Collection

The library collection includes approximately 30,000 books and 850 videotapes, as well as a large collection online databases, CD-ROMs, laser discs, globes, maps, art prints, and microfiche resources. The library subscribes to 32 periodicals at the middle/upper school level, 11 lower school titles, and receives The New York Times, The Courier-Journal, and the weekly Voice-Tribune. TV/VCR units, CD-ROM players, laser disc players, overhead projectors, and other audiovisual equipment is available in the library’s AV room.

The library has fully automated catalog and circulation systems, using Follett software for Windows. Five workstations access the catalog database, and students are encouraged to find and use helpful, appropriate materials from both lower school and upper school areas. In 2004, the library catalog (BearCAT) will also be accessible from classrooms over the school network and online via this web site.

The library’s professional collection includes materials on parenting, child psychology, learning styles, reading guides, classroom lesson ideas, and many other topics of interest to adults in the KCD community. This collection is located in the upper school portion of the Robertson Library.

Collection development in the library is closely tied to the curriculum needs of all three divisions. Material selection is based on extensive consultation between librarians and teachers, and individual items are purchased based on requests from faculty, students, or parents; a determination of overall relevance, quality, and cost; and favorable reviews from professional reviewing sources. In addition, the librarians pay special attention to identifying and purchasing materials to support personal inquiry and growth of the KCD community. The librarians are responsible for building and maintaining the collection.

Programs

The upper/middle school library program supports students’ information and literary needs through a variety of print and non-print resources. Classes schedule visits for orientations, introductions to research strategies, proper documentation, work periods, and time for individual consultations with the librarian. The library is always open for students’ individual study or research needs. In addition, the library serves as a resource for the research needs of middle school and upper school faculty.

The lower school library program supports children’s independent reading and research as well as their classroom activities. The elementary school library curriculum introduces children to the care and parts of books, reference sources, search skills, a wide array of fiction and non-fiction, the Caldecott and Newberry Awards, and the concepts of authorship and publication. As students progress throught the lower school, they develop increasingly sophisticated approaches to research.

Early elementary classes come to the library on a weekly basis throughout the year. Fourth grade classes come periodically for specially focused units that include research skills activities. Fourth-graders create a research paper as the culminating activity at the end of the year. Individuals are welcome to come to the library throughout the school day.