Departments
Library


Mission Statement
The mission of the Mount Carmel Academy library is to fully support the general philosophy of the school, which commits itself to maintain the principles of quality Catholic education. Serving the faculty and students of Mount Carmel Academy is the primary consideration of the library staff, which consists of two full-time certified librarians and one part-time library aide.

The Mount Carmel Academy Library supports the curriculum of the school. Two full-time librarians and one part-time library aide provide for the informational needs of the faculty, staff, and students. These needs may be professional, personal, reference, statistical, or academic and may require print and/or electronic sources. All of this takes place in an atmosphere that is friendly and open, and in an environment that is conducive to study, research, and growth in the pursuit of knowledge.

The library is open from 7:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M., allowing students time both before and after school to work on assignments, seek help, check out books, read, or complete homework in a group setting. Students may work in private study carrels, at tables or on one of 12 computers wired to the school network. The atmosphere during these times is more relaxed as the groups in the IMC are also present. During the IS time of the school day, students again may work on assignments, study quietly, or read. A concerted effort is made to maintain a reasonably quiet setting. Many classes are scheduled during the rest of the day that require presentations, teaching, and/or demonstrations. Students may also come in from other classes.

It takes constant effort to be aware of the needs and the interests of the members of the student body, faculty, and staff. Books and videos are regularly ordered at the request of teachers to assist in the completion of assignments and projects. As of May 2007, the Mount Carmel Academy collection consists of 13,775 books, 413 videos, and 94 DVDs. Librarians regularly research Web Sites to determine the validity of potential sources for student work. Subscription databases including SIRS, EBSCOhost, World Book Online, and the Associated Press Photo Archive are available to students researching paper, or putting together PowerPoint presentations. Five newspapers and 39 periodicals are gathered as current sources for students. Displays are changed frequently to show the print materials that are present for projects, special school celebrations and/or activities, and holidays. Lists of books are printed out in a bookbag form for teacher consideration in planning.

The library is closely aligned with the English Department, providing library orientation sessions for incoming students as well as providing a "home away from home" for students researching term papers. If needed, classes can also be scheduled in a computer lab with the instruction given by the library staff. Classes may be scheduled for a period, several periods, or a portion of a period. Suggestions for summer reading for English have been made from the library. Other departments have also sought the use of the library. Working with a variety of disciplines is already in place.

The physical setting of the Mount Carmel Academy Library is very beautiful and spacious. Making it a place where information is readily available and accessible to all is a goal that is worked on daily. Making it an area that is comfortable for patrons to be, to seek information and help, and to learn cannot be emphasized enough. Setting and atmosphere are important elements for the growth process and its nurturing.

The greatest Catholic values exhibited by the library staff are the great respect the staff has for the students and their manifest desire to always be of service.