-8; YA (young adult)
•Quality of writing: 1-5 (5 is the highest score)
•Brief annotation
•Links (series, similar to another book, favorite author, curriculum support, etc.)

Also check out Teen Ink for book suggestions and reviews: http:www.teenink.com/Books/ .

Suggestions?

    The school library’s collection should support the curriculum and provide leisure reading for its primary patrons, the student population. We are interested in books, DVDs, magazines, etc., that you think would benefit our school community. We take your suggestions seriously and make every effort within our limited budget to address your requests. In turn, we expect anyone contributing a suggestion to do so sincerely.  A suggestion box is located on the supply cabinet in the library for written requests; you can also download a suggestion form here.

Try to fill in as much information as you can. Check the title page for title and author and the back of the title page to find the International Standard Book Number (ISBN). Usually, the title page is in the front of the book; in some picture books, the ISBN is in the back of the book.

Information for Teachers

 

 

 

1. Long arm stapler
2. Binding machine
3. Laminating machine-Please label materials to be laminated and leave with library staff.
4. Teachers are encouraged to schedule library classes and to collaborate with the librarian on integrated lessons. Lessons should be scheduled so that the students receive optimum instruction. Some suggestions for instruction:

    •Whole class
    • Small groups
    •Individual instruction

    •book talks
    •read alouds
    •research
    •writing
    •information skills
    •literacy
    •literature circles
    •PowerLibrary/web-based lessons

In fact, the librarian will collaborate with any teacher on any lesson that can be enhanced by team teaching.

The library schedule book is at the circulation desk. Please sign up AFTER consulting with a member of the library staff. Collaboration forms are also available in the library office.

Teacher  Support:
Teachers are encouraged to suggest materials that will support the curriculum. Teachers may write the suggestion or submit it online.

Teachers may request book carts with materials for units. Please notify the library staff with the topic and dates of the project.

Volunteer Suggestions

Masterman School Library welcomes parent volunteers. In addition to the yearly book fair, we need volunteers for shelving, book covering, and small projects. At times, we need circulation desk coverage before 10:00 a.m. and after 2:30 p.m. This year, we want to concentrate on creating a pleasant, welcoming space for young people to read and work. Some projects can be done at home like, sewing cushions, creating window treatments (covering shades with material),  and framing pictures of Newbery winners by senior art class.
    Our schedule is flexible, but our space is tight; so, if you want to volunteer, please contact  Mrs. Kearney at the school telephone number (215-299-4661) or email, (bcookekearney@philasd.org) with your available days/times and your preferences. Thank you for your generosity!