MSSD Library

Model Secondary School for the Deaf
Learning Resources Center

The Learning Resources Center (LRC) is the library of the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (MSSD). It is located in the main building of the MSSD on the Gallaudet University campus on 800 Florida Avenue, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002.

The primary users of the LRC are MSSD students, faculty, and staff. It also serves users from Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (KDES), Gallaudet University, and other member universities of the Washington Research and Library Consortium. The MSSD LRC, along with the KDES LRC are part of the Literacy Programs unit of Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center.

The LRC provides information resources that support MSSD's curricular topics. The Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior grades also have their own libraries. Development of these libraries is generally supervised by the Literacy Coordinator. The majority of the classroom collections consist of literature-based supplements to their instructional themes.

LRC Hours

Mondays - Fridays - 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m
Saturday, Sunday, and University-sanctioned holidays - closed
Groups of MSSD or KDES students must be accompanied by their teachers at all times.

Orientation to the LRC

PowerPoint Presentation

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LRC/MSSD Circulation Policies

Registration. Users must register in the LRC before borrowing LRC resources.  Users must provide their permanent address, parent/guardian information, and other identifying data.  Users of the online catalog do not need to register.  Registered users are assigned computerized patron barcodes. 

Checking Out Items. Limits on the number of items that can be borrowed will depend on demand for those items.  MSSD students, teachers, and staff members have top priority access to LRC material.

Circulation Period / Due Dates. Loan periods vary. The LRC will adjust due dates as necessary.

• Books in general stacks, back-issue periodicals = two weeks
• Closed Reserve Fiction/Non-Fiction = two weeks
• Computer programs, CD-ROMS = two weeks
• Most Reference items = overnight
• Videotapes = same day
• Current periodicals = 3:00 p.m. first day to 8:30 a.m. next day
• Posters, maps, pictures = one school year
• Ready Reference, daily newspapers = In-house only
• Vertical Files and all else not listed above = two weeks
• AV equipment = based on availability and demand; not to exceed one school year without AV Media department approval.

Renewals. Loans may be renewed for additional two-week periods, as long as no other patron has placed a hold on the items.  Renewals may be done at the LRC charge desk.

Winter and Spring Break. As much as possible, we encourage students to return LRC items before leaving for these holidays. 

Overdue Loans. As a sign of trust, the LRC does not charge overdue fees.   However,

• Overdue notices are sent to borrowers through their Lead Teachers at least twice monthly.
• Near the end of each quarter, or when the Librarian deems it necessary, copies of overdue notices and bills will be sent to parents/guardians.

Lost or Damaged Items.  To reimburse the library for lost or damaged books, the borrower must do one of the following:

• Work in the LRC for the equivalent of the minimum wage until the cost of the item is "paid for."
• Write a check or money order for the amount equal to the acquisition cost of the item, payable to MSSD/LRC.
• Replace the material with a similar item.

For more information, please see the section on the MSSD Learning Resources Center in the MSSD Student Handbook, or contact:

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Gallaudet University Library Access Rules for MSSD Students

MSSD students may use the Gallaudet University Library to supplement the resources of the MSSD Learning Resources Center and under the guidance of an MSSD instructor. In return for library privileges, we expect MSSD students to abide by the policies and procedures of the Library.

Patron Records for MSSD Students - any MSSD student who wants to borrow a book or use the ALADIN article index databases must be registered in the Library's automated VOYAGER system. Registration means that the Library has a record of the student in the system with permanent and MSSD addresses and a unique identifying number such as SS#. Use of the Library's on-line catalog does not require registration.

Library Borrowing Cards - the MSSD student's ID becomes the borrowing card once the student has come to the Library's Circulation Desk and had a barcode number affixed to the ID.

Checking Out Books - we ask MSSD students to limit borrowing to 10 books at a time. If more than 10 are needed, please talk with the Library's Circulation Supervisor or the Coordinator of Access Services.

Loan Period - books may be borrowed for three weeks.

Renewing Books - books may be renewed for additional three-week periods, as long as no other patron has placed a hold on the books. Books may be renewed in person at the Library's Circulation Desk, or by sending email to CIRCDESK (VAX) or Library.Circdesk@gallaudet.edu. In the email, include your barcode number and the barcode number of each book you wish to renew.

Winter Break Due Date - the Library "recalls" all of its books at the end of the university semester, usually around mid-December. Students who need books during the winter break should get a note from their instructors and see the Circulation Desk Supervisor or the Coordinator of Access Services.

Overdue Books - students who have one or more overdue books lose library privileges until the books are returned.

Overdue Fines - the Library charges $.25 per day per book for overdue books. Students lose library privileges if $5.00 or more in fines is owed.

Lost Books - books that are overdue for 40 days automatically become lost books and the computer adds a $10 overdue charge and $50 lost book charge per book to the student's record. If books are returned, the $50 lost book charge is forgiven but students must still pay the $10 overdue charge.

Borrowing from other WRLC libraries - MSSD students do not have borrowing privileges at the other WRLC libraries.

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