LibLoc – How The Library Talks – Edition 1

Hello IPS, and welcome back to school for 2026!  

As your new Librarian, I would like to introduce you to LibLoc, a new fortnightly article I will be writing to keep you abreast of the latest happenings in the IPS Library, as well as the most recent additions to our collection. 

And for those eager, curious *little* minds asking, “What does loc mean?” – it comes from locution, which means a way of speaking. In other words, each article is about how the Library talks! 😊 

So, what does this quiet little space have to say this week? 

The biggest news is the number of displays installed around the space, shining a spotlight on special items in the collection. It is easy to find them using the Lists list on the school catalogue, Oliver/Orbit, also known as ‘Library Search’. 

Year round, the Library celebrates special days on the School community calendar, as well as giving students an insight into the global community. Currently, we are commemorating Chinese New Year; providing stimuli for Weekend/Holiday Fun, Discovery and Inspiration; promoting Living Healthy; and encouraging everyone to try a new book through Book Salad and Front Desk assortments. Phew! I am proud to say that they have already markedly increased student engagement and borrowing rates, with many hoots and giggles! 😊

From March 2nd – 6th, there will be a Work Experience student from Loyola College, Watsonia assisting me from time to time. Come and say hello! 

Collection-wise, we have many new items (books and more)! I have chosen the latest and most popular children’s literature, as well as expanding our Chinese collection, to reflect our community’s needs.  Existing collections have been reorganized for ease of access for students. These include “History of …”; Enid Blyton; Pokemon; Bad Guys and Dav Pilkey, to name a few. 

Logistically, I have installed several new elements, such as fresh signage indicating the above, extra Returns boxes and Books for Keeps – old Library books which students are welcome to keep.  There is even a super-comfy couch and cushions for extra seating during Storytime, and an all-new Collaboration Circle for older children. 

Lastly, students can now avail themselves of two Dewey Decimal Classification guides, for more efficient independent access to the non-fiction collection. In a similar vein, 2D had an introduction to the highly-entertaining Dewey Decimal Rap!