There is a wide variety of materials available at the library. There are books, magazines, maps, reference and ready reference collections, videos, DVDs, and databases. Try these different resources -- you’ll be surprised at what you discover! If you need help finding anything, just ask for assistance at the reference counter. To find books, videos, or DVDs in the library's collection, simply search our card catalog. If there is a problem with any equipment or books, please tell a library staff member so we can get it fixed.
Books:
There are approximately 15,000 books in the library, most of which are nonfiction titles. Fiction and regular nonfiction can be checked out for three weeks. Reference, Ready Reference, and Reserve books can be checked out on an overnight basis (borrowed after 4th period and returned before 1st period the next day). When returning checked out books, please gently slide them through the book return slot located in the front of the circulation counter when you first come in to the library. If you are using books within the library, please do not reshelve books to the bookcases, instead return them to the shelving carts at the front counter.
• Ready Reference Books:
Books that are important for many topics and are extremely popular are located in the Ready Reference section behind the reference counter. Their call number begins with an"RR" and they have a yellow "R" sticker on the spine. These books can be checked out on an overnight basis
• Reference Books:
Books that are useful for many subjects and are typically multiple volume works are located in the Reference section in front of the nonfiction book collection. Their call number begins with an "R" and they have a red and white label "Reference" sticker on the spine. These books can be checked out on an overnight basis
• Reserve Books:
Books on topics that are being used in more than one class during a certain time may be temporarily designated as a Reserve book in order to give access to the most people. These items that would normally circulate for three weeks may be available only on an overnight basis until the assignment is complete or restricted completely from checkout until the teacher designates that they can circulate.
Databases:
Many of the best book & magazine resources are now available as web-based databases through annual subscriptions. This evolution of resources provides some wonderful features like easier searching, guaranteed availability, and the ability to email articles. In addition to the free Michigan eLibrary databases (MEL) provided through the Library of Michigan, the SHS library subscribes to eight other databases that are available for Saline High School staff and students' use at school through any networked computer in the building. All of the databases do allow access from home as well, just stop by the library for the login and password information. For further database title and description information, link to our Database page.
Magazines:
In order to find information on current news and topics, one of the best sources are magazines. The library currently subscribes to nearly 100 magazines. Issues are kept for the current year, plus a backfile of five years (essentially 6 years). For a complete list of magazines available, click here,
Magazine Indexes: In order to find useful magazine articles for your reasearch, it is important to use magazine indexes. These books are located next to the reference counter on the bookcase with the encyclopedias. Indexes are arranged alphabetically. To use an index, look up the subject, keyword, or author's last name. Many indexes have "see" or "see also" references to guide you to the subject or other related subjects. These indexes will provide important information as to which magazine title, issue date, and pages you will need. Once you know which magazine you would like to use, just fill out a magazine request slip and bring it to the reference counter. Magazines can not be checked out, however there is a copier in the library and costs 10¢ per copy. The library has the following three indexes to assist in research:
*Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature = Indexes a majority of the magazines in our collection. Helpful Hint - Always use the hardcover annual books over the quarterly paperback (4 paperback = 1 hardcover). |
*American Heritage 50 Year Index (1954 - 2004) = Good for people, places and events important in United States history. Library owns issues back to 1954. |
*National Geographic 100 Year Index (1888 - 1988 and Supplements, 1989-98) = Good for culture, geography, and science topics. Library owns issues back to 1920. |
• Specialized Magazines:
There are a few essential magazines that are extremely popular with our researchers. Most of these magazines are located in the Ready Reference section behind the library counter and have their own indexes to find articles. These popular magazines are:
* CQ Researcher (1987- present) Weekly magazine covering a different topic in-depth and without advertising. There are also annual bound books of all of the issues, as well as Internet access to the CQ Researcher database. |
*Issues & Controversies on File (2000 - present) Magazine covering three different topics per issue that are currently in the news. A larger backfile of these issues is available through our Facts.com database subscription. |
*SIRS Enduring Issues (1999 - present) Collection of best articles on social issues from magazines and newspapers on various topics. The SIRS Researcher database allows access to even more in-depth information as well. |
* Congressional Digest (1970 - present) Monthly pro & con controversies in Congress. Content also available in the Pro & Con database. |
* Supreme Court Debates (1998 - present) Monthly pro & con controversies facing the Supreme Court. Content also available in the Pro & Con database. |
Videos & DVDs:
The SHS library's Video and DVD collection contains over 500 items and are intended for teacher use. However, if a student needs to borrow a video, they have two options. A video/DVD can be watched within the library using one of the library's TV and DVD/VCR player. If a student needs to borrow it on an overnight basis, the teacher has to agree to check it out in their own name for the student. To find out what videos and DVDs are in our collection, use the card catalog.
Another way to access video content, is to use the Video-on-Demand database. This video streaming database from United Streaming contains 4,000 educational videos, 40,000 video clips, 2,800 images, and 1,200 clip art images that are available for you to view and use in your research. It also can be accessed from home.