Library

Welcome to the Memorial High School Library.  As we begin the 2022-2023 school year, I would like to personally welcome you all back!  I am looking forward to getting back to "normal" operations!

Our library is newly redesigned, with comfortable seating, and new layout to promote ease of access to our collection.

Our regular hours are Monday-Friday, 8:10 - 4:40.  We are open for both lunches daily, with a pass from admin.  We will be closed during testing days.

Students are allowed to check out 4 books/movies at a time for a period of 2 weeks.  You may renew/extend that checkout time by an additional 2 weeks if needed.  Patrons are responsible for replacement fees for lost or damaged items.

Be sure to check the library calendar for special events!  We will be hosting periodic community engagement events, beginning in September!  Hope to see you there!
Meet the Librarian
Cathy Bernstein headshot

My name is Catherine Bernstein.  I am a certified Librarian.  I graduated with my MLS from Sam Houston State University in August 2011. I received my Bachelor’s degree from UTSA in 2000.

I have been the Librarian at Memorial since 2015.  Prior to becoming a high school librarian, I taught elementary school, primarily in grades 1 and 2, although I also taught one year of 3rd grade and half a year of 5th.

I am a single mother of four grown children, one of whom still lives at home.  My mother shares a home with us as well.  I grew up close to this side of town, attending Pat Neff Middle School and Sunset Hills Elementary School (now Glass Elementary).  I graduated from Clark High School.  

Contact Information:  
[email protected]
(210) 898-4110 x3709
Syllabus

Introduction:

As a Librarian, I am here to assist you with learning skills and acquiring knowledge that pertains to libraries and to the wider world in general.  The skills you will gain as Library Aides include experience in library operations, knowledge of banned books and censorship, an increased knowledge of the library and its resources, and  clerical skills such as how to operate a laminating machine, make copies, answer phones and take phone messages in a professional manner.  You will be required to assist library patrons with locating resources within the library and with computer operations, such as Office 365, as well as other computer-related skills.

Fundamentals:

The library is a customer service part of the school environment. As such, you are expected to maintain a professional demeanor at all times, whether dealing with peers, teachers, administrators, custodial staff, or community members.  You will be expected to assist/participate in the fundraising bookfair through Scholastic in December (if we have one).

Course Aims

When working remotely:
You will complete your assignments and turn them in on time.  You will participate in class discussions as they occur.  If you have any questions or concerns, you will contact me immediately so that we can resolve them together. [email protected], 210-898-4110 x3709

When working on-campus:
You will provide assistance to library patrons with the library catalog and equipment.  You will conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times.  You will have ample opportunity to practice and apply your clerical and library skills.  

In return:
I will assist you with preparing a resume and will write a letter of recommendation on your behalf when you are ready to seek a job.  Some of these skills which employers look for (and which you will learn in this course) include: responsibility, dependability, initiative, and attention to detail, as well as communication and organization skills.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this class, students will:

  • Demonstrate understanding of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system, and how books are organized in the library.
  • Be aware of censorship/banning as it applies to print, media, and on-line sources.
  • Demonstrate understanding of library policies and procedures.
  • Demonstrate understanding and appropriate use of library resources.
  • Demonstrate ability to assist patrons in the selection and circulation of library materials.
  • Demonstrate understanding of proper shelf maintenance, including neatness, proper shelf placement, and proper shelf order, and ability to locate materials in a timely fashion.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills needed to interact effectively with library patrons.
  • Demonstrate ability to monitor your own progress, as well as to assess and improve your own personal performance.
  • Demonstrate reliability and determination in task completion.
  • Demonstrate appropriate behavior for a work setting.
  • Demonstrate effective clerical proficiency with Office 365, copiers, laminators and phone etiquette.

Format of Class Instruction

You will develop and demonstrate your mastery of course objectives through practical work experience in the library.  You will learn about censorship, as it applies to print, media, and on-line formats.  You will learn about cyberbullying and what to do about it. 

You will receive basic training to do your assigned jobs, which will increase your knowledge of library resources and improve your ability to help library users.

It is important to pay close attention to all instructions and ask questions whenever needed.  Finally, it is extremely important for you to take your work seriously.  For example, a book that is shelved incorrectly causes disorder in a place where people expect order.  When library users cannot find an improperly shelved book, they become frustrated.  Worse than that, though, an improperly shelved book can also lead to inappropriate fines.

In 2021-2022, we completed re-designed the MHS Library.  We have brand new furniture and shelving and I am super excited about it!  As a Library Aide, you will be required to take note of library conditions and respond appropriately as needed.  For example, if you see students who need help or see something in the library that needs attention, you should respond.

Course Requirements:

Attendance

You are expected to be in class and on time.  It is your responsibility to sign in every day.  Absences and tardies will have a negative impact on your grade. If you have 2 or more absences or tardies, parental contact will be made accordingly.

Grading

Your academic grade is based on the following:

  • Attendance
  • grades/work completion
  • Work habits
  • Attitude
  • Circulation desk performance
  • Shelf Maintenance
  • Individual and group responsibilities

Qualities of an Effective Library Aide:

  • Works well with others and independently as needed.
  • Uses effective communication skills with all patrons, in a calm and professional manner.
  • Follows directions and exercises good judgment in evaluating situations/making decisions.
  • Maintains professional appearance, in accordance with campus dress codes.
  • Is reliable in terms of punctuality, attendance, time management, and flexibility.
  • Participates in all library-related activities, before, during, and/or after school.
  • Demonstrates integrity, respect, high expectations for student success, and teamwork.

School and Library Rules

You are expected to follow all school rules.

  • Cell phones and other electronic devices should be turned off and not visible.
  • The school dress code must be followed.

In addition to school rules, specific library rules include:

  • Maintain a quiet library environment. Talk quietly.
  • Use your time effectively. You may not use class time for non-school purposes (social talk, playing games, Internet surfing, sleeping).

Respect Privacy:

  • Don’t share information about students' accounts/library information with anyone.
  • Don’t disclose what material someone has used or what kind of information they were looking for.
  • Don’t disclose names of people who checked out a particular book, or for whom it is being held.
Policies and Procedures

MHS Library Policies and Procedures

The MHS Library is typically open 8:00-4:30 Monday through Friday, unless there is testing or other events.

In this library, we cater to patron’s who have a variety of different needs…reading, research, learning activities, teaching activities, etc. Please be respectful of the individuals who come here to enjoy the peaceful learning environment by entering in a calm, quiet fashion!

At Memorial, students must have a pass to be anywhere during class-times.  Therefore, students may come to the library ONLY if they have a signed, dated, pass from a teacher, for ONE class period at a time.  If your class is double blocked, please return to class and get a 2nd pass for the 2nd period.  When you come to the library, put your pass in the basket by the phone and sign in.

No food or drinks will be allowed at the soft seating areas.  The designated place to eat/drink is at the tables.  Please be considerate and dispose of your trash appropriately (i.e. in the designated trash cans).  If you make a mess, please clean it up.

Students are allowed to check out up to 4 books and/or movies at a time, for a period of up to 2 weeks.  You may renew once if you need to do so.  You are responsible for paying for any lost books or movies.

Only students who are Library Aides are allowed behind the Circulation desk or in the storage closet unless accompanied by the Librarian.

Students may not be in the library if the Librarian is gone, unless accompanied by a teacher.

Library Calendar