From the Library Resource Centre (LRC)

Dear Parents and Students,

Senior Library Resource Centre – Resources provided for Students

The Senior Library Resource Centre (Senior LRC) provides many resources for students’ learning needs and curriculum related requirements. There is also a huge range of novels for recreational reading.

Traditionally people think of Libraries providing books (fiction, non-fiction, reference books), magazines, DVDs and audio CDs. While the Senior Library holds all these items, there are a number of books that also cater to students with learning problems like dyslexia, low reading ability and vision impairment. Students also have access to past HSC and Trial HSC exam papers, as well as other HSC related texts for exam preparation and study. 

However, there are other non-traditional resources that come under the umbrella of the BMGS Senior LRC. Links to these resources can be found on the Student Portal and MyBMGS Library pages. 

Library database (Oliver) News page – informational dashboard page listing external organisations that can assist further with student research and study, including digital databases on various subjects accessed from the BMCC Library, State Library of NSW, and National Library of Australia sites, as well as Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

World Book Online Encyclopaedia – age appropriate factual information provided for primary and secondary levels, including extra features like videos, animations, photos and illustrations. Text can be changed for easier reading for those with dyslexia or vision impairment. Includes educational games and WebQuests.

ClickView – audiovisual platform containing educational and curriculum related programs, as well as commercially available TV programs. Students can access appropriately rated resources for their age. All secondary students have their own accounts, while primary students are shown programs in class. 

Fairfax newspapers – 3 newspapers to access daily, including Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, and Australian Financial Review. Due to licensing conditions, these papers can only be accessed from BMGS onsite, not from home.

Warringal Publications -- digital editions of Legaldate and Ecodate magazines, on legal studies and economics topics for secondary students. 

Turnitin – plagiarism and AI detection tool for students to upload their assessment tasks for marking by teachers.

I also update the MyBMGS pages with news from the local Blue Mountains City Council Library, their resources and services, as well as events and activities organised by their Library staff. Some of their regular activities are held weekdays at various branches, while others are held only during the school holidays. Parents can subscribe to the BMCC Library newsletter by going to the What's On @ The Library page, and receive early bird notifications.

I hope this information illustrates to parents the resources provided to their students for learning, education and recreation. If students need any assistance using Library resources, they can visit me in the Library or email me on bmgslrc@bmgs.nsw.edu.au 

Thank you and hope your Term 3 is going well! 

Elisabeth Wells

Senior Library Information Services Technician