About the Library
- Mission & Vision
- MHS Library Staff
- Library Policies for Students
- Library Policies for Staff
- When Should I Visit the Library?
- Why Should I Visit the Library?
- How Should I Behave When I Visit the Library?
- How Can I Find Books?
Mission & Vision
The mission of the Midlothian ISD Library Media Services is to empower all for a lifetime of learning.
Our vision is to:
-
impact academic achievement by supporting curriculum
-
create an environment of engaging learning experiences
-
foster collaborative opportunities for all stakeholders
-
serve the unique needs of the learning community
-
strive to be at the forefront of educational technology
-
teach responsible digital citizenship
-
provide an information commons where inquiry, knowledge, innovation, and creativity coexist
MHS Library Staff
Library Policies for Students
Library Book Limit
Students may check out up to five library books at a time from the MHS library.
Length of Checkout Period
Library books are due about three weeks from the day they are checked out. If a student would like more time to read a book, they are welcome to renew the book up to two times for a total of nine weeks. Items with holds may not be renewed. Receipts are offered at check out as reminders of due dates.
Items Available for Checkout
Students can check out any MHS books with the exception of books in the Reference or Professional sections. Makerspace items can be checked out for use in the library. Ebooks and digital audiobooks are available for checkout through Sora.
Overdue, Lost, and Damaged Library Books
At the time a library book is checked out, a receipt is provided with a due date. Students can also view their checkouts by logging into their Destiny account and are responsible for returning books on time. Students should contact the library to renew items up the allowed number of times. Students will be expected to pay for the replacement of lost or damaged books. Payment for books can be made with exact change in the library or electronically in Skyward once the fine has been added.
Visiting the Library
Students can visit the library before school and throughout the school day. If coming to the library during class time, students will need a pass from their teacher. Student ID's are always required when visiting the library. Lunchtime visits require a library-issued pass and may be limited depending on scheduled activities in the library. There are a limited number of lunch passes issued by the library each semester and cannot be replaced if lost. At this time there is no eating in the library. The MHS Library will close with school at 4:15.
Printing & Copies
The MHS library does not offer printing/copying for students.
Library Policies for Staff
Equipment Checkout Procedures
To assure that equipment will be available when needed, be sure to make reservations at least one week in advance, when possible. Please call x5211 or email Julie Post and Leigha Buchtel.
Reserving a Cart of Books for Your Classroom
Teachers may check out a cart of books on a subject being studied in class. At the time of checkout, teachers will be given a list of all books checked out in their name. Books can also be pulled for use by students while in the library. Teachers are asked to consult with Julie Post or Leigha Buchtel at least one week prior to the date when the books will be needed to ensure adequate time to fulfill the request.
Reserving the Library
The library has spaces available for use by groups of students or entire classes, including a classroom space that is used for collaborative teaching, the makerspace, or the larger library area. Contact library staff, at least a week in advance, to inquire about reserving these spaces. You can fill out the Library Reservations Form, call x5211, or email Julie Post and Leigha Buchtel.
Library Room 2, formerly the Library Cafe, can be reserved by filling out the Midlothian HS Facility Use Request Form. Please note that this space only has table seating for 30 people.
When Should I Visit the Library?
Before School: The library is open before school starting at 8:00 for students who need a place to work, read, or collaborate. Morning visitors must be purposeful and not disruptive to others.
During the School Day: Students may visit the library as a class or individually with their ID and a teacher pass. Students are welcome without a pass during passing periods. All students must be purposeful and not disruptive to others. The library closes at the end of the school day at 4:15.
During Lunch: Students may visit the library during their lunch period with their ID and a library-issued pass. A limited number of passes are issued each semester and lunch availability is dependent upon other scheduled activities in the library. Students are not permitted to move seating without permission and should not be disruptive. At this time there is no eating allowed in the library. Students are responsible for cleaning their areas before leaving.
Anytime students visit the library during school hours they must have their school ID. Students without their ID will be sent back to class.
Why Should I Visit the Library?
To Ask for Assistance: Students and staff are welcome to visit the library for help with online resources or research, reading suggestions, limited technical support, etc.
To Read/Study/Collaborate: Students are welcome to visit the library to independently read and study, or to work collaboratively with a group. Collaborative work should not be disruptive to others.
To Explore the Makerspace: Students can utilize the makerspace activities when the makerspace is open or with permission from the library staff. For more information, check out the Makerspace page.
To Check Out E-books: Students and staff can visit the library to learn how to check out e-books/audiobooks from laptops or from other personal devices.
To Check Out Physical Books: Students and staff are welcome to check out materials from the MHS Library.
How Should I Behave When I Visit the Library?
- Visitors should be purposeful and not disruptive to others.
- Visitors should be respectful of the facility and resources and return furniture, activities, etc., to their original state before leaving.
- Visitors may use District-approved devices, with staff permission, for school purposes such as product creation, or reading/research.
- Visitors should not bring food to the library and drinks should have lids.
- Personal communication devices (i.e., cell phones, smart watches, tablets, etc.) are not permitted during the school day.
How Can I Find Books?
How can I find books?
- Fiction - All fiction books are shelved by genre and then the author's last name. Fiction genres include Science Fiction, Fantasy, Scary, Graphic Novels, Manga, Classics, Mysteries, Realistic Fiction, Adventure, Sports, Humor, Romance, Star Wars, Spanish and Foreign Language, and Historical Fiction.
- Spanish - There is a growing section of Spanish fiction, nonfiction, and biographies.
- Biography - Books are shelved by the subject's last name.
- Nonfiction - Books are arranged using the Dewey system.
- Ebooks & Digital Audiobooks - These books are available through Sora.
Students are encouraged to use their school issued laptops to look up physical books online in the Destiny catalog; however, there is a catalog available on a library computer.
For help on using the Destiny catalog and Sora, please visit our Help Files page.