Alpine Academy

Library Media Center

Policies and Procedures

MANUAL

(September 2014)

ContentsAlpine Academy Media Center Mission Statement........................................................................3

Alpine Academy Library Media Center Rules................................................................................3

Materials Procedures: Selection......................................................................................................5

Acquisition Criteria for Specific Types and Formats of Materials..................................................7

Materials Procedures for Reconsideration of Materials..................................................................9

Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials........................................................................10

Checklist for School Advisory Committee’s Reconsideration of Library Material......................11

Checklist for School Advisory Committee’s Reconsideration of Library Material......................14

Material Procedures: Library Inventory........................................................................................16

Material Procedures: Evaluation/Weeding....................................................................................17

References......................................................................................................................................19

Appendices....................................................................................................................................20

Library Bill of Rights.....................................................................................................................21

School Library Bill of Rights........................................................................................................22

AASL Standards for the 21st Century...........................................................................................23

Copyright Policies.........................................................................................................................23

Statement of Intellectual Freedom.................................................................................................24

Students Right to Read..................................................................................................................24

Alpine Academy Media Center Mission Statement

The Alpine Academy Media Center mission is to help our educational community find, use, and share information in print and digital formats. We are teachers who challenge students of all types be they high school or faculty and staff. We encourage each person to read a book for enjoyment, to try a new kind of reference search, and to search for new ways to share their learning.

The mission of Alpine Academy Media Center is to educate our students through the provision of qualified, caring teachers, therapeutic support, and a nurturing environment in order for all students to achieve their potential.

Alpine Academy Library Media Center RulesFood, drink and eating are not allowed in the library media center. Water is permissible.

Use an inside voice.

If you use it, put it back in the proper place.

All materials must be checked out through school associate

Be courteous to each other.

Admittance Policy for Students: Students may use the Library Media Center (LMC) for checking out materials when school associate is on duty and is not otherwise occupied with school matters. Students are not permitted in the LMC when there is not an adult in the library to monitor and supervise. All students in library during class hours must have a note signed by their teacher or the student will be sent back to class.

Class Policy for teachers: Teachers must accompany their classes to the LMC, but may send up to seven students to do work after arranging it with the school associate and making a reservation. Special circumstances may be approved by consultation with the Library Media Specialist or school associate. Teachers must enter their preference of use in the BestNotes calendar.

Materials Purchased for Staff through LMC: Staff may request books, DVD’s, and other materials by a informal conference with the Library Media Specialist. The teacher must provide as much information as possible about those materials needed. The wait time for those materials will be as funds come available.

Loan Policies: The loan period for checking out materials is as follows:

• Regular printed materials – 10 school days (14 consecutive days)

• Reference and visual materials – two days or over the weekend

Students on a daily level may check out one item at a time.

Students on a weekly level may check out two items at a time

Students on an achievement or transition level may check out as many items as will be used in a two week time period.

Students may not check out any additional titles until ALL titles are accounted for.

Faculty and Staff may check out materials for any length of time. When materials are requested by someone else, a request for those materials will be made.

Renewal Policy: when a student wishes to renew a book, she must bring the book (or other material) to the library with her on library day. Failure to do so will result in earning a “2”. If no other student is waiting for the material, it will be renewed to the student.

Fine Polices: Lost or damaged books must be paid for at the replacement cost. Money must be given to the office manager (Nikki) and a receipt given to the LMS (Ms. Denise). Students found in possession of a book that has not been properly checked out will earn a “1”. Students who check out a book that ends up being confiscated or left behind will also earn a “1” and possibly lose library privileges. Faculty and staff are exempt from fines, but are responsible for the replacement cost of the material.

Books sets (books read by the entire class) will be kept within the English department and tracked as English teacher deems appropriate. Books that are read by entire classes are referred to as book sets. They are not considered late until we pass into the following semester. Then the book will have the maximum fine.

Computer Usage: The LMC has 19 computers with printing capabilities. Students must request permission before printing. Since the computers will not store materials, each student is required to have her own account. Student computers are for EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY!

Materials Procedures: SelectionGeneral Philosophy

I. Print and non-print materials are selected to support educational and curricular goals of the school.

II. Library materials are selected to support the extra-curricular activities sponsored by the school: organizations/clubs, athletics, drama, music, dance, and social events.

III. Library materials are selected to reflect the diverse interest of high school students. Resources that educate, enrich, entertain, and inform will be provided. Materials will include both basic works of permanent value and timely materials on current issues.

IV. Materials may present controversial issues, but will provide many viewpoints for the study and understanding of thought provoking issues.

V. Materials considered standard works for high school collections will be selected.

VI. Materials are selected to encourage growth of knowledge; to develop literary, cultural and aesthetic appreciation, and to foster ethical development.

VII. Materials will reflect the concerns and contribution of both sexes and members of various religious, ethnic, social and cultural groups both current and historical.

VIII. Materials will be appropriate for the age, social and emotional development, ability level, and learning styles of the students for whom they are selected. Therefore children’s, young adult, and adult titles are included in the collection.

IX. Materials will be selected to promote lifelong learning and the effective use of ideas and information.

X. Ultimate responsibility for the selection rest with the School Library Committee. But all faculty members and students are encouraged to participate in the selection process.

Criteria

The established criteria for all subjects and formats include:

1. Importance of subject matter to the collection

2. Authoritativeness and accuracy of information

3. Reputation and significance of the author/performer, producer, editor, or publisher

4. Timeliness or permanence of the material

5. Appearance of the title in recommended bibliographies, indexes, or review sources

6. Balance of special group interest with general demand

7. Scarcity of material on the subject

8. Appropriateness for the age, emotional development, ability level, learning styles and social development of the students

9. Presentation of multiple perspectives on controversial issues

10. Clarity of Style and format

11. Reasonableness of cost

12. Appeal to our student population

Acquisition Criteria for Specific Types and Formats of Materials

Print Materials

Fiction

a. Fiction works are selected with a goal of enriching the insight and understanding of oneself and those with whom one lives and works.

b. Fiction works are selected with the goal of representing an honest portrayal of some problem, aspect of life, experience, or point of view which broadens or increases understanding of human nature and society.

c. Motivation, characterization, setting the plot should be well developed. Note: specific passages must be evaluated in relation to the work as a whole and cannot be given fair consideration out of context.

d. The writing should be of an acceptable literary quality.

e. Best sellers are considered on individual merits as well are other new works.

Non-fiction

a. Non-fiction of lasting value is given first priority, but materials may also be selected to meet a temporary need.

b. Information should be accurate and authoritative and presented in a clear and readable style. Expressions of opinion by the author should be readily distinguishable from objective facts and should be sincere and responsible.

c. Subjects which are technically difficult and complex should be useful to a reasonable proportion of high school readers having an interest in the subject.

d. Faculty and staff members with special fields of interest, experience, or study may be ask to review and make recommendations for materials in these fields.

Reviewing Tools

Reviews in professional library journals and websites are used as a basis for selection. These tools include, but are not limited to the examples below:

School Library Journal Booklist

VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates) Book awards

ALA booklists Book reviews on Amazon/Barnes

and Noble

Horn Book Recommendations

Special Considerations

Religion: In the literature of religion library selection must be broad, tolerant, without partisanship, yet constantly directed toward the choice of the best materials in regard to authority and timeliness. Although this is a private school an effort is made to maintain an impartial recognition of religions – as part of the world cultural heritage – while specializing in none.

Sex and Family Living: The library purchases materials about sex and family living that are appropriate for young adults,

Gifts and Donations: Materials given as gifts or donations which meet the standards generally employed for selection may be added to the collection. If they are not deemed suitable or useful, they may be given away or discarded.

Weeding: In order to maintain an up-to-date, attractive, and currently useful collection, a continuous program of discarding, replacing, and mending is conducted in accordance with current professional standards. Print materials which are outdated, superceded, discredited, in poor condition, or no longer of interest are discarded. The same selection criteria will be applied in deciding whether or not to keep a specific item in the collection as used in acquiring new materials.

School Library Bill of Rights: The entire selection process is based on the premise that Alpine Academy supports the principals of intellectual freedom inherent in the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States and as expressed in the “Library Bill of Rights” of the American Library Association, “School Library Bill of Rights” of the American Association of School Librarians, and “The Students’ Right to Read” of the National Council of Teachers of English. An NTCE position paper on The Students’ Right to Read can be found on the Internet at http://www.ncte.org/positions/statements/rightroreadguideline.

Materials Procedures for Reconsideration of MaterialsOccasionally objections will be voiced to the selection of some library materials, despite the quality of the selection process. The entire selection procedure is based on the premise that the Board of Education supports the principles of intellectual freedom inherent to the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States and expressed in the “Library Bill of Rights” of the American Association of School Librarians, and the “Students’ Right to Read” of the National Council of Teachers of English.

If a complaint is made, the following procedure is recommended:

1. The complainant should be informed of the selection procedure and provided with a printed copy of the selection policy adopted by the School Library Media Center.

2. The complainant should be requested to submit the formal “Request for the Reconsideration of Library Materials” to the school principal.

3. When a request is submitted: The principal, in consultation with the certified Library Media Center Director, should immediately appoint an ad hoc review committee to review the challenged material. The review committee should be made up of the Library Media Specialist, a faculty member, a family-teacher, and a student. The committee should report within a month.

4. The review committee should meet its obligation by:

a. reading, viewing, or listening to the challenged material in its entirety.

b. checking established and acceptable selection tools with a view to gauging the general acceptance of the challenged material.

c. establishing relevance of the challenged material to the curriculum and other student needs.

d. completing the appropriate checklist including a judgment of the challenged materials as a whole for its value as an entity in the support of the overall goals and objectives of the educational program.

5. The written recommendation should be presented to the complainant and the principal.

6. Challenged materials shall remain on the shelves throughout the review process. The material will be retained or withdrawn as mandated by the committee’s decision.

Request for Reconsideration of Library MaterialsSchool: Alpine Academy

Type of material: (ex. Book, DVD, etc.) _____________________________________

Title__________________________________________________

Author________________________________________________

Publisher or Producer ___________________________________

Request initiated by _____________________________________ (please print)

Address________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Daytime phone number____________________

Cell Phone___________________

Email address _____________________

The following questions are to be answered after the complainant has read, viewed, or listened

to the media in its entirety. If sufficient space is not provided, attach additional sheets.

1. Have you read/viewed this material in its entirety? YES NO (circle one)

2. To what in the material do you object? (Please be specific. Cite pages, film sequence, etcetera.)

3. What do you believe is the theme or purpose of this material?

4. What do you feel might be the result of the student using this material?

5. For what age group would you recommend this material?

6. Is there anything good in this material? Please comments.

7. Would you care to recommend other school library material of the same subject or format?

Signature of person completing form______________________________ Date_____________

Please return to the school principal

Checklist for School Advisory Committee’s Reconsideration of Library Material

Fiction and Narrative Nonfiction

Title______________________________________________________________

Aurthor/Producer___________________________________________________

Purpose

1. What is the purpose, theme or message of the material? How well does

the author/producer/composer accomplish this purpose?

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

2. If the story is fantasy, is it the type that has imaginative appeal and is

suitable for young adults? ___yes ___no

If no, for what age group would you recommend? ____________________________________

3. Will the reading and/or viewing and/or listening to material result in a more compassionate understanding of human beings? ___yes ___no

4. Does it offer an opportunity to better understand and appreciate the aspirations, achievements, and problems of various minority groups? ____yes ____no.

5. Are any questionable elements of the story an integral part of a worthwhile theme or message? _____yes _____no.

Content

1. Does a story about modern times give a realistic picture of life as it is now?

____yes ____no

2. When factual is a part of the story, is it presented accurate?

_____yes _____no

3. Is prejudicial appeal readily identifiable by the potential reader?

____yes ____no

4. Are concepts presented appropriate to the ability and maturity of the potential readers? ____yes _____no

5. Do characters speak in a language true to the period and section of the country in which they live?

_____yes _____no

6. Does the material offend in some special way the sensibilities of women or a minority group by the way it presents the chief character or any minor characters?

_____yes _____no

167. Is there preoccupation with sex, violence, cruelty, brutality and aberrant behavior that would make this material inappropriate?

____yes ____no

8. If there is use of offensive language, is it appropriate to the purpose of the text?

____yes ____no

9. Is the material well written or produced?

____yes _____no

10. Does the story give a broader understanding of human behavior without stressing differences of class, race, color, sex, education, religion, or philosophy in any adverse way?

_____yes _____no

11. Does the material make a significant contribution to the history of literature or ideas?

_____yes _____no

12. Are the illustrations appropriate to the story?

_____yes _____no

Reviews

1. Source of review _____________________________________________

favorably reviewed ____________ unfavorably reviewed_____________

2. Does this title appear in one or more reputable selection aids?

_____yes _____no If answer is yes, please list titles of selection aids?

Awards

1. Has this material won any awards?

_____yes _____no

2. If answer is yes, please list awards below.

Additional Comments

Recommendation by School Committee for treatment of challenged materials

Date_____________________

Signatures of Media Advisory Review Committee

________________________________ ________________________________

________________________________ ________________________________

Checklist for School Advisory Committee’s Reconsideration of Library MaterialNonfiction

Title _________________________________________________________________________

Author/Producer _______________________________________________________________

Purpose

1. What is the overall purpose of the material?

2. Is the purpose accomplished? _____yes _____no

Authenticity

1. Is the author competent and qualified in the field? _____yes _____no

2. What is the reputation and significance of the author and publisher/producer in the field?

3. Is the material up-to-date? _____yes _____no

4. Are information sources well documented? _____yes _____no

5. Are translations and retellings faithful to the original? _____yes _____no _____n/a

Appropriateness

1. Does the material promote the educational goals and objectives of the curriculum for the district and state?

_____yes _____no

2. Is it appropriate to the level of the intended audience?

_____yes _____no

3. Are the illustrations appropriate to the subject and age level?

_____yes _____no

Content

1. Is the content of this material well presented by providing adequate scope, range, depth, and continuity?

_____yes ____no

2. Does the material present information not otherwise available?

_____yes _____no

3. Does this material give a new dimension or direction to the subject?

____yes ____no

Reviews

1. Source of review __________________________________________________________

favorably reviewed ___________________ unfavorably reviewed __________________

2. Does this title appear in one or more selection aids? _____________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Additional Comments

Recommendation by the school Media Advisory Committee for treatment of challenged

Materials

Date _________________________

Signatures of Media Advisory Review Committee

_________________________________ ________________________________

_________________________________ ________________________________

Material Procedures: Library InventoryPurpose: To maintain an accurate record of books in the collection, to note the number and kind of missing books, and to allow for the re-ordering of lost book where necessary and practicable.

Procedures: The books are currently manually counted and listed by hand.

Material Procedures: Evaluation/WeedingEvaluating the Collection

1. Desirability. By checking the books on hand, it is easy to determine what part of the total existing collection is useful and recommended especially for school libraries.

2. Variety. In evaluating the variety of the book collection, count only one copy of a title –otherwise a true picture of subject distribution will not be given.

3. Currency. The copyright dates for books in the fields of social science, science, and technology must be especially noted. Developments in these fields have been notably apparent in the past decade. Books in these groups copyrighted ten to seventy years ago or more are to a great extent out of date. Every attempt is made to keep materials in these subjects up to date.

4. Curriculum Support. Does the library contain books to supplement the curriculum offering in all fields? What fields especially need strengthening?

5. Student Interest. Are there books on hobbies, leisure time activities, guidance, occupations, and recreational reading?

Weeding the Collection

“Weeding” is defined as the procedure in which certain items have been identified as being no longer useful, current, relevant, or in good condition. Ongoing weeding of the library media collection is imperative. Teacher and library personnel should work together on this process.

In order to be effective, weeding requires a thorough understanding of:

a. The school’s curriculum

b. Knowledge of existing collection

c. An adequate background in literature

d. Knowledge about the characteristics of a good book

e. An understanding of the interest, needs, and abilities of the age group served

f. A community background

g. Knowledge of other resources available

The systematic removal from the collection of materials no longer useful is essential to maintaining the purposes and quality of resources. Discarding materials requires the same degree of attention and careful study as the initial selection.

As books are weeded, they may be considered for replacement. The criteria are as follows:

a. Materials are out-of-date because their content has become obsolete, inaccurate, and/or misleading.

b. Materials are out-of-step with interest, customs, or dress of present generation (other than those reflecting periods of time, costumes, ect.).

c. Material is no longer in a physical condition which supports daily utilization (too worn and /or missing pages ect.): and its repair exceeds the replacement cost.

d. Materials socially misleading and/or scientifically incorrect information.

e. Material has not circulated recently. It is taking up valuable space needed for more popular and relevant materials unless it contains information not found anywhere else.

f. The item is no longer relevant to the curriculum because of a current change of content or emphasis.

g. Material beyond comprehension of readers.

h. Material is mediocre in presentation.

Withdrawn Items: Materials which have been weeded from the collection may be offered to

staff and students: offered to charities or other libraries: discarded or recycled.

Dear :

We appreciate your concern over the use of ______________________ in our school district. The district has developed procedures for selecting materials, but realizes that not everyone will agree with every selection made.

References

Denniston, JaDene, Mountainside Elementary School Library Policies and

Procedures. 4 Nov. 2008. Usu.instructure.com. Web. 30 Sept. 2014

 "Lexington High School Library Media Center Policies and Procedures Manual." Lexington

High School Library Media Center Policies and Procedures Manual. Teacherweb.com.

Web. 23 Sept. 2014.

Moffett, Susan. Library Policies. Utah: Settlement Canyon Elementary, 2008. Print.

AppendicesAmerican Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights

School Library Bill of Rights

AASL Standards for the 21st Century

Copyright Policies

Statement of Intellectual Freedom

Students Right to Read

Library Bill of RightsThe American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

1. Books and other Library Resources should be provided for the interest, information and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be prescribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgement of free expression and free access to ideas.

5. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available on an equitable basis, regardless of beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Adopted June 18, 1948

Amended February 2, 1961, June 27, 1967, and January 23, 1980,

Inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996,

By the ALA Council

School Library Bill of RightsFor School Library Media Center Programs

The American Association of School Librarians reaffirms it belief in the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association. Media personnel are concerned with generating understanding of American freedoms through the development of informed and responsible citizens. To this end the American Library Association of School Librarians that the responsibility of the school library media center is:

1. To provide a comprehensive collection of instructional materials selected in compliance with the basic written selection principles and to provide maximum accessibility to these materials.

2. To provide materials that will support curriculum, taking into consideration the individual’s needs, varied interest, abilities, socio-economic backgrounds, and maturity levels of the student served

3. To provide materials for teachers and students that will encourage growth in knowledge and that will develop literacy, cultural and aesthetic appreciation and ethical standards

4. To provide materials which reflect the ideas and beliefs of religious, social, political, historical and ethnic groups and their contribution to the American and world heritage and culture, thereby enabling students to develop an intellectual integrity in forming judgments

5. To provide a written statement, approved by the local Boards of Education, of the procedures for meeting the challenge of censorship of materials in school library media centers

6. To provide qualified professional personnel to serve teachers and students.

AASL Standards for the 21st CenturyThe student should be able to:

• Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge

• Draw Conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge

• Share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic

society

• Pursue personal and aesthetic growth

AASL Standards July 21, 2009

Copyright PoliciesThe Federal copyright law governs the duplication, distribution, use and

display or performance of all copyrighted materials, including printed matter, audiovisual materials, television programs, computer software and the

Internet. Violation of the law can subject the violator to legal action by the copyright holder resulting in the levying of fines and/or compensatory

damages. Non-profit status or public ownership does not provide a haven for the law; and public schools are subject to its provisions just as are other agencies and businesses. However, there are exemptions which provide

some latitude for the use of copyrighted materials for instructional purposes under the doctrine known as "fair use." These exemptions, while helpful in facilitating instructions, do not apply for non-instructional purposes such as

reward or motivation.

 The school staff shall abide by all provisions of the copyright laws. Commercial materials, whether printed or non-printed, may not be duplicated without prior written permission from the owner or copyright holder. The School Board does not sanction or condone illegal duplication in any form, the use of illegally duplicated materials or the improper use of commercially duplicated materials. Copyrighted tests and answers are not to be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanic, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system. Procedures and guidelines for the legal duplication of materials for instructional purposes may be obtained from the school or district office. Employees who willfully infringe upon current copyright laws may be subject to disciplinary action by the school board.

Statement of Intellectual Freedom

The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States is a cornerstone of our liberty, supporting our rights and responsibilities regarding free speech both written and oral. The Association for Educational Communications and Technology believes the same protection applies also to the use of sound and image in our society. Therefore, we affirm that: Freedom of inquiry and access to information–regardless of the format or viewpoints of the presentation–are fundamental to the development of our society. These rights must not be denied or abridged because of age, sex, race, religion, national origin, or social or political views. Children have the right to freedom of inquiry and access to information; responsibility for abridgement of that right is solely between an individual child and the parent(s) of that child. The need for information and the interest, growth, and enlightenment of the user should govern the selection, and development of educational media, not the age, sex, race, nationality, politics, or religious doctrine of the author, producer or publisher. Attempts to restrict or deprive a learner’s access to information representing a variety of viewpoints must be resisted as a threat to learning in a free and democratic society.  Recognizing that within a pluralistic society efforts to censor may exists, such challenges should be met calmly with proper respect for the beliefs of the challengers.  Further, since attempts to censor sound and image material frequently arise out of misunderstanding of the rationale for using these formats, we shall attempt to help both user and censor to recognize the purpose and dynamics of communication in modern times regardless of the format. The Association for Educational Communications and Technology is ready to cooperate with other persons or groups committed to resisting censorship or abridgement of free expression and free access to ideas and information. 

Adopted by: ACET Board of Directors, Kansas City, April 21, 1978

Students Right to Read

For many years, American schools have been pressured to restrict or deny students access to books or periodicals deemed objectionable by some individual or group on moral, political, religious, ethnic, racial or philosophical grounds. These pressures have mounted in recent years, and English teachers have no reason to believe they will diminish. The fight against

censorship is a continuing series of skirmishes, not a pitched battle leading to a final victory over censorship.

For full document, visit: http://www.ncte.org/positions/statements/righttoreadguideline