Library Learning Commons

Welcome to Richard S. Fowler's Library Learning Commons!

 

Click here to access the RSF Destiny Discover library catalogue online!

https://search.follettsoftware.com/metasearch/ui/135541

Scroll down for answers to frequently asked questions,

links to reference information and the Alberta Learning Online Reference Centre,

links to helpful information and writing tips and

updates as to events and activities happening in your library.

 

 

Philosophy / Mission Statement

RSF Library Learning Commons
 
 
To create a friendly, inclusive, learner-centered “Learning Commons”* environment for collaboration, inquiry, imagination and play to expand and deepen learning; an environment which is relevant to the school’s faith-based community, which supports the curriculum and teaching staff and which enables students to achieve their full potential as active participants in our increasingly complex and technologically driven society. We look to Elders and Knowledge Keepers to continue to share Indigenous ways of knowing and traditions with us, as we continue to build foundational knowledge of our country's’ First Peoples.

* The "Learning Commons" is a new concept for School Libraries. It represents a shift in thinking from a library as a physical space that is a repository of books where students access prior knowledge to a place of flexible and collaborative learning - an environment that encourages critical thinking, problem solving, literacy and the ability to filter and apply knowledge.

F. A. Q.

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? Is the Library Learning Commons open at locker break or lunch? 

• The Library Learning Commons is closed during locker break on Monday through Friday.The LLC is open during the second half of lunch for study, school work and social interaction. Special activities and clubs are offered for students to sign up for and participate in.

? Can I eat and drink in the library?

• Only water is allowed in the Library. Please leave all other drinks at the desk.                     No food allowed! 

 ? How do I get a library card?

• You have access to the library as a student, you do not need a card.  

 ? How many books can I borrow?

• Five items, not including textbooks.

 ? When do I bring the books back?

• Books are due in 3 weeks, magazines 1 week

 ? Can I renew my books?

• Yes, books can be renewed once.  You don’t need the book with you to renew it.

 ? What happens if my book is overdue?

• There is no charge, but you will get verbal and written notices to return the item.

 ? Can I take out something else if I have an overdue book?

• No, unless you require something for an assignment.

 ? What happens if a book is damaged or lost?

• You are responsible to pay for repair or replacement, as necessary.

? How do I find something I’m looking for?

• By searching the RSF Library catalogue online:   https://search.follettsoftware.com/metasearch/ui/135541

Links to Reference Information

St. Albert Public Library (SAPL) monthly newsletter "Check it Out"

https://www.sapl.ca/images/newsletters/issues/Check%20it%20Out%20Oct%202018.pdf

Alberta Learning Online Reference Centre

http://www.learnalberta.ca

* Access available from school computers on site. If you require access from home please see Ms. Meyer for the GSACRD

  Sign-in information (User Name and Password)

Making Career Choices - Alberta Learning Information Service

http://alis.alberta.ca/

Need a calculator? Free Online Calculator

Web2.0Calc http://web2.0calc.com/

The World History Encyclopedia

http://www.worldhistory.org

The Canadian Encyclopedia

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en

Columbia Encyclopedia/ Encyclopedia Britannica

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/126960/Columbia-Encyclopedia

Encyclopedia Mythica - Mythology, Folklore and Religion

http://www.pantheon.org/

Merriam-Webster Dictionary and Thesaurus

http://www.merriam-webster.com/

Infoplease - Almanacs, atlas, dictionary, encyclopedia, periodic table, perpetual calendar, etc

http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/

Atlas of Canada

http://atlas.gc.ca/site/english/index.html

World Maps

http://www.atlapedia.com/index.html

Alberta Transportation Driver's Guide to Operation, Safety and Licensing - Cars and Light trucks

https://tests.ca/alberta/drivers-guide/

Practice for your learner's permit

http://www.learners-practice-test.ca/

http://icandrive.ca/alberta/class-7-practice-test/

 

 

RSF Club Corner

The Library Learning Commons at RSF is an active place at lunch time. We offer various activities and choices for students during the second half of lunch: games, crafts, challenges, etc. 

Coming up! Our Spring RSF CHECKMATE CHALLENGE chess tournament. Sign-up March 1st to 6th and play begins March 12th.

 

 

Online Textbooks

Students have access to the specific chapter of the textbooks they are currently using in class through GOOGLE CLASSROOM (using their individual access codes) or through e-Teacher websites.

Math and science e-textbooks are available for purchase from the publisher.

(Bound, hard-copy textbooks are provided in school for all students)

 

 Math Makes Sense 7, 8 and 9:

http://www.pearsoncanadaschool.com

$9.83 plus GST for a 1 year e-textbook. Internet connection required to use.

 

Sciencefocus 7, 8 and 9:

$16.19 plus GST for 1 year e-textbook. Internet connection required to use.

Call 1-800-268-2222 and give the ISBN number below to purchase the access code of requested e-textbook:

     ScienceFocus 7: ISBN number - 1259369706 

     ScienceFocus 8: ISBN number - 1259369714

     ScienceFocus 9: ISBN number - 1259369722

 

There are currently no e-textbooks legally available for Social Studies

There are online resources for:

Grade 7 - Voices and Visions

Plagiarism and Citations

The Canadian Oxford Dictionary defines plagiarism as:

1.  Taking and using (the thoughts, writings, inventions, etc. of another person) as one's own.

2.  Passing off the thoughts etc. of (another person's) as one's own.

 It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to:

  • ask questions and seek help from teachers and library staff
  • follow the MLA or APA format as directed by your teacher. (check out the Citation information below)
  • use in-text or in-project documentation accurately and appropriately
  • use Works Cited and Works Consulted pages accurately and appropriately
  • submit only your own work

 If you have more questions check out Plagiarism.org or ask your teacher.

 

CITING YOUR RESOURCES

What is a citation?

A citation is a reference to the sources of the idea, information or image that you have used.  A citation usually includes identifying information such as author, titles, publication format and date.  This allows your reader to access the original source.

Why do we cite our sources?

Citing the sources you use in your research gives credit to original source.  Citing is a way of sharing information, letting your readers knows where you accessed your information.  Students who cite also set an example of integrity and skill as a responsible student.  Citing your sources prevents plagiarism. 

Types of citation

There are various ways to cite your information.  The most popular methods are MLA (Modern Language Association), APA (American Psychological Association) and Chicago.  Other methods include Harvard, Turabian, Oxford, Bluebook and Vancouver system. 

When do I need to cite my sources?

  • When you use a direct quote of more than one word.
  • Paraphrasing or summarizing someone else's ideas or work.
  • Information that may be common knowledge but may be unfamiliar to your reader.
  • If you are wondering about citing, err on the side of caution and cite!

What types of materials need to be cited?

  • Books
  • Articles (from print sources or from online article databases)
  • Interviews
  • E-mail or any other correspondence
  • Web pages
  • Government documents
  • Non-print media (videotapes, audiotapes, pictures and images)
  • Software or any digital formats

So how do we cite?

See the following link for information:

Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)