Welcome to the SBHS Libraries
There are two Libraries at Sydney Boys High - the K J Andrew鈥檚 Junior Library
and the McDonald Senior Library. Established through the generosity and
ongoing support of the High community鈥攊ncluding significant contributions from
past and present parents鈥攖hese libraries provide exceptional learning
environments that support the academic and intellectual life of the school.
Both libraries open early each day and are vibrant hubs of study, reading,
and scholarly engagement. They are designed to nurture the curiosity and talents
of High students by providing inspiring spaces for independent learning,
research, and reflection. Students also have a chance to experience maximum
engagement via increasingly on-line, 24/7 resources for self- directed
learning, as well as a constantly refreshed range of young adult literature and
popular high interest non-fiction titles, 3000 eBooks, ClickView educational
videos, and LinksPlus curated educational websites.
Our two libraries share the web-based Oliver/SoftLink library management
system. Students can search our catalogue from school or home. They
can borrow eBooks or watch ClickView videos from school, home or holiday
destinations. They log in via their own personal Oliver account to do this and
can see their overdue loans, and borrowing history, or renew books from a
distance using Oliver online and through their student Portal.
Both libraries allow students to borrow up to 10 hard copy books. The
loan period for paper resources is one month with an opportunity to renew for a
second month. The eBook loan period is two weeks. Our busy students
are encouraged to borrow during the holiday period by our librarians.
Both libraries maintain the Oliver News Page to display new books, links to
Reading Lists and direct links to subscription databases such ClickView,
WebLinksPlus and Wheelers eBooks. Students are able to do Advanced and
Federated searches using Search Other Sources to combine State Library resources
and so on with any library search and well as search results for other
subscription databases above.
Both Libraries run events throughout the school year including the Junior
Library Chess Competition, the JL VIP Reader Prize Draw, and Ramen and Reading.
The KJ Andrews Junior Library
The Andrews Library is open and welcoming to both Seniors and Juniors before
school, but only accessible to Junior students during Recess and Lunch breaks.
Opening hours:
|
Monday |
7:30am
- 3:00pm |
|
Tuesday |
7:30am -
3:00pm |
|
Wednesday |
7:30am -
3:00pm |
|
Thursday |
7:30am -
3:00pm |
|
Friday |
7:30am
- 3:00pm |
The KJ Andrews Library consists of:
-
Two separate class-sized spaces which are booked out for classes 鈥� the
Computer area, and the JLB Class Area. These spaces effectively
operate as spare classrooms and our technology team has made them bookable
online for teachers. These areas are supplied with screens, teachers鈥�
computers and projectors.
-
We have a paper collection of 8000 fiction, non-fiction and reference
items.
-
Our large manga collection has about 100 titles.
-
Subscription access to a collection of eBooks (3000 books) from Wheelers.
-
Subscription access to SBHS teacher and library curated ClickView
educational videos and movies.
-
Our library also subscribes to an education curated website database from
WebLinks Plus.
Dr Rodney Love
Teacher Librarian
KJ Andrews Library
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The McDonald Senior Library
The McDonald Senior Library serves students in Years 10, 11 and 12, providing
a dedicated academic environment designed to support senior study, independent
research, and preparation for the Higher School Certificate.
As students progress into the senior years of their education, the library
becomes an essential centre for scholarship and focused study. The space is
designed to support the expectations placed on senior students, with Years 11
and 12 students expected to use their study periods productively for independent
learning and academic work.
While the Senior Library primarily serves the Senior School, junior students
may request items from the collection at any time, with materials made available
through the Junior Library if required.
Opening hours:
|
Monday |
8:00am
- 3:10pm |
|
Tuesday |
8:00am -
3:10pm |
|
Wednesday |
8:00am -
12:25pm |
|
Thursday |
8:00am -
3:10pm |
|
Friday |
8:00am
- 3:10pm |
If the Senior Library is closed during school hours, students can use the
Junior Library.
Collection and Resources:
The Senior Library maintains a carefully curated collection designed to
support both curriculum requirements and reading for intellectual enrichment.
Resources are regularly reviewed and updated to align with the current syllabus
and HSC study needs.
The collection includes:
- An ever-expanding fiction collection, including contemporary literary
fiction and the most popular classic works
- A well-regarded classics collection, reflecting some of the most widely
read and enduring works of literature
- A carefully selected high-interest non-fiction collection
- Fiction and non-fiction resources supporting senior curriculum areas and
HSC study
- Careers and post-school pathway resources
Students also have access to an extensive range of digital resources via the
Oliver Library Enquiry Portal including:
- ClickView educational videos
- Wheelers eBook collections
- Links to State Library of NSW eResources (available with a library card)
Research Support and Academic Skills:
The Senior Library plays a central role in developing students鈥� research and
information literacy skills. The Teacher Librarian provides individual research
assistance and reader advisory, supporting students in locating and evaluating
high-quality information for assignments and independent study.
All Year 10 students participate in the State Library of NSW program, where
they join the State Library and learn how to access its extensive digital
resources.
Throughout the year, the library also offers workshops on research skills and
academic databases, including training in the use of JSTOR and other scholarly
resources.
Library Environment
The Senior Library provides a calm and purposeful environment designed for
focused study. Facilities include:
- A silent study area with individual study carrels
- Air-conditioned study spaces
- Photocopying, scanning, and printing services in black and white or
colour (Printing charges apply. Costs and recharge instructions are
available via the Student Portal.)
Literary and Reading Initiatives
The Senior Library runs a number of programs throughout the year designed to
encourage a strong reading culture and support students鈥� engagement with
literature and ideas.
Ramen and Reading
A recognition event celebrating the school鈥檚 most dedicated borrowers and
encouraging sustained engagement with reading.
What Our Teachers Are Reading
A curated display featuring reading recommendations from Sydney Boys High
teachers, promoting a shared culture of reading across the school community.
Bubble Tea Book Draw
A borrowing promotion that encourages students to explore the library
collection and discover new authors and genres.
Postcolonial Reading Display
A curated selection of texts supporting the Year 11 English Extension course,
highlighting key voices and themes in postcolonial literature.
Best of Year QR Wall
A student-curated display of recommended titles, with QR codes linking
directly to the library catalogue to encourage peer-led reading discovery.
Please feel free to contact to the library staff:
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Ms Beth Hinton
Teacher Librarian
McDonald Senior Library
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