The Wickson Library

The modern and light Wickson Library was opened in January 2000 and offers superb facilities for traditional book and journal study, alongside the latest computer and internet technology. It provides a central learning resource for pupils and staff for all their academic needs as well as extra-curricular activities and recreational reading.

The spacious accommodation includes :

• 70 study spaces
• 26 computer work stations
• an audio visual room
• special collections, including 200 books of historical interest and copies of the King's School Magazine from 1885
• staff collection
• resource area
• reference collection

Facilities include :

• digital camera/video facilities
• stationary shop
• photocopier
• scanning and laser printing facilites
• laminating/binding facilities
• guillotine
• 1500 books
• 2700 fiction books
• 100 journals/magazine titles
• newspapers
• maps and atlases
• audio visual DVDs and CDs

The library resources include over 17,600 items, and subscriptions are taken to more than 60 journals and newspapers. There is also a careers section, a staff collection, a special collection of older books and yearbooks, and the extensive school archives.

Computing facilities give fast access to the school intranet and internet. In addition to the twenty six networked computers, there are five tablet PC's available for loan to sixth formers.

The library is open from 8.30am - 5pm and is always manned by one of our qualified librarians, with the aid of pupil librarians and the sixth form library team. There is an annual prize for the pupil librarian who has made the most outstanding contribution to the school library.

Classes regularly book the facilities for library-based work such as research projects and preparing presentations. Library inductions and library skills sessions are held at the start of the year for all new pupils.

The library management system, 'Heritage', is accessible from all computers in the school. Reading lists have been prepared for many departments and subjects guides are available in the library.

Staff

• Head Librarian and Archivist : Mrs R Harding BA MA
• Assistant Librarian (Journals & AV) : Mrs C A H Roberts  BSc  MCLIP
• Assistant Librarian (Acquisitions & fiction) : Dr V Scott  BSc  PhD

Resources

Books

The library has over 15,000 books on a wide variety of topics. These include curriculum subjects, books on sport and other recreational interests, and fiction.

Quick Reference Collection

This collection includes the Encyclopaedia Britannica, English and foreign language dictionaries, directories, statistical facts and figures, gazetteers, data books and telephone directories.

Main Collection

The Main Collection includes most of the non-fiction books, plus English poetry, Shakespeare, and literature in French, German and Spanish. The books are arranged by the Dewey Decimal Classification. The collection provides all the books required for the curriculum from the Removes to Sixth Form. In addition, there are books which will be of interest for extra-curricular activities, both connected to the school and outside. All students are encouraged to recommend books and the Library responds where at all possible. Copies of all the textbooks issued to students by departments are also held.

Fiction Collection

The collection of 2,700 books covers a wide range of fiction. The books are arranged in alphabetical order by the author's surname, but users can also search for specific genres and keywords using the library catalogue. Fiction, which tends to be more popular amongst the younger pupils, can also be easily identified.

Staff Collection

A staff collection is available to support staff INSET, including guidance on working with students who have specific learning difficulties. It also provides resources for PSE and critical thinking.

Special Collection

This is a collection of about 200 books of historical interest which are kept in a glass dispay cabinet. Many of the books were published in the nineteenth century andinclude books written by former pupils of the school. A complete set of The King's School Magazine starting in 1885 is shelved here.

Journals and Newspapers

Journals and Magazines

The library holds over 100 journal and magazine titles of which more than 60 are current subscriptions covering a wide range of subjects. The most recent issue for each title is displayed in the centre of the library with back issues shelved in boxes on the shelves behind.

We have online access to the full text electronic version of a number of our journals. These include The Economist, Art Review, Deutschland, Philosophy Now, Richmond Journal of Philosophy (now only available online ) and New Perspective via www.history-ontheweb.co.uk. Many other journals also have a web site with contents lists and summaries of articles.

Newspapers

The Times, The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph are received daily. We also take the Chester Chronicle and Les Cles de l'actualite. All are for library use only.

Maps and Atlases

The library has a Map Collection of about 160 sheets which includes O.S. maps, thematic maps and street maps, particularly of the local area and region. There are also a few facsimile reproductions of old maps of Cheshire and Chester and satellite images of the world and Europe. Most maps are for reference only, but some of the local folded OS maps may be borrowed. The complete dataset of all OS 1:50,000 maps is available on the school network. There are also excellent maps available via the Internet (check the links page of the library website).

The Atlas Collection contains world and national atlases as well as thematic atlases.

Audio-Visual Collections

The collections include educational DVDs and videos, audio CDs and audio-tapes. A wide range of curriculum subjects are covered including dramatic productions of works of fiction, coaching videos for sporting activities, biological and environmental conservation and careers. The audio CDs and tapes include fiction, poetry, biographical works, music and sound effects.

There are viewing and listening facilities in the Audio-Visual Room, where students can use the resources in small groups. Alternatively they may be borrowed for use at home or in the classroom.

Contact Details

Phone : 01244 689550

Email : library@kingschester.co.uk