Library
Macintyre High School Library is a welcoming and inclusive space for all students. We encourage a love of reading through our extensive collection and provide a supportive environment for study, research, reading and recreation.
The School Library is an educational resource centre for the planning and implementation of the total school curriculum. It provides relevant and engaging resources to enhance academic and non-academic programmes.
Hours
The library is open from 8:30am to 3:30pm including recess and lunch.
The library is closed on Friday B week at recess.
Senior students are strongly encouraged to use the library during their study lessons.
Library Staff
The library is staffed by a full-time qualified teacher librarian, Mrs McLoughlin, and a library assistant.
The librarian collaborates with classroom teachers to provide relevant resources and information literacy skills as well as assists students with research tasks and locating resources.
Collection:
We have a large collection of resources available for students to loan. These include:
Physical Resources – diverse collection of fiction, graphic novels, picture books, short stories, nonfiction, study guides
Digital Collection - ebooks, audiobooks, ClickView and access to State Library and National Library
Students are encouraged to request books to further enhance the library’s collection.
Study Support
- Support in research, referencing and academic writing
- Homework help centre
- Study Skills days
- Library open to seniors with a dedicated senior’s area
- Access to qualified Librarian
Structured Senior Study Program
This initiative is designed to strengthen students' academic abilities during a pivotal time in their education. The program offers a supportive environment where effective study habits can be developed. Many students may not realise the gap between their current knowledge and what is necessary for success.
The goal is to empower students to become independent learners by equipping them with essential skills that will not only support their academic achievements but also benefit them in further education and the workplace. Participating in this program sets students up for long-term success.
There are 10 modules in the program delivered over three terms:
Module 1: Getting Started
Overview of the program, including goal setting and time management.
Module 2: Executive Functioning - Organisation
Key elements of Executive Functioning, focusing on task initiation, planning, prioritising, basic organisation, and responding to assessment tasks.
Module 3: Executive Functioning - Self Regulation and Stress Management
Understanding self-regulation, stress management, and cognitive overload.
Module 4: Strategies for Effective Learning
Techniques for maximising class time, annotating text, note taking, and summarising and paraphrasing.
Module 5: Referencing
An introduction to referencing, including APA 7th Edition and in-text citations.
Module 6: How to Study
Effective study and revision strategies, along with exam preparation techniques.
Module 7: Exam Techniques
Strategies for exam time planning, deconstructing exam questions, understanding different question types, and following exam room protocol.
Module 8: Exam Reflection and Analysis
Tools for reflecting on exam preparation and performance, along with analysing exam marks to identify growth areas.
Module 9: Research and Resources
Guidance on the information search process, using a research planner, understanding AI limitations in research, library services, and advanced database search techniques.
Module 10: AI in Education
Insights into how AI works, its applications for students and in the workplace, responsible AI use, and maintaining academic integrity.
Research Skills
Possessing strong information literacy skills is essential for academic success and informed decision-making. Effective research enables students to critically evaluate sources, construct well-founded arguments, and engage meaningfully with diverse perspectives.
The library supports the development of information and digital literacy through lessons and support in the following areas:
- The information search process
- Starting a research task and refining research questions
- Utilising research databases effectively
- Conducting efficient searches on Google and other online resources
- Evaluating the credibility of online resources
- Avoiding plagiarism and understanding copyright
- Referencing and citation practices
- Accessing and utilising state library resources
Find out more on the Information Search Process at The Department of Educations website: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/school-libraries-new/teaching-and-learning
The MHS Project Space:
The MHS Project Space is a dedicated area within the library designed engage students in their own creative and innovative projects, whether it involves robotics, Cricut crafting, 3D printing, or various crafts. This evolving space encourages exploration, collaboration, and hands-on learning, allowing students to bring their ideas to life.
Whole School Reading Culture:
MHS library is focussed on building a whole school reading culture where ‘Everyone Reads at Macintyre’. There are strong links between recreational reading improved literacy outcomes. Reading for pleasure supports emotional wellbeing and has positive benefits in creative and critical thinking.
At Macintyre, students read for the first 10 minutes of each English lesson and is an important part of developing and maintaining students’ literacy levels and academic growth.
Book Club:
Every second Friday, students are invited to participate in our Book Club, a space where students can come together to share their thoughts on books and discuss what they are currently reading. This informal gathering encourages a love for literature and fosters a sense of community among fellow readers.
Whether you're an avid or occasional reader, Book Club welcomes everyone to join and celebrate the joy of reading.