The following manual was compiled for use in a one-room schoolhouse.
Hawks Home
Library Policy and Procedures
Manual
Purpose
The purpose of the policy and procedures manual is to provide a
guide for the operation of the Hawks Home Elementary School Library Media
Center. The manual will be updated as changes are made in the library media
center.
Mission Statement of Hawks Home Elementary
The mission of Hawks Home Elementary is to provide a safe,
positive learning environment for all students, which will empower them with
confidence to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing society.
Mission Statement of the Hawks Home Elementary Library Media
Program
The mission of the Hawks Home Elementary Library Media Program is
to ensure that students are effective users of ideas and information. The
library media center strives to provide the school community with a wide range
of materials on appropriate levels of difficulty that will encourage growth in
knowledge, establish a life-long love of reading, and foster information
literacy.
Library Media Specialist/Aide
The school library media specialist plans, directs, implements, and evaluates the library program. The school library media aide assists the LMS in his/her duties as needed.
The school library media specialist plans, directs, implements, and evaluates the library program. The school library media aide assists the LMS in his/her duties as needed.
Objectives
The goals of the media specialists are:
1. To teach students to
access, evaluate, and use information.
2. To maintain a
well-balanced collection of media appropriate to the needs of the school.
3. To provide assistance in
locating and using instructional materials.
4. To promote instruction in
information literacy to students.
5. To provide instructional
materials that will stimulate growth in factual
knowledge and literary appreciation.
6. To manage a planned program and a welcoming environment.
Library Media Center Hours of Operation
The Hawks Home Elementary Library Media Center is open from 7:45
a.m. until 3:30 p.m. every school day. Students must come with a purpose for
learning or a classroom pass for elementary checkouts. Parents and school board members are
welcome to browse and pick up materials in person or notify a librarian of
needs via email or phone.
Student Conduct
Student patrons of the library media center must follow the
established rules of acceptable behavior listed below. Failure to comply will
result in the following consequences.
Rules
1. Use a quiet voice so as
not to disturb other media center patrons.
2. Take care of all library
media center materials.
3. Keep hands, feet, and
objects to self.
4. Leave food and drink
outside the library media center.
5. Follow Internet AUP guidelines. Sign in at the desk when using a
computer.
6. Do not print from computers without permission.
7. Listen and follow directions from all library media center
staff.
Consequences
1. Verbal warning from a
media center staff member.
2. If a student continues
misbehavior, the student will be asked to return to
class and the teacher will be notified. Students may first be
separated from other classmates when visiting with a group.
3. If misbehavior is severe,
the student will be asked to return immediately
to class or be sent to the office.
Scheduling
Due to the nature of the one-room schoolhouse, there is no fixed
scheduling of library time other than the scheduled trips to the public library
in surrounding towns. Time spent in the classroom library is left to the
teacher's discretion.
Programs and Services
Faculty members needing any of the following services or needing
additional information regarding these services and programs are encouraged to
contact the library staff at any time.
Accelerated Reader
Book Fairs
Copying/Printing/Scanning for a small fee
Periodicals including newspapers and magazines
Computers/Internet
A-V Equipment
Information Literacy Skills
Desktop Publishing
Technology Integration
Digital Cameras
Presentation Equipment
Library Media Web Page
Management
Library materials are logged in an excel sheet and written down in
a checkout log at the teacher's desk. Students and parents are responsible for
returning their materials in a timely fashion. Books should be returned to the
teacher's desk for check-in.
Books
Kindergarten may checkout one book per library visit. The loan
period is one week. Students in the 1st -8th grades may checkout up to five
books for a period of two weeks. Elementary books must be returned to the
library to renew checkout. Renewals are subject to demand and the librarian's
discretion. Special permission for more materials may be granted when necessary
for an assignment.
Reference Materials
Reference materials are to be used by students in the library
media center. Some materials may be available for overnight checkout.
Audio Visual Materials/Equipment
Students are not allowed to checkout AV materials without special
permission. Students may use audio visual materials in the library media center
to make up a class assignment.
Periodicals
Magazines and newspapers are not to be taken out of the library
media center by students. Copies of an article can be made if needed outside
the library media center. Only current issues are displayed. Back issues must
be requested at the teacher's desk.
Overdues and Fines
Overdue slips and fine notices will be printed out and distributed
to students at school. To help students learn to be responsible, no new loans
will be permitted until overdue materials are returned.
Lost and Damaged Books
If a book is lost or damaged, the book must be paid for before
additional books can be checked out. Payment for a lost book is reimbursed
should the book be found and returned in good condition. Any items checked out
at the time a student withdraws from school must be returned and paid for upon
withdrawal.
Request for Media Center Purchases
Because the media center strives to support the curriculum needs
of the patrons, school board members and parents are strongly encouraged to
take an active role in media center purchases. Requests for purchases are
always welcome.
Selection Policy
The
primary objective of the School Library Media Center (SLMC) is the implementing
and supporting of the educational program in the school. It is the objective of
this center to provide a wide range of materials on all appropriate levels of
difficulty, with diversity of appeal, and with the presentation of different
points of view.
Every
child has the right to a variety of learning materials to broaden interests and
experiences and to stimulate mental growth. The well-administered school
library media center is the most effective and economical way to provide each
child with exploratory experiences, reading guidance, instruction in the use of
a variety of materials, and curriculum enrichment.
The
provision of a wide variety of library materials at all reading levels supports
the principle that the school in a free society assists all students to develop
their talents fully so that they become capable of contributing to the further
good of that society.
This
policy acknowledges and supports the principles of intellectual freedom
inherent in the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States and
expressed in the Library Bill of Rights, endorsed by the American Association
of School Librarians in 1996.
The
Superintendent is responsible for selection of library materials. Ultimate
responsibility for the selection of library materials rests with the School
Board.
The
Board, acting through the Superintendent, thereby delegates the authority for
the selection of library materials to the library media specialist.
Selection of Materials
Policy/Procedure
The
selection of library material is a professional task conducted by the Library
Media Specialist. The selection should be based on:
Needs
of the curriculum and requests from administrators.
Needs of individual students and requests by parents and
students.
Provision of a wide range of materials at all levels of
difficulty, with a diversity of appeal and presentation of different points of
view.
Provision of materials that are accurate and objective.
Provision of materials that are relevant to today’s world.
Provision of materials that represent artistic, historic
and literary qualities.
Provision of materials appropriate for the age maturity
level of the students using the libraries.
In
selecting library materials, the Library Media Specialist (LMS) will evaluate
the existing collection; assess curricula needs; examine materials, and consult
reputable, professionally prepared selection aids. The following aids may be
used in the selection of materials;
A.
Print Media
1.
Books
American Library Association publications
American Association for the Advancement of Science:
Science
Booklists for Children
American Association for the Advancement of Science:
Science
Books and Films
Best Books for Children
Books for Secondary School Libraries
Children’s Catalog
Core Media Collection for Secondary Schools
Elementary School Library Collection
Junior High School Library Catalog
Reference Books for School Libraries
Guide to Sources in Educational Media
National Council of Teachers of English Publications
Periodicals for School Libraries
Senior High School Library Catalog
American Historical fiction
2.
Periodicals
Book Review Digest
Booklist
Book Report
Early Years
Elementary Language Arts
English Journal
On-Line Journal for
School Mathematics
Hornbook
Journal of Reading
Reading Teacher
School Library Journal
AASA Science Books and
films
The Social Studies
Wilson Library Bulletin
School Librarian Workshop
Teacher Librarian
Other periodicals in
special curriculum areas
B.
Non-print Media
Booklist
Media & Methods
School Library Journal
Instructional Innovation
Technology & Learning
Classroom Connection
The Journal
C.
Numerous
specialized bibliographies are also referred to, as well as bibliographies
given in textbooks adopted by the School. Materials not reviewed in standard
sources are purchased only after careful examination.
3. On-Line
Websites
American
Library Association
PBS
Teacher Sources
Busy
Teachers’
Website
Big
Chalk.com
Web
Feet
The following criteria will be used as they apply:
1. Learning resources shall
support and be consistent with the general educational goals of the state and
district and the aims and objectives of individual schools and specific
courses.
2. Learning resources shall meet
high standards of quality in factual content and presentation.
3. Learning resources shall be
appropriate for the subject area and for the age, emotional development,
ability level, learning styles, and social development of the students for whom
the materials are selected.
4. Physical format and appearance
of learning resources shall be suitable for their intended use.
5. Learning resources shall be
designed to help students gain an awareness of our pluralistic society.
6. Learning resources shall be
designed to motivate students and staff to examine their own duties,
responsibilities, rights, and privileges as participating citizens in our
society, and to make informed judgments in their daily lives.
7. Learning resources shall be
selected for their strengths rather than rejected for their weaknesses.
8. The selection of learning
resources on controversial issues will be directed toward maintaining a diverse
collection representing various views.
9. Learning resources shall
clarify historical and contemporary forces by presenting and analyzing
intergroup tension and conflict objectively, placing emphasis on recognizing
and understanding social and economic problems.
The following kinds of material should be selected for the
media center:
1.
Materials
integral to the instructional program.
2.
Materials
appropriate for the reading level and understanding of students in the school.
3.
Materials
reflecting the interests and needs of the students and faculty served by the
media center.
4.
Materials
warranting inclusion in the collection because of their literary and/or
artistic value and merit.
5.
Materials
presenting information with the greatest degree of accuracy and clarity
possible.
6.
Materials
representing a fair and unbiased presentation of information. In controversial
areas, the media specialist, in cooperation with the faculty, should select
materials representing as many shades of opinion as possible, in order that
varying viewpoints are available to students.
Collection Maintenance
Materials and tools, specifically any
audiovisual equipment, should be regularly cleaned and repaired as necessary.
Electronic equipment should be kept in a cool place. The SLMS is responsible
for repairing or arranging for the repair of any materials. Print materials
should be covered and arranged in such a way as to reduce the amount of wear
over time on the materials.
Weeding Policy
When materials no longer meet
the criteria for selection, they shall be weeded. Materials are withdrawn from
the collection for the following reasons: they are missing from the collection,
are in poor physical condition, have outlived their usefulness either by being
out-of-date or no longer requested by patrons, or are unnecessary duplicates.
Books that are no longer in
demand will be reviewed using the same criteria as
new titles as to their
usefulness and appropriateness. If
it is on a subject that is
not in heavy demand and is
still up-to-date, the book may be retained until
something better is
available. On the other hand,
books should be withdrawn
when material is no longer
accurate or up-to-date.
The Library Media Specialist,
with input from parents and administration, should weed the collection on an
on-going basis. The Library Media Specialist will also refer to the “CREW” handbook when weeding their
collections. *
Disposal
of Weeded Materials
Materials that have been
successfully weeded from the collection may be disposed of one of three ways;
1.
Donated
to a classroom or personal library
2.
Sold
to raise money for the library or school
3.
Destroyed
Gift Policy
Gift
materials may be accepted with the understanding that they must meet criteria
set for media selection.
Challenged Materials Policy
Procedure
for Informal Resolution:
The
school receiving a complaint regarding a learning resource shall try to resolve
the issue informally.
1.
The
Complainant needs to discuss their concerns with the person responsible for the
challenged material (i.e., teacher, librarian) and the building
principal/designee.
Procedure
for a Formal Challenge:
Within
two weeks of receiving a formal request for reconsideration, the library media
specialist will convene a Challenged Educational Resources Committee and a
decision will be rendered in accordance with applicable policy.
2.
No questioned
materials shall be removed from the school pending a final decision. Pending
the outcome of the request for reconsideration, however, access to questioned
materials can be denied to the child (or children) of the parents making the
complaint, if they so desire.
3.
Upon
receipt of a completed objection form, the library media specialist will
request the superintendent or his/her designee to convene the Challenged
Educational Resources Committee. This committee
shall consist of two people chosen by the superintendent and two people chosen
by the school board. The committee shall meet to discuss the materials and
shall prepare a report of it regarding the material containing its decision on
disposition of the matter in concurrence with the Superintendent. The written
report shall be submitted to the library media specialist with copies sent to
the Superintendent.
4.
The
committee may refuse to investigate or hold a hearing on any complaint which
the majority of the committee members consider frivolous or without merit. The
school board may remand the complainant to the committee for reconsideration.
5.
The
Principal shall notify the complainant of the decision. If the committee
recommends keeping the work that caused the complaint, the complainant shall be
given the explanation written by the Challenged Educational Resources
Committee.
6.
The
school library media specialist and superintendent shall retain the written
report.
7.
The
decision of the Challenged Educational Resources Committee, in concurrence with
the Superintendent, will be delivered to the complainant.
8.
If the
complainant is still not satisfied, he or she may ask the Superintendent to
present an appeal to the school board which shall make a final determination of
the issue. The school board may seek assistance from outside organizations such
as the American Library Association, the Association for Supervision and
Curriculum Development, etc., in making its determination.
Guiding Principles
-
Any
resident or employee of the District may raise objection to learning resources
used in a school’s educational program,
despite the fact the individuals selecting such resources were duly qualified
to make the selection, followed the proper procedure, and observed criteria for
selecting learning resources.
-
This
school supports the Library Bill of
Rights, adopted by the American Library Association. When learning
resources are challenged, the principles of the freedom to read/view/listen
must be defended as well.
Responsibilities of the Challenged Educational Resources Committee
-
Decisions
should be based on the principles of the freedom to read and view statements
rather than on defense of individual materials. Freedom of inquiry is vital to
education in a democracy.
-
All
materials should be read thoroughly along with available reviews. The general
acceptance of the materials should be checked by consulting standard evaluation
aids and local holdings in other schools.
-
Passages
or parts should not be pulled out of context. The values and faults should be
weighed against each other and the opinions based on the materials as a whole.
The challenged resource should e considered in the context of the educational
program.
-
The
Principal will present the resulting written report, presenting both majority
and minority opinions, after receiving the written report and decision of the
Challenged Educational Resources Committee.
-
Below
is a form for a challenged book:
Sample Request for
Reconsideration of Library Resources
[This is where you identify who in your own structure, has
authorized use of this form—Director,
Board of Trustees, Board of Education, etc.—and
to whom to return the form.]
Example:
The school board of Mainstream County, U.S.A., has delegated the responsibility
for selection and evaluation of library/educational resources to the school
library media specialist/curriculum committee, and has established
reconsideration procedures to address concerns about those resources.
Completion of this form is the first step in those procedures. If you wish to
request reconsideration of school or library resources, please return the
completed form to the Coordinator of Library Media Resources, Mainstream School
Dist., 1 Mainstream Plaza, Anytown, U.S.A.
Name
___________________________
Date
___________________________
Address
___________________________
City
___________________________
State
___________________________
Zip
___________________________
Phone
___________________________
Do you
represent self? ____ Organization? ____
1.
Resource
on which you are commenting:
____ Book ____ Textbook ____ Video ____ Display
____ Magazine ____ Library Program ____ Audio Recording
____ Newspaper ____ Electronic information/network (please
specify)
____ Other ___________________________
Title ___________________________
Author/Producer ___________________________
2.
What
brought this resource to your attention?
3.
Have
you examined the entire resource?
4.
What
concerns you about the resource? (use other side or additional pages if
necessary)
5.
Are
there resource(s) you suggest to provide additional information and/or other
viewpoints on this topic?
Revised by the American
Library Association Intellectual Freedom Committee
June 27, 1995 **
-
Bibliography
The
majority of this Policies and Procedures Manual was adapted from Plainview School Policy and Procedure Manual (http://www.dekalbk12.org/ accessed on
7.14.2012), and the selection policy was adapted from the Missoula County
Public Schools Library Policies and Procedures Manual (Updated 2008 and
accessed on 7.14.2012)
Resources
* The Crew
Method: Expanded Guidelines for Collection Evaluation and Weeding
for Small
and Medium-Sized Public Libraries (manual available for purchase or download
from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/ld/pubs/crew)
**
Sample Request for Reconsideration of Library Resources - http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/copingwithchallenges/samplereconsideration/index.cfm
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