Henry County Schools

 

 

 

 

 

Library Media Specialist

Information Handbook

 

 

 

 

Developed by

Henry County Media Specialists

Dennis Coe – Superintendent

Danny Hooper – Supervisor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREFACE

 

 

The school library media program focuses on creating a community of lifelong learners.

Students and their learning remain at the core of the library media program and services, shaping the function of the school library media specialist. Information literacy—the ability to find and use information—is the keystone of lifelong learning.

 

The school library media specialist today focuses on the process of learning rather than dissemination of information. The library media program combines effective learning and teaching strategies and activities with information access skills. In this century, a strong school library media program is even more essential in helping its students acquire skills they will need to harness and use information for a productive and fulfilling life.

 

The school library media specialist uses information literacy standards for student learning to create and maintain a program for a broad learning community—students, teachers, administrators, parents, and the neighborhood—that will support lifelong learning (Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning, Edition 1998).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Developed By the following

 Henry County Library Media Specialists

 

Chalice Tillis                                               

Abbeville Elementary School                     

 

Christine Johnston

Abbeville Middle School

 

Maggie Snowdon

Abbeville High School

 

Susan Bond                                               

Headland Elementary School                    

                                                

Jane Gamble

Headland Middle School

 

Amy Singleton

Headland High School

 

Kimberly Shipman

Abbeville Schools

 

Mollie Goodwin

Headland Schools

 

Danny Hooper

Library Media Supervisor

 

REVISED DECEMBER, 2008

 

COMMITTEE STATEMENT

 

This handbook is designed to serve as a guide and provide pertinent information for library media and other personnel in the Henry County Public Schools. Its purpose is to facilitate some uniformity of operation without demanding conformity, since individual schools vary greatly in size, composition of student body, and library media staff. Revisions and updating will be ongoing as changes in state and system requirements and new needs arise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Preface........................................................................................................................................... 2

Library Media Handbook Committee........................................................................................ 3

Table of Contents......................................................................................................................... 4

Library Media Program................................................................................................................ 5

Henry County Board of Education Mission Statement………………………………..…….6

Library Media Mission Statement……………………………………………………………...7

Goals and Objectives of the Library Media Program…....................................................8

Henry County Board of Education Board Policy…………………………………………9-13

Roles and Responsibilities of the School Library Media Specialist………………..…14-15

Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning……………………………...………16

Professional Development……………………………………………………………………17

Library Enhancement Funds…………………………………………………………………18

Circulation Procedures………………………………………………………………………..19

General Library / Media Center Procedure………………………………….………….20-26

Weeding……………………………………………………………………………….……27-28

Inventory………………………………………………………………………………………..29

Flexible Scheduling………………………………………………………………………..30-31

The Constitutional Provision Respecting Copyright …………………………………...32-34

                                                                                                                                    

Library

 

 

Media

Program

 

 Henry County Board of Education

Mission Statement

 

THE BELIEF STATEMENT OF HENRY COUNTY SCHOOLS

A CARING ENVIRONMENT

A safe and physically comfortable environment promotes student learning.

A student’s education is enhanced by positive extra-curricular activities and a system of academic and emotional support.

FOCUS ON LEARNING

Student learning needs should be the primary focus of all decisions impacting the work of the school.

Students learn in different ways and should be provided with a variety of instructional approaches, including the use of technology to support their learning.

Students should be encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities in order to develop leadership and teamwork skills outside the classroom.

COMMITMENT TO QUALITY

The school staff’s commitment to continuous improvement is imperative if our schools are to enable students to become confident, self-directed, life-long learners.

Faculty members should commit themselves daily to seek out the best instructional approach to reach each individual student.

All school employees should strive to become better each day in meeting the needs of the student.

School Administrators are expected to recognize and develop leadership skills among staff members and to promote professional growth of employees.

 

 

 

 

 

Library Media Mission Statement

The mission of the library media program is to ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information.  This mission is accomplished by:

• providing intellectual and physical access to materials in all formats
• providing instruction to foster competence and stimulate interest
• working with other educators to design learning strategies to meet the needs of individual students 

The school library shall be an instructional media center serving the media specialist, and shall offer a comprehensive program of library services.  Library media resources are available to students and teachers through a systematically developed collection within the school and through access to resources outside the school.  The media specialist plans and works cooperatively with teachers in providing library services and library instruction to students.  The media specialist shall serve as a resource person, working cooperatively with teachers and students on reading guidance for individuals and groups and making available curricular materials. 

 

Contact Danny Hooper for information about media specialists in our school system.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Goals and Objectives

 of the

Library Media Program

 

 

 

w          To provide a pleasant, creative and safe learning environment

w          To facilitate the use of information in a variety of formats

w     To take an active role in supporting curriculum and providing materials which meet a variety of learning styles

w          To empower students to be independent and proficient life-long learners

w     To instill an appreciation of reading by assisting students with literary selection

w     To create media literate consumers by providing students with research strategies to develop critical thinking

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Henry County Board of Education believes that the school library media center is a fundamental part of the educational program.  It adheres to the premise that an effective library media program will provide:

 

1.    Equal and maximum access to information resources which extend the limited content of textbooks.

 

2.    Instruction for students in acquiring the research skills necessary for independent learning.

 

3.    Motivation for students to read and enjoy good literature.

 

4.    Encouragement for students to use a variety of media for a lifetime of learning and pleasure.

 

Each school in the Henry County School System shall maintain a library media center under the direction of a state certificated library media specialist in accordance with accreditation standards.  The responsibility for coordinating the selection and purchasing of instructional materials rests with the library media specialist with the final responsibility being vested in the Board.

 

Since the library media program is an integral part of the total school program, the school’s philosophy and goals help establish direction for library media services.  Programs may vary somewhat based on different school characteristics; however, some functions will be common in all schools.  Those functions include:

 

1.            Equal access to information in the school collection.

2.            Provision of supplementary materials to enhance the school curriculum.

3.            Integration of information skills instruction with classroom activities.

4.            Assistance to teachers in using a variety of media formats to improve instruction.

5.            Motivation for students to enjoy good literature and other worthwhile resources.

6.            Access to the use of current technologies to improve instructional effectiveness.

 

The Henry County School System library media specialists and teachers should collaborate to insure that all students have adequate and equal access to the library media center and its collection.

 

 

 

 

 

STATUTORY AUTHORITY:                                                                 CODE OF ALABAMA

                                                                                                                                              16-1-30

 

 

LAW(S) IMPLEMENTED:                                                                       CODE OF ALABAMA

                                                                                                                       16-8-9, 16-21-1 to 3

 

 

ALABAMA ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT:                                               _______

 

 

HISTORY:                                                                              ADOPTED: January 16, 1997

                                                                                REVISION DATE(S): OCTOBER 11, 2007

                                                                                                                          FORMERLY: IFBD

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I.              Objectives of Selection - The primary objective of the Henry County School System schools’ educational media centers is to implement, enrich, and support the educational program of the schools.  The centers shall provide a wide range of materials on all levels of difficulty, with diversity of appeal and the representation of different points of view.

 

II.            Criteria for Selection

 

A.           The standards to determine the propriety of the educational materials shall be pursuant to Alabama statutes.

 

B.           Educational media materials shall be evaluated and selected to implement, enrich, and support the educational programs of the schools.

 

C.           Media, e.g., films, videotapes, software, print texts, from sources other than the system or a school media center collection must be approved by the principal.  Request for Use of Educational Media from Outside Sources forms are available at each school site and shall be used to request permission to use such materials.  The content of the curriculum shall determine the need for use of media.

 

III.           Funds shall be spent in accordance with the budget adopted for designated local school or system funds.

 

IV.       Media specialists shall be consulted in budgeting all library enhancement funds.

 

 

 

STATUTORY AUTHORITY:                                                                 CODE OF ALABAMA

                                                                                                                                              16-1-30

 

 

LAW(S) IMPLEMENTED:                                                                       CODE OF ALABAMA

                                                                                                               16-1-8.1, 16-8-8, 16-11-9,

                                                                                                                  16-11-23, 16-21-1 TO 3

 

ALABAMA ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT:                                               _______

 

 

HISTORY:                                                                             ADOPTED: October 11, 2007

                                                                                                                                                           

 

 

 

 

The following procedures shall be followed when the appropriateness of books or materials is questioned:

I.              School/community citizens may register their concerns with the principal of the school where material is being challenged.

 

II.            All concerns shall be presented in writing to the school principal. The statement shall include the following information:

 

 

A.           Author, compiler, or editor;

 

B.           Publisher;

 

C.           Title;

 

D.           Reason for objection;

 

E.           Page number of each item challenged; and,

 

F.            Signature, address and telephone number of person making criticism.

 

III.           These procedures shall be followed for Henry County School System school-level reviews:

 

A.           A committee of teachers, educational media specialists, parents, and other qualified personnel shall be appointed by the principal to evaluate the challenged materials and to make recommendations for any changes.  The principal shall notify the Superintendent or his/her designee when a committee is convened.

 

B.           Challenged materials shall not be removed immediately; however, such materials shall not be available for student use pending a final decision.

 

C.           Challenged materials shall be read and evaluated by the committee, considering the specific objections presented by the complainant.

 

D.           The complainant shall be informed in writing concerning the committee’s recommendations.

 

IV.          These procedures shall be appropriate for system-level appeals and shall be followed when the complainant disagrees with the decision rendered from the school-level appeal.

 

A.           A committee of teachers, educational media specialists, parents, and other qualified personnel shall be appointed by the Superintendent to review the appeal, to evaluate the challenged materials and to make recommendations of any changes.  A committee member shall not be selected from the school where the challenged materials originated.

 

B.           The Superintendent shall designate a member of his/her staff to be responsible for the organization of this review committee according to School Board policies.

 

C.           The committee’s review shall be treated objectively and in a business-like manner and shall be conducted in the best interests of students, the schools, and the community.  Efforts shall be made to meet with citizens who register concerns to consider their objections.

 

D.           The committee’s recommendations shall be submitted to the Superintendent.

 

E.           The complainant shall be informed, in writing, after the committee’s recommendation is received by the Superintendent.

 

F.            An appeal to the Henry County Board of Education may be requested by the complainant when the school and system-level appeals do not satisfactorily resolve the concerns.  The Board shall review recommendations of the school and system-level committees and shall render the final decision on the complainant’s concern.

 

 

 

 

STATUTORY AUTHORITY:                                                                 CODE OF ALABAMA

                                                                                                                                              16-1-30

 

LAW(S) IMPLEMENTED:                                                                       CODE OF ALABAMA

                                                                                                                 16-8-8, 16-11-9, 16-12-3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roles and Responsibilities of the School Library Media Specialist

·         As teacher, the library media specialist collaborates with students and other members of the learning community to analyze learning and information needs, to locate and use resources that will meet those needs, and to understand and communicate the information the resources provide. An effective instructor of students, the library media specialist is knowledgeable about current research on teaching and learning and skilled in applying its findings to a variety of situation--particularly those that call upon students to access, evaluate, and use information from multiple sources in order to learn, to think, and to create and apply new knowledge. A curricular leader and a full participant on the instructional team, the library media specialist constantly updates personal skills and knowledge in order to work effectively with teachers, administrators, and other staff--both to expand their general understanding of information issues and to provide them with specific opportunities to develop sophisticated skills in information literacy, including the uses of information technology.

·         As instructional partner, the library media specialist joins with teachers and others to identify links across student information needs, curricular content, learning outcomes, and a wide variety of print, non-print, and electronic information resources. Working with the entire school community, the library media specialist takes a leading role in developing policies, practices, and curricula that guide students to develop the full range of information and communication abilities. Committed to the process of collaboration, the library media specialist works closely with individual teachers in the critical areas of designing authentic learning tasks and assessments and integrating the information and communication abilities required to meet subject matter standards.

·         As information specialist, the library media specialist provides leadership and expertise in acquiring and evaluating information resources in all formats; in bringing an awareness of information issues into collaborative relationships with teachers, administrators, students, and others; and in modeling for students and others strategies for locating, accessing, and evaluating information within and beyond the library media center. Working in an environment that has been profoundly affected by technology, the library media specialist both masters sophisticated electronic resources and maintains a constant focus on the nature, quality, and ethical use of information available in these and in more traditional tools.

·         As program administrator, the library media specialist works collaboratively with members of the learning community to define the policies of the library media program and to guide and direct all activities related to it. Confident of the importance of the effective use of information and information technology to students' personal and economic success in their future lives, the library media specialist is an advocate for the library media program and provides the knowledge, vision, and leadership to steer it creatively and energetically in the twenty-first century. Proficient in the management of staff, budgets, equipment, and facilities, the library media specialist plans, executes, and evaluates the program to ensure its quality both at a general level and on a day-to-day basis.

Excerpted from Chapter 1, "The Vision," of Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning. Copyright © 1998 American Library Association and Association for Educational Communications and Technology. ISBN 0-8389-3470-6

 

 

 

 

 

Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning

 

The following information literacy standards for student learning are reprinted from Chapter 2 in Information Power Building Partnerships for Learning and are used with the publisher’s permission.

 

Information Literacy

• Standard 1:  The student who is information literate accesses information efficiently and effectively.
• Standard 2:  The student who is information literate evaluates information critically and competently.
• Standard 3:  The student who is information literate uses information accurately and creatively.

 

Independent Learning

• Standard 4:  The student who is an independent learner is information literate and pursues information related to personal interests.
• Standard 5:  The student who is an independent learner is information literate and appreciates literature and other creative expressions of information.
• Standard 6:  The student who is an independent learner is information literate and strives for excellence in information seeking and knowledge generation.

 

Social Responsibility

• Standard 7:  The student who contributes positively to the learning community and to society is information literate and recognizes the importance of information to a democratic society.
• Standard 8:  The student who contributes positively to the learning community and to society is information literate and practices ethical behavior in regard to information and information technology.
• Standard 9:  The student who contributes positively to the learning community and to society is information literate and participates effectively in groups to pursue and generate information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Professional Development

 

Professional development is an essential and continuous function of successful careers in public education.  Continuous professional development opportunities for library media specialists include the following:

 

1. County library media staff meetings

 

2. Faculty meetings

 

3. Local faculty in-service sessions sponsored by the library media specialist

 

4. Academic and/or curriculum committee meetings

 

5. Other in-school committee meetings

 

6. Professional organization meetings

 

Local

Regional

State

National

 

7. Reviewing proposals

 

8. Graduate courses

 

9. National Board Certification

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIBRARY ENHANCEMENT FUNDS BUDGET

 

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

 

The Foundation Bill 95-314 states “The library enhancement appropriation shall be for K-12 Public School Library/Media Centers…Not less than of the above appropriation is to be expended for books.  Other expenditures may include:

1.    Book binding

2.    Repair

3.    CD-ROMs

4.    Computer Software

5.    Computer Equipment

6.    Cataloging

7.    Audio-Visual Materials

8.    Newspapers

9.    Magazines

10. Recordings

11. Video tapes / DVD’s

 

The Accountability Bill 95-313 states “Library enhancement funds must be budgeted for all teachers based on the rate appropriated per teacher unit by the legislature in the foundation program.”  This bill then quotes the above statement from the Foundation Bill.

 

1.    By law each school must submit a budget for the expenditures of library enhancement monies.

2.    All faculty members will be given the opportunity for input; therefore, the budget must be approved in a faculty meeting.

3.    The library committee of each school shall cooperatively develop a budget for the purchase of library enhancement expenditures, and by a majority vote of the faculty, approve a budget for the school.

4.    Each teacher must sign that they have participated in the budget process.

5.    After the budget has been developed, each teacher should vote by secret ballot.  Ballots should then be counted and filed in the school office for examination by state auditors.

6.    The minutes of the meeting with the results of the vote should be taken, a copy filed in school office and a copy forward with the budget and other supporting documents to the central office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CIRCULATION PROCEDURES

 

These procedures may be modified for local school needs

 

1. Reference Materials—may be circulated overnight with permission of the library media specialist.
2. Circulating Books—regular books should usually be circulated for a period of one or two weeks.
3. Renewals—should be granted on all regular loans, but a limit to the number of renewals should be set.  The book must be presented for renewal each time, and any fines incurred must be paid.
4. Circulation Information—Information should be distributed that contains specific directives pertinent to the operation of that particular library, such as hours when the library should be open, policies regarding overdue fines, lost and damaged materials, regulations for the use of all library materials, and other items needed to clarify for the student and teacher the overall library policies.
5. Overdue Books—An attitude of responsibility should be emphasized to the students concerning the importance of returning materials on time.  Overdue notices should be printed and sent in a timely manner.
6. Overdue, Damaged or Lost Fines—The amount charged for overdue books, damaged or lost library materials is determined by local school guidelines.  When a student transfers, a receiving school may be contacted for assistance in recovering the book or money.
7. Monies Collected—Monies collected through the library should be deposited into the library account.  These funds should be used to purchase library materials.
8. Circulation Period—The length of circulation period is determined by the size of collection, number of borrowers, and the way in which material is to be used.
9. Circulating Audiovisual Materials and Equipment—Audiovisual materials and equipment may be circulated through the use of check-out sheet, log, card file or database system.
10. Magazines—If space if available, magazines should be available at all times to be used for reference. Therefore, magazines should be circulated only at the discretion of the library media specialist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GENERAL LIBRARY/MEDIA CENTER PROCEDURES

 

On the next six pages the specific procedures used at each Henry County school are listed for addressing the following library/media issues:

 

Fine Procedure

Other Assessed Charges

Other Fine Penalties

Lost Book Penalties

             Classes in the Library

Make-up Tests in the Library

Number of Students Per Period in Library

Use of Library by Total Class Groups

Make Up Days

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abbeville Elementary School

Library/Media Center Procedures

 

 

Fine Procedure – There is no overdue fine charge.

 

Other Assessed Charges – Replacement cost will be charged for lost books.  Charges for damaged books may also be accessed.

 

Lost Book Penalties –While students cannot be denied access to the library, the privilege of checking out books is to be relinquished until lost books are returned or paid for.

 

Number of  Students Per Period in Library – A maximum capacity number of students is pre-determined by the number of students enrolled in each class. The exact number of students (not to exceed 26) in the library at one given time will depend upon the size of the facility and the number of librarians present.

 

No Make-up Days – When a class misses its scheduled library time, there will be no make-up days. Exceptions are at the librarian’s discretion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abbeville Middle School

Library/Media Center Procedures

 

 

Library Books Checkout Procedure – students may check out books for a period of two weeks.  Books may be checked out during homeroom, during regular scheduled library time or other times designated by a teacher.  A total of two books may be checked out.

 

Due Date – students must write due date in the back of each book on the due date slip.  The computer will keep up with the date due for the librarian.

 

Magazines – can not be checked out.  They may be used in the library.

 

Reference Materials – students may check out reference materials overnight.  A reference book must be returned the next day or a fine of $1.00 per day will be charged until it is returned.

 

Fine Procedure – a fine of 5 cents per day is charged for overdue books in the regular collection.  Books that are overdue in the reference collection carry a $1.00 per day fine.  Students may not check out additional books until all fines are paid.

 

Lost Books – library books are considered the responsibility of the student checking them out.  If a book is missing more than three weeks the librarian will request that the book be paid for.  If the book is not returned or paid for then no other book can be checked out until this is taken care of.

 

Damaged Books – if a book which was in good condition comes back to the library in poor condition the student will be charged a repair fee or a replacement fee according to the condition of the book.

 

Library Schedule – classes are scheduled to come to the library once a week.  Any teacher that would like to bring a class to the library may come anytime there is no class scheduled.  A Library Schedule is kept visible at all times for teachers to see and sign.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abbeville High School

Library/Media Center Procedures

 

 

Fine Procedure— There will be a fine of $.20 per day for overdue books.  The fine will be assessed each day, and may include weekends and holidays, until a ceiling of $2 has been reached. There may be a $2 charge for handling lost books, plus the cost of the book replacement.  Teacher assigned outside reading books must be returned to the library media center the day of the test or the first day after the test.

 

Other Fine Procedures—Students may not check out additional books until all fines are paid.

 

Classes in the Library— Teachers must sign up for using the library media center/lab through the library media specialist.  It is recommended that no class (study hall, driver education, or content area) be held in the library.  A student may not be placed in the library media center as a class.

 

Make –up Tests in the Library— It is recommended that students not be sent to the library for the purpose of making up missed tests.

 

Use of Library by Total Class Groups— When an entire class utilizes the library for an assignment, the classroom teacher will accompany them and remain during the entire class period.  Teachers must remain in the lab during class time when students are using the computers and rotate when students are using the computers in cubicles because of an overload of students in a class.  Teachers may send up to five (5) students without being accompanied by the teacher, provided it is cleared through the library media specialist. 

 

Printing in the Library— Students may print free (up to five pages, or the number set by the teacher) when the teacher provides the paper for an entire class.   Otherwise, printing is $.10 a page.

 

Jump Drive/Floppy Disk/CD— No person may bring anything in the library to download to a computer in the library media center. 

 

Make-up Days— When a class misses its scheduled library time, the library media specialist will do whatever possible to reschedule, including doubling of classes, as long as both teachers agree.

 

 

 

 

 

Headland Elementary School

  Library/Media Center Procedures

 

 

Fine Procedures— There will be no overdue fine charges.

 

Other Assessed Charges— A replacement cost will be charged for lost books. Charges for damaged books will also be assessed.

 

Lost or Damaged Book Penalties— While students cannot be denied access to the library; the privilege of checking out books is to be relinquished until lost books are returned or paid for.

 

Classes in the Library—.Classes for kindergarten through fifth grades will meet according to a pre-arranged schedule set by the administration, which allows for equal access of library privileges for all students.

 

Number of Students Per Period in Library— A maximum capacity number of students is pre-determined by the number of students enrolled in each class. The exact number of students in the library at one given time will depend upon the size of the facility and the number of librarians present.

 

No Make-up Days— When a class misses its scheduled library time; there will be no make-up days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Headland Middle School

Library/Media Center Procedures

 

 

Fines— There will be no fines charged for overdue materials. 

 

Lost and Damaged Books and Materials— The learner will be asked to pay the replacement cost for the book and or material.  Until the material is paid for the learner will not be allowed to check out materials from the library.

 

Classes in the Library/Media Center— Each student will have a scheduled time to come to the library each week.  Teachers may schedule open times for their classes to use the library/media center.  Teachers should be present with their classes in the library/media center.

 

Make-up Tests in the Library— Students should not make up tests in the library unless the classroom teacher is present.

 

Use of Library by Total Class Groups— When an entire class utilizes the library for an assignment, the classroom teacher will accompany them and remain during the class period.

 

No Make-up Days— When a class misses its scheduled library time, there will be no make-up days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Headland High School

Library/Media Procedures

 

Fine Procedures— Fines will not be charged for overdue books.

 

Other Optional Assessed Charges— Students will be charged for damaged books based on the replacement value.

 

Lost Book Penalties— While students cannot be denied access to the library, the privilege of checking out books is to be relinquished until lost books are returned or paid for.

 

Classes in the Library— It is recommended that no class (study hall, driver’s education, or content area) be held in the library.

 

Make-Up Tests in the Library— Make-up tests may be taken in the library as long as there is seating available and it does not interfere with scheduled classes.

 

Use of Library by Total Class Groups— When an entire class utilizes the library for an assignment, the classroom teacher will accompany them and remain during the class period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weeding

 

Weeding is not a once-a-year project, but a continuing process throughout the school year.  Be sure to check circulation history on questionable AV material before discarding.  Keep a running tally or file of discarded items.  The annual report requests the number of books and the number of AV materials withdrawn by the end of the school year.

 

1.    Consider weeding the following:

a.    Badly damaged print and non-print materials

b.    Old editions replaced with newer copyright editions

c.    Outdated or discriminatory materials (sexists, stereotypes, etc)

d.    Titles that are no longer popular and never circulate

e.    Duplicate copies that no longer circulate

2.    Consider NOT weeding:

a.    Any item which is out of print and may be occasionally used.

 

·         Retain primary works.

 

Education:

·         Retain biographical materials.

 

 

Music, Art:

·         Most books do not become outdated.

 

Literature and Language:

·         Retain criticism of classic titles.

·         Keep multiple copies of classic literary works.

 

Pure Sciences:

• Remove older materials when newer materials are available that provide better explanations.

 

Mathematics:

• Retain classics.
• Normally withdraw older editions when superseded by new ones.

 

Computer Science

• Materials in this area become outdated quickly.
• Withdraw older editions when superseded by new ones with new explanations.

 

Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry:

• Retain titles that are regarded as “landmark” in the area.
• Retain works of significant historical or literary value.

 

Medicine:

• Monitor changes in disease diagnosis and treatment.
• Discard older editions when superseded by new ones.

 

Agriculture:

• Discard older editions when superseded by new ones.

 

Technology:

• Withdraw materials when newer editions are published or newer material provided better coverage and treatment except auto and appliance repair manuals, cookbooks, and books on guns, clock etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INVENTORY

 

Hand Count

 

1. Materials should be arranged on the shelf in Dewey Decimal order.
2. Match the barcode number to the shelf-list printout.
3. Be sure to check the missing books against the books still in circulation.
4. When a book has been missing three years, it is recommended the title be considered lost and withdrawn from the collection.

 

Computer Inventory

 

1. All schools should have an electronic management system capable of accepting the barcodes and tallying the count of missing barcodes and then printing out the titles of missing items.

 

2. Reconcile inventory reports and take a collection snapshot.
3. Print out collection statistics report.

 

Audiovisual Equipment/Software Inventory

 

1. Count each category of equipment/software.
2. Prepare damaged equipment to send for repair.
3. Clean equipment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING

 

The student-centered library media center program requires flexible and equitable access to information and resources to support student learning and to support curriculum instruction.

 

Flexible scheduling requires a collaborative effort in planning between the teacher and the library media specialist. Flexible scheduling "is an organization for instruction, allowing for varying class sizes within and among courses, and providing for instructional groups that meet within and among courses, and providing for instructional groups that meet at varying frequencies and for varying lengths of time…" (The Facts on File Dictionary of Education, Edition 1988).

 

Essential to a successful flexible schedule is collaborative planning between the library media specialist and the teacher to develop curriculum based library media activities that provide student-centered learning and classroom related activities. Monitoring of flexible schedule and careful record keeping will assure that all students are engaged in library media activities routinely.

 

USE OF FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING:

Follows recommended national guidelines;

• Ties library media center use to classroom objectives;

• Allows students and teachers to use the library media center and its resources as needed;

• Provides access for use of library media center as a learning laboratory;

• Provides a student-centered environment that promotes independent learning while         .meeting the individual reading needs of the student; and

• Provides developmentally appropriate activities for all students.

There are many scheduling variations that can be used. Flexible scheduling can be used throughout the day, everyday; part of each day; with only a few classes; several days a week; or as needs are determined by the library media specialist and the teachers.

 

BENEFITS OF FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING

STUDENT BENEFITS:

• Having access to materials and equipment when needed

• Having personal attention from the library media specialist

• Having opportunities to work independently

• Having timely instruction in relevant information skills

• Having access to print and non-print circulation

• Developing an appreciation for lifelong reading

 

 

 

 TEACHER BENEFITS:

• Being able to meet individual needs of students

• Being able to vary classroom activities

• Having students use a greater variety of print and non-print resources

• Having access to resources and equipment for instruction, as needed

• Planning instructional and curriculum goals with library media specialist

• Being able to concentrate on student-centered learning

 

PRINCIPAL BENEFITS:

• Having a learning program that develops independent learners

• Having a program that encourages student responsibility

• Fostering and encouraging professional cooperation

• Having a library media center that enhances school curriculum goals and needs

• Encouraging the widest possible use of information resources and services by making      them available throughout the school through remote access in the library media center

• Using school-owned resources to the fullest extent

 

LIFELONG LEARNING

Library media specialists and teachers collaborate, to ensure that students will become effective users of information. Students' ability to think critically increases as they have more opportunities to locate, interpret, analyze, evaluate, and communicate ideas and information. When these opportunities are integrated throughout the curriculum, students develop a practice that will translate into lifelong learning strategies.