Information Services
- Director of Library Services
Ms Michelle Pritchard
Ph: (08) 9377 9243
The Senior School library was formally named the Hamilton Library in honour of Canon R.W. “Dickie” Hamilton, who attended Guildford Grammar School from 1914-1920 and who went on to become the Rector of Middle Swan and the Chaplain of Swan Homes.
The Hamilton Library aims to encourage all students to depart the School equipped with a suite of skills that will enable them to locate, evaluate and use information effectively, via both print and technological resources, for all future learning requirements.
All students are also encouraged to develop a love of literature and reading for recreation and enjoyment. One of the ways in which the Library promotes this is by the hosting of junior and senior book clubs. Members meet once a fortnight and library staff facilitates and encourages lively discussions and online related activities.
The spacious, air conditioned Library is host to many classes booked in throughout the school day, where staff and students can thrive in an innovative and welcoming learning environment, utilising the comprehensive collection of over 27,000 items and the many research facilities available. These include 36 networked computers, which allow students access to the school intranet, the Internet, as well as an extensive online library catalogue of book and non-book materials, and a wide range of subscription online resources, including encyclopaedias, indexes and newspapers. The Library homepage can be accessed through the School portal and provides a wealth of valuable information, including tips on how to reference, write a bibliography and the perils of plagiarism. Scanners, interactive whiteboards, colour printers, data projectors, digital cameras and MP3 players preloaded with curriculum enhanced podcasts are just some of the equipment available to both staff and students in the Library.
Our team of professional library staff are always available to direct, guide and advice students in their quests to become independent life-long learners. Teachers are also encouraged to collaborate with library staff when planning and preparing their lessons as resources can be researched and made ready for the class use.
The Library is open from 8.00 am to 9.00pm, including Recess and Lunchtime, Monday to Thursday, and 8.00am to 8.15pm on Friday. Evening Prep in the Library commences at 6.30pm for boarders and day students are also welcome to avail themselves of the assistance and expertise provided by fully qualified supervisory library staff during these hours. Whether students wish to study and research, or read and relax, the Hamilton Library provides an atmosphere conducive to both learning and leisure.