Middle School Academics Resources

Valley Catholic School Library Mission Statement

The Valley Catholic Library exists to educate students and staff in the identification, location, evaluation and use of multimedia materials for their curricular, informational, and recreational needs. Library programs work to develop positive attitudes and aptitudes toward technology as well as traditional sources of information to promote life-long learning in students, equipping them with the media and information literacy skills necessary to become socially responsible citizens of the 21st century.

Hours of Operation

The middle and high school library is open from 7:45 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on school days. If the library needs to close early after school, we’ll post a sign the day before so you can plan accordingly. During class periods, students must have a library pass signed and dated by their teacher. Put your pass in the basket at the counter.

Library Services

Books: Nonfiction books are arranged according to the Dewey Decimal Classification system (number on the spine). Fiction books are arranged in alphabetical order by author’s last name. The computer catalog (“Destiny”) is accessible to help locate books.

Borrow Books from Other Libraries: If our library doesn’t have a book you need, we may be able to request it from another library. Ask the librarian for help with your search.We can also borrow books from the grade school and convent library. They arrive in 24 hours

Checking Out a Book: Use the OPAC (online public access catalog) Destiny to search the collection and place holds on items.  The loan period is three weeks. (10¢ fine for each day late) A book drop is located just outside the library doors for your convenience. Books may be renewed so long as there are no holds on the item.

Checking Out a Reference Book:Certain reference books do circulate. Ask your librarian for more information. These books can be checked out at the end of the day and must be returned by first period the following day. (25¢ fine for each day late.)

Computer Skills Reinforced in the Library: All library and lab computers are equipped with the Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Design Studio. We can give basic assistance on how to use these tools, show you how to save them on the network, or check out a jump drive to take them home to work on.

Library Privileges and Behavior: The library is the one place where students who want to research, study and read can expect an atmosphere that allows those activities to go on uninterrupted. Loud talking and socializing interfere with research, studying and reading. School rules and codes of conduct apply at all times.  No food, no gum, drinks are allowed if they are secured in a bottle with a screw top (spill -proof). Yes to smiles, yes to questions, yes to positive attitudes.

Printing & Copy Services: Students can print from library computers. Copies can be made using the library’s Xerox machine. Copies can be made in black-and-white only. Additionally, the Valley Catholic Middle School Computer Lab is open daily from 7:35 to 7:45 am to serve your printing needs. Students may print three (3) pages for free. Additional pages cost $0.05 each.

Catalog

Citation Guide and Citation Maker (OSLIS)

Collections

Magazines/Newspapers: Latest magazine issues are available in the library. Magazines can be checked out for one week (10 cent fine for each day overdue). Valley Catholic School subscribes to three newspapers: Beaverton Valley Times, Catholic Sentinel, and The Oregonian.

VCS Network: Each student is assigned a password to access the network. File storage is available and accessible from any computer on campus.

Databases

  • Britannica Online
  • Culture Grams
  • Gale Virtual Reference Library
  • Global Issues in Context
  • History Reference Center
  • JSTOR
  • Literature Resource Center
  • Science Online
  • World Book Online

Databases provided through the state-funded Oregon School Library Information System (OSLIS)

  • Gale Power Search
  • GREENR  (Global Reference on the Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources)
  • Opposing Viewpoints in Context
  • U.S. History in Context

Research Guides