Franklin County School System

Vina High School Media CenterPolicies and Procedures Manual

Adopted by BOE __________________

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Franklin County School System Board of EducationGary Williams, Superintendent

Mike Shewbart, PresidentRalton Baker, Member

Terry Welborn, MemberShannon Oliver, Member

Pat Cochran, Member

School Principals

Belgreen High School Myra FrederickEast Franklin Jr. High School Nancy HallmanPhil Campbell Elementary School Jacqueline ErglePhil Campbell High School Gary OdomRed Bay High School Kenny SparksTharptown Elementary School Ann ScottTharptown High School Barry LasterVina High School James Pharr

Library Media Specialists

Belgreen High School Melissa CoxEast Franklin Jr. High School Nicole BuslerPhil Campbell Elementary School Alana SwinneyPhil Campbell High School Patricia MooreRed Bay High School Stacey JacksonTharptown Elementary School Laura StocktonTharptown High School Melissa HarrisonVina High School Patti Swinney

Library Media Program SupervisorTilda Sumerel

Patti Swinney, Library Media Specialist

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Policy and Procedures Manual

The Vina High School Library Media Center Policy and Procedures Manual was developed and revised during the 2015-16 school year. It was adopted by the Franklin County Board of Education on the date listed on the cover. It will be examined and revised on an annual basis as needed after its initial adoption.

Purpose of the Policy and Procedures Manual

The purpose of the policy and procedures manual is to serve as a guide for the operation of the Vina High School Library Media Center and to provide information and requirements for patron use.

Mission Statement of the Franklin County School System

The Franklin County School System subscribes to the belief that the primary function of the public schools is to promote the understanding, maintenance and improvement of the American way of life. To that end, the curriculum in the Franklin County Schools shall promote the development of democratic values and shall be based on a program of instruction in academic, technical subjects, fine arts, vocational/technical skills, citizenship, cultural development and enhancement of moral and spiritual values.

Mission Statement of Vina High School

In collaboration with administration, faculty, families, and students, Vina High School is committed to providing a quality education that produces respectful, responsible, and resourceful citizens.

Mission Statement of the Vina High School Library Media Program

The mission of the Vina High School 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 and all stakeholders 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 and technology literacy and will enhance and supplement the core academic instructional program. We strive to provide resources and learning opportunities that embrace the CCRS and the Alabama Course of Study standards. Staff members work collaboratively with teachers as learning partners as we teach our students and provide high quality instructional program that meets the needs of our students.

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Goals and Objectives

The goals of the Vina High School Library Media Center Program are:

1. To teach students to access, evaluate, and use information2. To maintain a well-balanced collection of media appropriate to the needs of our

stakeholders3. To provide assistance in locating and using instructional materials4. To promote instruction in information literacy to students and faculty5. To provide instructional materials that will stimulate growth in factual knowledge

and literary appreciation6. To provide a wide range of learning resources that enhance and supplement the

school’s core academic curriculum, the CCRS and Alabama Course of Study objectives

7. To provide access to digital resources for students to use in their learning8. To provide unlimited intellectual access to our resources through website and

links appropriate for all stakeholders9. To promote Internet safety among our students through instruction and activities10.To manage a planned program and a welcoming environment11.To foster the development of a life-long love of reading and learning12.To work collaboratively with teachers to provide resources to meet the needs of

students and teachers

Library Media Center Improvement Plan

Timeline

The Vina High School Library Media Center Improvement Plan will be in effect for a minimum of three years. Annually the goals, objectives, strategies and action steps will be examined as revised as need to help meet our long range broad improvement goals. Short term goals are expected to be met in one or two school years.

Long Range Goals 1. Update and enlarge the AV section 2. Replace paperback picture books with library-bound copies3. Weed and update the elementary Dewey collection4. Maintain the LMC’s web pages

Short Term Goals1. Add science DVDs for elementary 2. Weed picture books3. Replace bins that are broken4. Weed and update 500 section of the elementary Dewey collection5. Put additional links on the LMC’s web pages

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Objectives1. A quality collection of books and materials will be maintained and updated

through continuous evaluation.  The collection must anticipate, respond, and grow according to the needs of the students and faculty.  

2. The media specialist will provide opportunities for students and teachers to use computers to facilitate access to information.

3. The LMC will be well maintained, safe, and inviting.

Strategies1. Survey the 3rd-5th grade science teachers for data to compile a list of resources

to be purchased.  Consult School Library Journal and other sources for reviews of best DVD titles that address the identified needs.

2. Evaluate the condition of picture books in the bins to generate a list of titles to target for replacement.

3. Consult with faculty and students for recommendations for educational websites to add as links to the LMC web page.  Consult reliable sources for links.

Action Steps1. Purchase, catalog, and process elementary science DVD’s as funding allows2. Remove picture books in poor condition and replace with hardback copies as

funding allows.3. Add new links to LMC web page

American Association of School Librarians Standards for the 21st Century Learner

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Standards for the 21st Century Learner offers a vision for teaching and learning to guide our profession. Franklin County Schools adopts these standards.

The learning standards begin by defining nine foundational common beliefs:

• Reading is a window to the world. • Inquiry provides a framework for learning • Ethical behavior in the use of information must be taught. • Technology skills are crucial for future employment needs. • Equitable access is a key component for education. • The definition of information literacy has become more complex as resources and technologies have changed. • The continuing expansion of information demands that all individuals acquire the thinking skills that will enable them to learn on their own. • Learning has a social context. • School libraries are essential to the development of learning skills.

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The Standards describe how learners use skills, resources, and tools to:

1. Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge. 2. Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge. 3. Share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society. 4. Pursue personal and aesthetic growth.

http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/learningstandards/standards.cfm

Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning The Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning provides a conceptual framework and broad guidelines for describing the information-literate student. The standards consist of three categories, nine standards, and twenty-nine indicators.

The categories and standards are as follows:

Information Literacy

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

Independent Learning

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

Social Responsibility

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. 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. 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.

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http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/news/pr2004/august2004/k12informationliteracy.cfmIntellectual Freedom

“Intellectual freedom accords to all library users the right to seek and receive information on all subjects, form all points of view without restriction and without having the subject of one’s interest examined or scrutinized by others.” American Library Association (2006) Intellectual Freedom Manual states that Intellectual freedom is prerequisite to effective and responsible citizenship in a democracy and is one of the core values of the library profession.  The American Library Association’s (ALA) Library Bill of Rights (LBOR) serves as the library profession’s interpretation of the First Amendment of the .S. Constitution. A library media program is founded on a commitment to the right of intellectual freedom. By providing access to information and ideas essential for 21st Century learners, a library media specialist empowers learners who acquire skills to become critical thinkers, competent problem solvers, and lifelong learners who contribute productively and ethically to a pluralistic society. A library media specialist is a leader in meeting a school’s responsibility to provide resources on all points of view on all questions and issues and to make these ideas and opinions

The Franklin County  School Board affirms and supports these statements on intellectual freedom.

http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/statementsif/librarybillrights.htm

Characteristics of a 21st Century Library Media Program

The Franklin County School System strives to ensure that all of our students can be successful. To this end, the Franklin County Board of Education promotes library media programs that demonstrate as many of the characteristics of a 21st Century Library Media Program as possible.

All school personnel need to work together to make the library the center of learning in the school. Administrators, teachers, and library media specialists each have responsibilities.

The Library Media Center Program

• The library media center (LMC) is a place where individuals and groups of students use information to extend classroom studies and to further personal interests. • Students have open, flexible access to library media resources and services. • Library media resources are available to support the curriculum, encourage research, engage students in pleasure reading, and address individual needs and interests. • Resources are organized by a recognized method and are available in an automated format. • 21st Century skills are integrated with all subjects and developed in a curriculum context to provide a foundation for life-long learning.

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• Library media services are implemented according to a written plan based on data analysis, needs assessment, and annual evaluation, consistent with the goals of the school and school system. • A comprehensive program is provided that includes skills instruction, information access, program management, and media center management. • Learners are taught to seek diverse perspectives, gather and use information ethically, and make use of social tools, i.e. personal space, responsibly and safely.

The Library Media Center Professional

• The library media specialist (LMS) is certified, evaluated by appropriate criteria, and has a plan for professional development. • The library media specialist collaborates with the learning community to determine collection needs and implements local board-approved policies for collection development, use of resources, adherence to copyright law, protection of intellectual freedom, and reconsideration of challenged materials in the collection.

The Facility

• The library media center is physically accessible to all students. • The library media center is adequately lighted and contains furnishings appropriate in size to the student population. • The library media center has the infrastructure needed to sustain existing and emerging technologies.

Freedom to Read

The Freedom to Read (FOR) statement is the best known of the American Library Association’s documents supporting the principles of intellectual freedom and begins with the following:

“The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack. Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove or limit access to reading materials, to censor content in schools, to label “controversial” views, to distribute lists of “objectionable” books or authors, and to purge libraries. These actions apparently rise from a view that our national tradition of free expression is no longer valid; that censorship and suppression are needed to counter threats to safety of national security, as well as to avoid the subversion of politics and the corruption of morals. We, as individuals devoted to reading and as librarians and publishers responsible for disseminating ideas, wish to assert the public interest in the preservation of the freedom to read.”

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In addition to providing a foundation for selection and/or collection development policies, the FOR provides a reminder that open communication is necessary in a free society and creative culture. Library media specialists help ensure students have access to information covering a wide range of issues and viewpoints.

Franklin County Schools strives to uphold these principals of freedom for its students as defined in the FOR.

http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspots/ftrstatement/freedomreadstatement.htm

Student Internet Use Agreement

Student Internet Use Agreements are located in the Student Handbooks which are distributed to all students each school year. Students and parents must read and sign the agreement before students are allowed to use school digital technology. Students who do not return signed agreements are not allowed to use school digital technology.

Adherence to Copyright Laws and Regulations

All patrons are expected to abide by the U. S. and International Copyright Laws. LMC personnel are required to report any violations of the Copyright Law to the proper authorities.

LMC personnel provide annual instruction and lessons to patrons advising them of the law and its requirements.  LMC personnel provide orientation of the staff about acceptable use of materials and the Copyright Law as related to educational institutions.

Library Media Center Contact Information

Individuals may contact the Vina High School Library Media Specialist by telephone at 256-331-2260 or by e-mail at pattiswinney@franklin.k12.al.us or by arranging through telephone or e-mail to visit them in person at an agreed upon time and date.

Library media center personnel are always present in the LMC during the regular operation hours of the school. Individuals may visit during these hours to see the librarian or staff members.

The Library Media Center’s mailing address is:

8250 Highway 23Vina, AL 35593

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Library Media Center Hours of Operation

The Vina High School Library Media Center is open from 7:35 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. each school day.

Students must come with a purpose for learning or a classroom pass for elementary checkouts during the school day. Students may visit the LMC before or immediately after schools if they wish to.

Faculty members are welcome to browse and pick up materials in person or notify a librarian of needs via email, phone or student messenger.

LMC personnel with work with faculty members in scheduling times for regular weekly classes or for extra class periods for special projects students are working on.

Elementary students will visit the LMC twice weekly for a 30 minute class on days that school is in session. If the school is closed, the library media specialist will work with the teacher to reschedule missed classes if possible due to time constraints. In the event classes cannot reasonably be rescheduled, arrangements will be made for the students who missed their library time to return and check out books.

Student Conduct in the Media Center

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 as required by the Franklin County Board of Education Student Code of Conduct.

Rules

1. It is the student’s responsibility to return checked out materials by the due date. 2. Each student is allowed to check out 1 book per visit. If students need more

materials for class projects, they will be allowed to check out more than 1 book provided they do not have any overdue materials at the time and provided the librarian gives permission.

3. Students must take care of all library media center materials and equipment and return materials in reasonable condition.

4. Students must observe the Student Conduct Code adopted by the Board of Education when in the Library Media Center.

5. Food, drinks, and gum are not allowed in the library media center.6. Students must follow Internet Use guidelines adopted by the school system.7. Students must sign an Internet Use Agreement before they will be allowed to use

LMC technology.

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8. Student’s personal digital devices must be turned off when in the Library Media Center. They can be used if permission is given by the Library Media Specialist.

9. Students muse get permission and sign in at the checkout desk when using a computer.

10.Students are not allowed to print from computers without permission. Students must pay the required charge per page if printing documents.

11.Students are not allowed to insert thumb drives or disks into the computers unless the librarian gives permission.

12.Students must follow directions from all library media center staff.13.Students must be quiet while in the LMC so as to not disturb other patrons.14.Students are required to complete assignments given by the library media staff.

Consequences

1. Students are expected to abide by the Student Code of Conduct adopted by the Board of Education when in the LMC.

2. Students may be asked to return to their regular class if they do not abide by LMC rules or the Code of Conduct.

3. Students may be separated from their group but remain in the LMC until the end of their class if disruptions are minor.

4. If a student is disrupting the learning of other patrons they may be subject to disciplinary action from the librarian, their teacher or the school’s administration.

5. Students who fail to return checked out materials during a reasonable time period may be prohibited from further checkouts until they return materials or pay for their loss.

6. Students who destroy, damage, or lose materials must make arrangements for payment or replacement before they will be allowed further checkouts.

7. Student reports cards may be held at the end of the school year if they have materials not returned or they have not made payments for damaged or lost materials.  Students may not be able to purchase a locker or parking pass until all library fees are paid.

8. Students who transfer to another school must return all checked out materials and pay all fees before they leave or their records may be held until they clear up this matter.

Meeting Student Need

The media specialist works in collaboration with teachers to meet the learning needs of their individual students on all grade levels.

The media specialist assists teachers by providing resources that enhance and supplement the regular instructional program. If requested, the media specialist gathers materials for teachers and delivers to the classroom on subjects and topics for use in student activities and projects.

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The media specialist works to provide resources in the home language of English Language Learners and resources that target all student subgroups where possible.

LMC staff provides assistance and direction with digital and Internet resources for all patrons.

Library Media Center Scheduling

Elementary Students

Pre-Kindergarten students participate in two scheduled 20 minute classes per week. These students are not allowed to check out materials from the LMC.  

Kindergarten, first, second and third grade classes have two fixed times to visit the library media center for 30 minute classes on a weekly basis. The librarian provides and picks up a collection of 25-40 books on a bi-weekly basis in the classrooms for these students to enjoy if the teachers make a request for this service.

Students in these grades may checkout one book per visit provided they do not have overdue checkouts from previous weeks.

Other elementary students are not allowed to visit the library during times scheduled for other classes. Teachers should refer to the library schedule and avoid sending students during these scheduled class times.

Grades 4 – 6

Fourth, fifth, and sixth grade classes visit the library media center for a 50 minute class on a weekly basis.  Teachers may send students during flex time to check out books. Students in these grades may checkout one book each visit.

Elementary teachers are encouraged to schedule additional time for activities/lessons to enhance what students are doing in the classroom and foster information literacy.

Additional time may be scheduled in collaboration with the library media specialist in order to ensure needed materials are readily available and other classes can be notified of the arrangement.

High School Students Grades 7 - 12

We are using a Flexible Schedule with no fixed schedule for these grades. However, the media specialist has left Fridays open for use by the high school students and for scheduling of class periods as needed.  Teachers may schedule classes as needed.  If

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there is a conflict with an elementary class already scheduled, the media specialist may move the scheduled elementary class to accommodate the high school class.  

Teachers are encouraged to plan class lessons which include research and reference materials and to schedule time for classes to meet in the library. Teacher and librarian collaboration beforehand assures the best use of resources and time.

High school students may visit the library individually to use computers or Internet, to check out books, to use periodicals, or to browse during flex time.

Teacher permission is needed to visit the LMC during class times. Students may visit before school, at breaks or immediately after school.

Students in these grades may check out materials for two weeks and are limitedto two books per student unless special requests are made.

With teacher permission and advance scheduling, students may use the library for study, make-up tests or small-group meetings.

Definition of Flexible Scheduling

The library media center has weekly scheduled library time for pre-kindergarten-6 th grade classes to use the library. However, there are times in each day that the LMC has flexible scheduling.  Classes are scheduled as the result of collaborative planning for use and instruction to integrate with the classroom curriculum.  In this case, the LMC is an extension of the classroom; used to provide access to resources, information fluency, and independent and group learning.

Points to Remember: • All students and teachers have access at their point of need • Teachers and library media specialists can collaborate to develop enhanced curriculum units • Student achievement is higher with this type of scheduling • Flexible scheduling provides equity of access • The LMS can work with all grade levels and subject area teachers to build research units around school-wide themes

Definition of Open Access

In order to maximize the benefit of the LMC, learners must have access to resources and services at their point of need. The library media center may also be scheduled for

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individuals, groups, or classes to use resources, check out and return materials, to read for pleasure or information, or research topics for reports, using a variety of resources.

Library Media Committee

A LMC Advisory Committee is formed at the beginning of each school year. Members include either the principal or vice principal, teachers who represent a variety of grade levels and core academic subject areas, a parent of a high school student, and a parent of an elementary student.

The committee will meet as needed at the beginning and throughout the year to discuss library issues, programs, and activities.  Committee members will be asked to participate in the LMC budgeting process and vote on the selection of materials to be added to the collection and on other appropriate issues related to the LMC operation and use. The librarian working with the school administration has the final approval.

In the event of challenged material, interested parties may be asked to meet with the Advisory Committee with the school administration to review the complaint and decide on actions needed to acceptably resolve the matter.

Throughout the year, all faculty members and student patrons are asked to submit suggestions for library, media and technology purchases.

Stakeholders are asked to participate in needs assessments and other required activities of the state department related to the LMC.

Programs and Services

Programs and services provided by the school Media Center Program include but are not limited to the following.

Patrons needing any of the following services or additional information regarding these services and programs are encouraged to contact the library staff at any time.

Circulation of materials to patrons

Instructional classes for students

Intra-Library procurement and loan of materials to school system libraries

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Laptop computers or other technology to be used in the media center and classrooms by students

Accelerated Reader Program

Alabama Virtual Library

Collection Database (OPAC)

Librarian’s provision of student lessons on topics related to information literacy, Internet safety or technology literacy

E-Books for use by patrons

Copying/Printing/Scanning

Laminating of instructional materials

Binding of instructional materials

Periodicals including newspapers and magazines to be used in the instructional process

Technology and equipment available for classroom use

Computers/Internet Access

Information Literacy Skills

Equipment Repairs and Troubleshooting

Desktop Publishing

Library Media Web Page

Management

Library materials are circulated using the automation program, Atriuum, which provides electronic cataloging and circulation.

The librarian is responsible for the operation and management of the LMC under the supervision of the school administration and within the regulations and mandates of the Alabama State Department of Education and under federal mandates related to media centers.

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Reference Materials

Reference materials are to be used by students in the library media center. Teachersmay borrow reference materials for use in the classroom when necessary. With permission from the librarian, students may be allowed to use reference materials outside the LMC for a limited, agreed on, period of time.

Audio Visual Materials/Technology/Equipment

Students are not allowed to check out these materials without special permission.Students may use audio visual materials in the library media center.

Periodicals

Magazines and newspapers are not to be taken out of the library media center bystudents, but may be checked out by faculty members. Copies of an article can bemade if needed outside the library media center if this is within Copyright Law. Some periodicals may be provided through digital format on computers.

Faculty Checkouts

Faculty may checkout unlimited numbers of materials as long as needed.

Periodicals and equipment must be signed out at the circulation desk if taken outside the library media center. Items should be returned promptly after use so that others may use them.

The librarian will work with faculty members of gather materials on specific topics if requests are made.

The librarian will visit classrooms to deliver or collect materials if requested.

Overdue Materials and Fines

Overdue slips will be printed out and distributed to students at school.To help students learn to be responsible, no new loans will be permitted until overduematerials are returned.

Students are not fined but they may not check out additional materials until they have returned overdue materials.

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Lost and Damaged Books

If a book is lost or damaged, the book must be paid for before additional books can bechecked out. Payment for a lost book is reimbursed should the book be found andreturned in good condition.

Debts remaining at the end of the school year may be turned in to the office and may result in report cards being held.  Students with outstanding debt or unreturned library books may not purchase parking permits or rent a locker until the matter is resolved.  

Any items checked out at the time a student withdraws from school must be returned and paid for upon withdrawal.

Endorsement of Materials

The Vina High School Media Center strives to provide patrons with materials that will enrich and support the educational program of the school and meet the needs of patrons. We strive of provide high quality resources appropriate to the age level, interests and needs of all patrons.

It is the responsibility of the school media center to provide a wide range of materials on different levels of difficulty, with diversity of appeal, and representing different points of view.

The inclusion of any item in a collection does not necessarily mean that the media center or school advocates or endorses the contents of that item.

Selection Policy

The needs of the Vina High School Media Center are based on knowledge of the curriculum and of the existing collection.

These needs along with data from suggestions by patrons, surveys, discussions and needs assessments are given first consideration in the selection of materials used to enhance the classroom curriculum and to meet the needs of patrons. Prioritized materials lists are generated from these sources to use in the budgeting process when funds are available for purchases.

Materials which are damaged or lost are replaced as funds become available if the items are considered to be useful and meet selection criteria.

Donated materials may be added to the collection if they meet the selection criteria.

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Monetary donations to the LMC are used to purchase materials from the prioritized needs list generated from the process described above.

The Vina High School Media Center adheres to the Franklin County Board of Education’s policy regarding selection of materials.

Selection Criteria

Along with the guidelines outlined in the district’s policy, the following criteria areUse as a guide to selecting the best resources for the library media center:

     Support of the Alabama Course of Study for core academic subjects    Support of the CCRS

Support of the school’s curriculumLiterary and artistic excellenceLasting importance or significance to a field of knowledgeSupport of the curriculum and educational goals of the schoolFavorable reviews found in standard selection sourcesFavorable recommendations by educational professionalsReputation and significance of the author, illustrator, or publisherTimeliness of the materialContribution to the diversity of the collectionAppeal to media center patronsSuitability for intended useRelevance to topics and interests of patrons

Catalogues of Media Center Resources

The LMC collection database is available online for use by everyone.  It can be accessed at the following web address:

http://192.168.1.2/opac/vinaschools/index.html#menuHomeA link to the online public access catalog can also be found on the school website via the library links page.  

Request for Media Center Purchases

Because the media center strives to support the curriculum needs of the patrons, faculty members are strongly encouraged to take an active role in media center purchases. Requests for purchases are always welcome. Patrons are asked to participate in periodic needs assessments, surveys, discussions, etc. to provide data for consideration for possible future purchases. Patrons are invited to make suggestions for

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specific resources by completing forms and dropping in the Suggestion Box which is located near the checkout desk.

Restricted MaterialsLMC resources which are deemed to be inappropriate for all patrons and age levels will be kept in a restricted collection section apart from the regular collection. Individuals may use these materials only with the permission of the librarian or under the direct supervision of their teacher.

Collection Development and WeedingThe media specialist analyzes data from the annual circulation reports and collection aging reports to determine which items are rarely or never checked out. These items are located and considered for removal based on their condition, merit and appropriateness as well as their age.

The media specialist regularly weeds materials which are outdated, damaged or rarely circulated in order to update the collection and provide the highest quality materials possible for patrons.

Discarded items are marked as such and disposed of in the manner recommended by the board of education and within state and federal guidelines.

The media specialist considers suggestions, needs assessment data, surveys data and information from discussions with teachers to identify subjects, areas and specific items which will be considered in collection development projects and as funding allows.

Collection database and the physical collection is examined on a regular basis to identify items to consider for weeding and to identify areas of need in collection development.

The media specialist works diligently to identify and provide a sufficient amount of material for each section of the collection and to add to areas of need in a timely manner.

The media specialist works with other local schools to share certain resources among patrons from both locations.

WebsiteThe media specialist maintains and regularly updates a webpage on the school’s website with information about the media center and its resources. Links to learning resources are provided on the website for patrons.  A link to the OPAC is also provided. The school webpage may be accessed at the following URL address: www.vinahighschool.com. The library’s page can be accessed by clicking on the word “library” on the school’s homepage.

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Professional Library Media Center Personnel QualificationsPersonnel who work in the Library Media Center are properly certified by the State Department of Education and have met the criteria of the Alabama State Department of Education required for media specialists.

Volunteer WorkersVolunteers who work in the LMC are carefully screened and approved by the school administration according to board of education procedures and requirements before they are allowed to work in the LMC. All such individuals must provide background clearance as required by Alabama law.

Volunteers may work in the LMC as long as they abide by board of education and school level requirements for such individuals and as long as they perform their agreed upon duties at an acceptable level. Volunteers may be dismissed for cause following board of education procedures.

Student Aides/WorkersFrom time-to-time students may be assigned to work in the LMC assisting the personnel in the operation of the center.

Student aides/workers are recommended by teachers and must be approved by the school administration and the Library Media Specialist before they are allowed to work in the LMC.

Students must meet and maintain the same criteria as those who are eligible for participation in extracurricular activities in order to be eligible for selection as LMC workers.

Under certain circumstances and if they meet the conditions, student aides/workers may be able to earn credit for their participation in the LMC program if approved by school administration.

Teacher Responsibilities

The active participation of teachers is essential to a successful library media program. Responsibilities of the teachers include:

• Collaborating with the LMS to plan and schedule library research units • Collaborating with the LMS to design and co-teach instructional units • Collaborating with the LMS to provide opportunities for students to have equitable and frequent access to the library media center and its resources at the point of need

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• Collaborating with the LMS to develop and implement school-wide reading initiatives • Serving on the Library Advisory Committee • Providing information to help align the collection to the classroom curriculum • Requesting materials related to specific units and areas of the curriculum • Sharing the needs and interests of the students • Sharing student work for display in the library media center • Collaborating with the LMS to establish high quality Web sites for student use • Using the library media resources effectively • Communicating the value of the library media center and respect for the library media center to students • Collaborating with the LMS to ensure student participation in special programs in the library media center, such as book fairs and author visits • Co-teaching the ethical and safe use of technology with the LMS • Participating in professional development opportunities offered by the LMS

Library Media Specialist’s Responsibilities

A library media specialist has a unique role in the school setting. Responsibilities of the library media specialist include:

Collaborating with teachers to plan and implement instructional units integrating the resources of the library media center with the classroom curriculum

Participating in school curriculum planning meetings Providing instruction and resources to reach diverse student needs Providing access to available appropriate resources such as digital, visual, print,

and technological materials Implementing the use of technology, both in library media program management

and instruction Ensuring students have access to the library media center at the point of need for

class-related research, individual investigation, independent reading, and personal inquiry

Collaborating with teachers to integrate inquiry, 21st Century learning standards, and technology skills into school curriculum and to support their instruction

Providing a well-maintained, safe, and inviting climate in the library media center Developing and implementing reading initiatives to motivate and engage each

student in independent reading Providing professional development for teachers and administrators to

demonstrate how technology and information skills can be used to support the curriculum and instruction • Developing a scheduling policy which provides open and flexible access for all students and teachers

Establishing, maintaining, and updating an automated catalog and organizing the collection using a system such as the Dewey Decimal System

Maintaining fair and consistent circulation and use policies Developing a policies and procedures manual, approved by the local board of

education, for the library media center

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Documenting, reporting, and maintaining records of use of library media center resources

Working with technology personnel to maintain working and up-to-date computers, internet access and other technology peripherals

Staying current on the latest technologies and their use for teaching and learning Managing library staff and volunteers Establishing budget priorities based on assessment of needs, status of library

collection, technology needed, library plan for improvement, input from the library media advisory committee, and industry trends

Ensuring that library enhancement funding is allocated and spent each year according to Alabama Department of Education procedures and policies

Maintaining budget and expenditure records Developing a vision, a mission, and goals for the Library Media Program with

input from administrators, teachers, students, parents, and all other stakeholders Attending local, state, or national professional development workshops and

meetings Communicating regularly with staff, students, and parents about library resources

and programs in various forms (e.g., staff meetings, newsletters, displays, Web page)

Developing an ongoing advocacy program for the library media center Arranging the library media center for variety of uses by large groups, small

groups, and individuals Promoting use of the library media center to teachers, students, and parents to

ensure that the library is a vital and active center of learning for the entire school

APPENDIX:

1. Student Internet Use Policy2. Staff Internet Use Policy3. Forms Used in LMC

a. Collaborative Planning Organizerb. Library Survey for Teachersc. Sign-in Sheet for Flex Time Use

4. Copyright Law Summary for School Use5. U.S. Copyright Law

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