The library philosophy of the Harare International School is derived from the overall philosophy of the school. The mission statement, philosophy and objectives of the school subscribe to shape the program and services of the school library. The HIS Library subscribes to the ALA Library Bill of Rights which affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the basic policies it promotes to protect the freedom of all patrons should guide our services.

Mission

The mission of the library media program is to ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information in all formats. To this end, we aim to provide intellectual and physical access to information and ideas, to provide curriculum support, to promote literacy and enjoyment of reading, viewing and listening for people of all ages and stages of development, and to provide leadership and expertise in the use of information and instructional technologies.

Vision

The library offers services to a wide variety of nationalities in the student body, the staff, and the parent community. The collection includes materials to meet the needs of all learners, including those from a diversity of backgrounds. The library strives to maintain a diverse collection, which represents various points of view on current and historical topics, as well as a broad spectrum of interest to all patrons served.

Community Outreach

All parents of HIS students have access to the print resources in the library collection, including checkout privileges. A very small collection of books has been started dealing with parenting issues.

This collection will continue to be increased in size to meet the needs of parents. In addition, a display board for parenting issues is in the process of being established. The library/technology portion of the school Web page should include a tab for parents with links to appropriate Web sites.

Physical Plant and Holdings

The library consists of two stories. The ground floor is configured into four pods surrounded by a central gathering area. One pod comprises a tech-based research center providing students access to the internet, CD Rom stacks, and the SIRS Researcher Database. The upper floor is a general work and meeting area for students, staff and the community. The library contains 15,000 volumes which comprise an Elementary section and Secondary School materials. Every effort is being made to develop and maintain a first-class library which not only supports the School’s curriculum but allows students to undertake high level research required by upper level courses. The library collection is computerized allowing students to access holdings on computer terminals.

Elementary students have regular classes in the use of the library offered by our librarian. Middle and High School students undergo a library orientation and use the library as work in classes demands.  

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