Welcome to the SBHS Libraries
There are two Libraries at Sydney Boys High - the K J Andrew’s Junior Library and the McDonald Senior Library. Established through the generosity and ongoing support of the High community—including significant contributions from past and present parents—these 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 – 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’ 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’ 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’ engagement with literature and ideas.
Ramen and Reading
A recognition event celebrating the school’s 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: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Ms Beth Hinton
Teacher Librarian
McDonald Senior Library
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