Library and Information Resources at HKA
At HKA the library supports the school curriculum by providing materials and assistance that allow students to explore ideas as knowledgeable, independent learners and reflective critical thinkers.
HKA's library’s curriculum provides a balanced program that builds skills incrementally over the years, giving students the expertise to be open-minded inquirers that can independently discover and manage information and ideas.
The vision of the library is to foster the spirit of exploration, the joy of reading and the pursuit of knowledge for all ages. HKA's library is a dynamic hub for inquiry and learning. It provides and maintains a carefully selected and systematically organised collection. The collection contains diverse learning resources (print and electronic), representing a wide variety of subjects, cultural backgrounds, levels of difficulty, communication formats and technological delivery systems.
There are two major focus areas of the Library program: Literature and Information Literacy. The Literature Program consists of learning outcomes and skills at each level, as well as a practical list of possible genres, book titles and authors to be used for specific author studies. We aim to foster a love of books and literature for all. We encourage our students to borrow a wide range of literature.
The Information Literacy program incorporates a variety of teaching and learning strategies which are responsive to individual learning styles and needs. The program develops the necessary skills sequentially through resource- and inquiry-based learning. Our students are encouraged to seek solutions to problems and access information in an independent, safe and confident way.
Information Technology is an important part of our program. We aim to integrate Information Technology within the school through the automated library systems, online searching of databases, Web 2.0 applications and digital hardware. Our 24/7 access to information via the school portal allows students to search our online catalogues, subscription databases, blogs and wikis. The students are taught to apply research and technology skills to analyse and synthesise information presented in a variety of formats, designed to challenge and extend learning.
The library is open each morning at 7.45 am and remains open throughout the school day. The library is run by a Primary and a Middle/High School Teacher Librarian. Parent volunteers provide some support and assistance as well in the library. Classes take place throughout the day. In addition, students are encouraged to enjoy the resources, borrow books, relax with friends, read or research in the morning before school, during lunchtime and free periods.
