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School Library Service, Frequently Asked Questions
The School Library Service supports teaching and learning in schools by making quality resources , expertise and advice readily available to teachers and library staff. Our stock collection is developed to reflect changing curriculum needs and to support the development of effective school libraries as centres of information and independent learning.
Our customers include:
- Full-time and part-time permanent teachers
- Supply teachers whilst employed in an NEELB school
- Student teachers while on teaching practice in an NEELB school
- School library staff
- NEELB-employed home tutors, advisers, CASS staff etc.
College of Education students not currently on teaching practice, or other part-time or temporary teachers may borrow certain categories of material using their own public library card. Please contact the SLS for details.
Library Headquarters
Demesne Avenue
Ballymena
County Antrim
BT43 7BG
Core hours: Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm
Extended hours (term time)
Saturday 9am – 5pm, Thursday 9am – 8pm
Telephone: General enquiries - 02825 664116
Projects/requests - 02825 664132
Audiovisual Dept - 02825 664118
Professional advice - 02825 664130 (Primary)
02825 664117 (Post primary/ Special) Fax : 02825 630200
E-mail: schoollibraryservice.neelb@ni-libraries.net
Exactly what services does the SLS provide?
A range of services and advice to all categories of schools and the Board's Educational Guidance Centres. Full details in our Information Packs or by contacting the School Library Service. Resources are available in a variety of formats including fiction and non-fiction, big books, large print, videos, multimedia packs, audio books, CDs, poster packs etc. Professional advice is available on setting up a new library, stock selection, formulation of a school library policy / development plan etc.
A range of services and advice to all categories of schools and the Board's Educational Guidance Centres. Full details in our Information Packs or by contacting the School Library Service. Resources are available in a variety of formats including fiction and non-fiction, big books, large print, videos, multimedia packs, audio books, CDs, poster packs etc. Professional advice is available on setting up a new library, stock selection, formulation of a school library policy / development plan etc.
How can schools borrow resources?
Teachers are welcome to come into the School Library Service Department to select resources. Alternatively, they can phone, fax or e-mail their requests.
Teachers are welcome to come into the School Library Service Department to select resources. Alternatively, they can phone, fax or e-mail their requests.
Is there an online catalogue?
No; at present SLS material is masked on the online catalogue to protect holdings in schools from outside requests. We are looking at ways of making the SLS catalogue available to teachers and school-based library staff.
No; at present SLS material is masked on the online catalogue to protect holdings in schools from outside requests. We are looking at ways of making the SLS catalogue available to teachers and school-based library staff.
What information does the SLS need when I make a request or require a topic pack?
As much information as possible- notably ; name of school , name of teacher, curriculum level, reading age of pupils (if different from interest level), details of topic and date required.; also state if you wish audiovisual material to be included. For a specific request, as full details as you can muster – author, title, publisher ISBN, date of publication.
As much information as possible- notably ; name of school , name of teacher, curriculum level, reading age of pupils (if different from interest level), details of topic and date required.; also state if you wish audiovisual material to be included. For a specific request, as full details as you can muster – author, title, publisher ISBN, date of publication.
- Classroom collections from primary mobile – generally 55 volumes (2, 3 or 4 teacher schools have minimum total amounts allocated).
- Nursery schools – up to 100 vols during a mobile visit.
- Topic packs – up to 30 items per teacher at any one time. (These numbers may not always be available for high demand topics).
- Teachers collection – no limits, within reason.
- Audiovisual material – no limits, within reason.
- Post primary loan exchanges – up to 300 vols can be exchanged at any one visit.
How are the resources delivered/collected?
We deliver directly to your school. Our delivery van visits each area roughly once a fortnight. Teachers are, of course, welcome to call and collect material themselves if this is more convenient.
We deliver directly to your school. Our delivery van visits each area roughly once a fortnight. Teachers are, of course, welcome to call and collect material themselves if this is more convenient.
How long can I keep them?
Topic packs are issued for a minimum of two months (usually a term). Collection dates are included with each pack and reflect delivery van runs to your area. Teachers collection and audio visual material is more specialist and often in heavier demand so is issued for six weeks. Please adhere to collection dates or renew the items concerned.
Topic packs are issued for a minimum of two months (usually a term). Collection dates are included with each pack and reflect delivery van runs to your area. Teachers collection and audio visual material is more specialist and often in heavier demand so is issued for six weeks. Please adhere to collection dates or renew the items concerned.
What are the services' targets for processing and delivering requests?
Topic loans will be processed within five working days and delivered within three weeks. If this is not possible, we will contact the school to make alternative delivery arrangements. Specific title requests will be actioned within five working days – (supply will be subject to availability, budgetary limits and/or supplier performance).
Topic loans will be processed within five working days and delivered within three weeks. If this is not possible, we will contact the school to make alternative delivery arrangements. Specific title requests will be actioned within five working days – (supply will be subject to availability, budgetary limits and/or supplier performance).
Are audiovisual resources available?
Yes; our audiovisual collection contains over 8000 items available for loan.
Yes; our audiovisual collection contains over 8000 items available for loan.
What is the procedure for renewing items?
We require prompt return of resources for use by other teachers. However, renewals will usually be granted on application unless an item has been requested by someone else, or if the item is on a high demand topic. To renew, please contact us before the collection date for the material.
We require prompt return of resources for use by other teachers. However, renewals will usually be granted on application unless an item has been requested by someone else, or if the item is on a high demand topic. To renew, please contact us before the collection date for the material.
What is the procedure for overdue items?
Material is usually issued complete with collection date either written on a card inserted with the project or on the date label of the book as in the case of Teachers Collection material. If items are not returned, an overdue letter will be sent out with a new collection date, followed by a second and final overdue if the material is still not returned. To ensure an efficient service, please try and return items promptly after use.
Material is usually issued complete with collection date either written on a card inserted with the project or on the date label of the book as in the case of Teachers Collection material. If items are not returned, an overdue letter will be sent out with a new collection date, followed by a second and final overdue if the material is still not returned. To ensure an efficient service, please try and return items promptly after use.
Will I be charged for overdue or lost material?
At present we only charge for lost or damaged Teachers Collection or Audiovisual material. This material is expensive to buy so a full replacement charge is levied. However, if the item is subsequently found, a full refund is given.
At present we only charge for lost or damaged Teachers Collection or Audiovisual material. This material is expensive to buy so a full replacement charge is levied. However, if the item is subsequently found, a full refund is given.
How many times will the mobile visit my school each year?
We aim for three visits to Primary schools and nurseries, two to Post primaries and Special schools. This is determined by the time available in the school year and the mobile schedules of the vehicles involved.
We aim for three visits to Primary schools and nurseries, two to Post primaries and Special schools. This is determined by the time available in the school year and the mobile schedules of the vehicles involved.
Can I bring pupils onto the mobile library?
Yes certainly, but please bear in mind the mobile's limited space! In line with our Child Protection policy, a maximum of 8 pupils on the mobile at any one time is recommended. Pupil safety and behaviour remain the responsibility of the teachers concerned.
Yes certainly, but please bear in mind the mobile's limited space! In line with our Child Protection policy, a maximum of 8 pupils on the mobile at any one time is recommended. Pupil safety and behaviour remain the responsibility of the teachers concerned.
Can I spend extra funds through the SLS and what are the benefits?
Yes – we offer a service level agreement to enable this procedure to run more smoothly. Schools will transfer funds to the SLS and then be free to choose books to that value from our stock. The SLS will try to add extra stock e.g. 25p in the £, if resources allow. For full details contact our Dept.
Yes – we offer a service level agreement to enable this procedure to run more smoothly. Schools will transfer funds to the SLS and then be free to choose books to that value from our stock. The SLS will try to add extra stock e.g. 25p in the £, if resources allow. For full details contact our Dept.
The benefits to your school will be:
- stock arrives at the school already serviced ie shelf ready for the library.
- books chosen are immediately available.
- the stock can be exchanged for other library books in the future if required.
- you get extra value for money.
Can I receive any training from the SLS?
Yes, the professional staff will be happy to visit your school with advice on library matters and one to one support. There is also more structured Inset and training carried out from time to time. Notification will be sent out to relevant staff groups when these sessions are taking place. At present support and training regarding the ALICE computerised system is carried out by the:
Yes, the professional staff will be happy to visit your school with advice on library matters and one to one support. There is also more structured Inset and training carried out from time to time. Notification will be sent out to relevant staff groups when these sessions are taking place. At present support and training regarding the ALICE computerised system is carried out by the:
CLASS Centre
86 Belfast Road
Ballyclare BT37 9LS
(Tel: 028 933 24168)
Why is the library stock count so important and when should I do it?
Books and library materials are expensive resources and the Department of Education requires us to collect these figures from schools each year. They normally only query excessive losses and schools would be expected to take some action to rectify any major problems. A form will be sent out to you in June each year and the returns from Primaries should be handed in during the mobile visit in the Autumn term. Post Primaries should post their returns by the end of September.
Books and library materials are expensive resources and the Department of Education requires us to collect these figures from schools each year. They normally only query excessive losses and schools would be expected to take some action to rectify any major problems. A form will be sent out to you in June each year and the returns from Primaries should be handed in during the mobile visit in the Autumn term. Post Primaries should post their returns by the end of September.
Who owns the books?
All books supplied via the SLS remain the property of the SLS. Please do not stamp or mark them permanently in any other way.
All books supplied via the SLS remain the property of the SLS. Please do not stamp or mark them permanently in any other way.
Do you provide barcodes/stationery for other books I might have?
At present we supply barcodes, date labels and issue tickets to schools free of charge.
At present we supply barcodes, date labels and issue tickets to schools free of charge.
How does the budget visit work? (Post Primaries)
Post Primary schools receive a library budget allocation based on enrolment figures for that school year. During the autumn term mobile visit, staff have the opportunity to choose brand new stock from the mobile up to the value of that allocation.
Post Primary schools receive a library budget allocation based on enrolment figures for that school year. During the autumn term mobile visit, staff have the opportunity to choose brand new stock from the mobile up to the value of that allocation.
How does the loan exchange visit work? (Post Primaries)
The mobile visits again in the spring/summer term. This time the school can exchange up to 300 items from their existing library stock. The library staff should choose the books for return in advance and have them ready for exchange on the day. Usually only the person in charge of the library would be needed on the mobile during this visit. It is an opportunity to ensure your library does not get out of date and to encourage turnover of stock.
The mobile visits again in the spring/summer term. This time the school can exchange up to 300 items from their existing library stock. The library staff should choose the books for return in advance and have them ready for exchange on the day. Usually only the person in charge of the library would be needed on the mobile during this visit. It is an opportunity to ensure your library does not get out of date and to encourage turnover of stock.
Do we have to exchange like for like? (Post Primaries)
It is not always essential to exchange like for like (ie.100 fiction for 100 fiction etc) but there would probably be a greater emphasis on fiction during the loan exchange visit. We would prefer a straight exchange to take place on the day but it is possible for our delivery van to pick up returns by arrangement at a later date.
It is not always essential to exchange like for like (ie.100 fiction for 100 fiction etc) but there would probably be a greater emphasis on fiction during the loan exchange visit. We would prefer a straight exchange to take place on the day but it is possible for our delivery van to pick up returns by arrangement at a later date.
How can schools help the SLS provide a more efficient service?
Our main problems revolve around schools either not returning materials on time or not returning all the materials together. If possible, please check that all books are returned with project packs and that all the contents of individual audiovisual items are present on return. We estimate that some 75% of material is returned incomplete. You are welcome to use the renewal procedure if you wish to keep something for a longer period. Returning material promptly ensures it is kept in circulation and available to others. Thanks for your help.
Our main problems revolve around schools either not returning materials on time or not returning all the materials together. If possible, please check that all books are returned with project packs and that all the contents of individual audiovisual items are present on return. We estimate that some 75% of material is returned incomplete. You are welcome to use the renewal procedure if you wish to keep something for a longer period. Returning material promptly ensures it is kept in circulation and available to others. Thanks for your help.
