Policy Formation Project

 

Objectives for Student Achievement:

1. “Students will develop confidence and self-direction” by independently selecting and using resources, information, and                 technology for inquiry and learning” (American Association of School Librarians, 2007, p. 4).  

2.  “Students will use critical thinking skills (analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and organization) in an inquiry based research                    process to construct new understandings, draw conclusions, and create new knowledge”(American Association of School            Librarians, 2007).

3.  Students, and staff, will use information and technology, ethically and responsibly in a way that shows respect for                           intellectual freedom and democratic values. 

4.  Students will learn to use digital technology and resources in a way that helps them to become responsible and respectful          digital citizens today and in the future. 

 

Paxton Elementary School Library Hours of Operation:

            During the School Semesters:

            7:30A.M. – 6:00P.M.               Monday – Friday

            10:00A.M  - 2:00 P.M.             Saturday

            Summer Hours:

            10:00A.M. – 2:00P.M.             Monday – Friday

            10:00A.M. – 3:00P.M              Saturday

(Closed during all school holiday, emergency, closures.)

 

Flexible Class Scheduling Policy:

Our library media program is fully integrated into the educational program.  Our library media specialist is a full, and collaborative, partner in the teaching process, teaching, and inquiry skills occur within the context of our school curriculum.  In order to facilitate the integrated curriculum, instruction, state and district grade level achievement  plan for students, and collaborative teaching partnerships, it is necessary to have an open, or flexible scheduling for class library times.  The teachers do not bring students in at the same fixed time each week.  Instead students are allowed to come in on an informal basis with a hall pass or teacher permission.  This allows teachers the flexibility to schedule a time for their students that allow them to fit information literacy skills instruction into the student’s curriculum.  This allows teachers and the media specialist to follow collaborative, and integrated, instructional plans that allow for a more complete educational experience for our students.

Circulation Policy:

Purpose: 

The purpose this policy and procedures manual is to provide library users with a guide to library operations, and to allow us to provide excellent resources and services for our students, parents, and teachers. 

Loan Period:   (Due dates will be stamped on the media date slip.)        

            K-3 Students:………………………………….....14 days

            4th-6th Students………………………………..14 days

            Staff:………………………………………………….Unlimited  (For curriculum purposes)

            Parents:…………………………………………….14 days

            Research Extensions………………………… Up to 30 days

Renewals:

Two times for non-fiction, and fiction media are allowed .  The media to be renewed will have the date slip stamped upon renewal with the new due date. 

Media check-out item limit:    

            K-3 Students…………………………………………………………….1 item

            4th-6th Students………………………………………………………2 items

            Parents…………………………………………………………………….2 items

            Educational Staff……………………………………………………..Unlimited items

Students doing research for class projects may checkout up to 10 items. 

Returns:

            K-3^rd           Media returns are to be taken to the student’s classroom and  placed into their book container to bring                                           back when their class comes to the library.  With teacher permission, or a hall pass, they may bring their                                         media back to the media center for renewal, or return it for another item any time during the school day. 

            3^rd-5^th         Returns are generally brought back to the library for renewal, or returned during flexibly scheduled library                                        times, but may be brought back any time during the school day with teacher permission, or a hall pass.                                            Students may bring back their items before or after school without teacher permission.    

            End of Year Returns:

            All materials will be due two weeks before the end of the school year for teachers, students, and parents.                            

Notification of Overdue Materials:

            Students:

            1^st                 Students will receive an over-due notice (folded and taped) for each consecutive week that the media item is                                 overdue, which will be sent to their homeroom/classroom. 

            2nd          The fourth week that the item is overdue, a media center employee will quietly speak to the student in an                                      effort to have the student retrieve the media from their desk, locker, or backpack, as often the media is buried                                in a locker, backpack, or a desk, and the student does not realize that it is there.  If it is not found the media                                    center employee will request that the student find the item at home and bring their overdue materials the as                                soon as possible.                                

            3rd          The fifth week that the media is overdue, the media specialist will send home a notification in the form of a                                     letter through the mail to the student’s parents or guardians.  These letters will be sent once per week for three                             weeks. The following week, after the third notification letter has been mailed home, a standard materials                                         reimbursement letter will be sent.

 Parents:

 A notification letter will be sent to parents when the media that they have checked out is over- due.  A letter will    be sent at the end of every 7 day period until the materials are returned, or for three weeks.  At the end of the three week period a standard reimbursement letter will be sent.  

 Staff:

 A staff meeting, and e-mail, reminder will be given to educational staff three weeks before the end of the school year.  Two weeks before the end of the school year all library users must have their media returned, including all staff members.  One weekly overdue notice will be placed into their school mailbox.  The media specialist will e-mail them if there is not response in a reasonable amount of time, to be determined by the media specialist. Teachers have an end of the year check-out form and media materials are on this list. 

 

Overdue Material Fines:

The library does not enact fines for overdue materials. 

 

Replacement of Damaged or Lost Media:

            Notification:          

            Students:                                Will receive notification sent to their home address through the mail.

            Staff:                                        Will receive a notification letter in their school mail box, and as an e-mail.

            Parents:                                   Will receive notification sent to their home address through the mail.

 

            Fees for Damaged or Lost Media:                  

                                Students who have overdue media will not be allowed to check out more materials until items are returned,                                               replaced, or paid for.

                                Media replacement will reflect current market price.

                                The media specialist will determine the age, and current cost for replacement of lost or damaged media.

                                Fees for lost or damaged media will be placed into the library media centers budgetary account after being recorded                                 into the ledger. 

​

Privacy and Confidentiality of Student Records:

Rationale: 

The Paxton Elementary School Media Center promotes the principles of intellectual freedom set forth in the American Association of School Librarian’s Library Bill of Rights, because we serve as a point of voluntary access to information and ideas” for students as they acquire the critical thinking and problem solving skills needed for success as students, and as responsible and productive citizens in the future.  The Library Bill of Rights principals apply equally to all libraries including school library media centers.  It is our goal to provide resources and services that create and sustain an atmosphere of free inquiry for all library users.  Also, we strive to provide equitable, physical, and intellectual access to all library resources and tools required for learning in an inviting, stimulating, and safe environment.

Introduction:

It is the belief, goal, and responsibility, as the Paxton School library staff, and volunteers, to uphold the right to confidentiality and privacy of all library users.  “Rights to privacy and confidentiality also are implicit in the American Association of Librarian’s Bill of Rights” (American Library Association, 1997).  “Library users have the legal right to have their information protected, and kept private and confidential by any one with direct or indirect access to that information” (American Library Association, 1997). 

Privacy and Confidentiality Position:

The Paxton School Media Center will protect all confidential and private information (Including names and other personal identifying information.) with full legal and professional conviction. “We protect each library users right to privacy and confidentiality with respect to information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired, or transmitted” (American Library Association, 1997).

Procedure:  Circumstances for Disclosure of Information:

1.  When information is requested by the user.
2. When information release is authorized by the user.
3. When the student is under 18 and information is requested by a parent
4. When a subpoena is issued by a judge.
5. When a court order, or search warrant, are issued.
6. When Statutes require the release of information, such as the U.S. Patriot Act.

            Responsibility for the Disclosure of Information:

            The library media specialist is immediately consulted when there is a request for user information.  After examination of the                   circumstances, especially those circumstances that do not involve library user permission, and any legal documents,  the media             specialist will consult the school administrator, and Paxton Consolidated School District counsel.  We will only release the                         minimum amount of information that we are legally obligated to release. 

           The User Information Contained in Paxton School Library Database:

1. User name, address, and telephone number.
2. Record of current, and preceding, borrower for each media item.
3. Inter-library loan media transactions for one year.
4. List of all media items checked out by each user for previous year.
5. Requests for media list - name and grade only.
6. Library program involvement lists- Name and grade only.

Legal Rights to Privacy:

International:

Universal Declaration of Human Rights–Article 17- (International Human Rights Agreement, 1992).

Federal:

“Forty eight states protect the confidentiality of library user’s records by law” (International Human Rights Agreement, 1992).

 

U.S. Constitution Bill of Rights.
Fourth Amendment	Prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures and sets out requirements for search warrants based on probable cause	July 9, 1868
Fifth Amendment	Protects the right to due process and prohibits self-incrimination and double jeopardy.	December 15, 1791
Ninth Amendment	Asserts the existence of un-enumerated rights retained by the people.	December 15, 1791
Other Federal Laws: “Electronic Communications Privacy Act  (Public Law 99-588)	Makes it unlawful, in most circumstances, to intercept or disclose the contents of electronic communications, including e-mail.	October 21, 1986
Video Privacy Protection Act of 1988 (Public Law 100-618)	There is no federal law that specifically protects library records, video rental records do enjoy some protection under federal law.  Prohibits video rental providers from disclosing a customer's records without his or her informed, written consent.	1988
Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)	COPPA requires commercial web sites oriented towards children and certain general interest web sites to obtain parental permission before collecting information from children under 13.	April 21, 2000
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)	FERPA requires educational institutions to protect students' privacy with regard to educational records..	August 21, 1974

 

Although federal laws protect privacy in a range of circumstances, those protections are not absolute. Most federal privacy laws have explicit exceptions. The Privacy Act, for example, includes twelve exceptions to its nondisclosure rule. Additionally, national security needs and criminal investigations may often take precedence over federal and state privacy laws and the library professional ethical obligations. Moreover, subsequent laws such as the USA Patriot Act have eroded many federal privacy protections and created confusion about the continued viability of certain privacy rights”(Nebraska Library Commission, 2007).  However, the Paxton Consolidated School Media Center media specialist, employees, and volunteers will maintain the privacy and confidentiality of library users personal information with professionalism, and within the full extent of the law. 

 

American Library Association:

Policy 52.4, 54.16 –Confidentiality of Library Records.  

     

 

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

I. 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.

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

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

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

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

VI. Libraries that make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities            available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996” (American Library Association, 1996). 

 

“Freedom to View Statement

 

The freedom to read, along with the freedom to speak, to hear, and to read, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. In a free society, there is no place for censorship of any medium of expression. Therefore these principles are affirmed:

 

            1.         To provide the broadest access to film, video, and other audiovisual materials because they are a means                           for the communication of ideas.  Liberty of circulation is essential to insure the constitutional guarantees                           of freedom of expression.

 

            2.         To protect the confidentiality of all individuals and institutions using film, video, and other audiovisual                               materials.

 

            3.         To provide film, video, and other audiovisual materials which represent a diversity of views and                                         expression.  Selection of a work does not constitute or imply agreement with or approval of the content.

 

            4.         To provide a diversity of viewpoints without the constraint of labeling or prejudging film, video, or other                           audiovisual materials on the basis of the moral, religious, or political beliefs of the producer or filmmaker                           or on the basis of controversial content.

 

            5.         To contest vigorously, by all lawful means, every encroachment upon the public's freedom to view.

 

This statement was originally drafted by the Freedom to View Committee of the American Film and Video Association (formerly the Educational Film Library Association) and was adopted by the AFVA Board of Directors in February 1979. This statement was updated and approved by the AFVA Board of Directors in 1989” (American Library Association, 1990).

 

Paxton Media Center Conduct Expectations:

Library Rules:

1. Show respect for library media materials and equipment by handling them carefully.
2. Show respect for other library visitors by keeping hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
3. Show respect for library staff, and volunteers, by listening and following directions.
4. Show respect for other library visitors by using a quiet voice inside the library.
5. Sign into, and out of, the media center at the circulation desk if you are visiting before, after, or during non-school hours. 
6. There is no food or drink allowed in the media center. 
7. K-3 students visiting the media center before school, after school, or during non-school hours will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 
8. 4^th-6^th grade students visiting the media center before school, after school, or during non-school hours will be engaged in media selections, listening, viewing, or reading, participating in special programs, volunteering, working on projects, playing library games, or working on homework assignments.
9. Have fun and enjoy our media center.  We welcome students, parents, grandparents, staff, and community members to become involved in our programs, or just to come in for a visit.

 

Consequences for Disruptive Behavior:

1. The individual will be given two verbal requests (or redirects) from library staff, or volunteers, to change their behavior.
2. Upon the third request the student will be asked to sit in another area of the media center by the “Stop” and “Go” behavior signs.  These signs list the “Go” (appropriate) behaviors, and the “Stop” (inappropriate) behaviors for the media center, and were designed by students and the media specialist. 
3. If the behavior continues the student will be sent back to their classroom, or to the office.

​           Policy Formation and Adoption Plan:

Purpose:

The purpose of this policy and procedure manual is to provide staff, students, parents, and community members, with a guide to the operations of the Paxton Consolidated School Library Media Center. 

School Library Media Committee Review:

Policies may be adopted, or amended, with a majority vote of all school board members only, at a board meeting held in legal standing.  The policy to be amended, or approved, will need to be placed on the meeting agenda three weeks in advance. 

Plan for New Policy Adoption:

1. School Library Committee meeting to discuss items to be included, or amended in the policy manual. 
2. After changes are made, the School Library Committee will approve changes, or request amendments.
3. Present the finished policy to the school administrator, and superintendent, for review.
4. Place the library policy on the next, or future, school board agenda, for approval or requested amendments. 
5. ThePaxton School Media Specialist, and school administrator, will present the Paxton Consolidated School Library Policy to the school board, and it will be taken under review.  
6. At following board meetings the policy will be given formal consideration for approval, or rejection, in which amendments may be requested. 
7. If the policy is rejected, the policy will need to be amended by the Paxton Consolidated School Library Committee and placed on the board agenda for reconsideration at a later date. 
8. When the policy is adopted the official copy will be kept on file at the Paxton School District Building.  The Legacy Traditional School Media Specialist will have a copy on file, and a copy will be printed and placed in the Paxton Consolidated School Student Handbook, and the Legacy Traditional School Employee Handbook.

Time Frame for New Policy Adoption:

Each Paxton Consolidated School District meeting is held once per month.  The time frame for an adopted policy is usually about three months after being registered on the school district board meeting agenda.  The process is as follows:

Board Meeting 1:        New Paxton Elementary School Library Policy introduction.

Board Meeting 2:        Possible Paxton School Library Policy review by board.

Board Meeting 3:        Vote on policy.  If rejected the board will give suggested  amendments to be done before resubmitting.

Intermittent Review:

The Paxton Elementary School Library Committee will review the library media center policy on a continuous basis, as needed.  Any policy revisions will be submitted to the school board for adoption following the same process as the new policy plan above. 

New Paxton Consolidated School Library Policy Presentation to Staff Plan: The media specialist will present the new library policy to the Paxton Consolidated School staff at a staff meeting.  The library media specialist will handout the new employee handbooks and explain the policy.  The school administrator will endorse the policy when they make their presentation of other handbook changes. 

Any training needed for changes in the library policy will be provided for the staff by the media specialist.

 

 

References

American Association of School Librarians. (2009). Empowering learners: Guidelines for the school library program. Chicago, IL: American Library Association.

American Association of School Librarians. (1997 - 2012). Outline of guidelines. Retrieved 02/27/2012, from http://www.ala.org/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/gdoutline.

American Association of School Librarians. (2011).  Position statement of flexible scheduling. Retrieved 02/27/2012, from http://www.ala.org/aasl/aaslissues/positionstatements/flexsched.

American Association of School Librarians. (2007). Standards for the 21^st century learner. Chicago: American Library Association.

American Library Association. (1990). Freedom to view statement. Retrieved  02/15/2012, from http://www.ala.org/offices/oif/statementspols/ftvstatement/freedomviewstatement.

American Library Association. (2008). Interpretation of the library bill of rights. Retrieved 02/15/2012, from http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfredom/librarybill/.../accessresources.

CachedAmerican Library Association. (1996). Library bill of rights. Retrieved 02/15/2012, from http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill.

American Library Association. (1998). Workbook for selection policy writing. Retrieved 02/15/2012, from http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/essentialpreparation/workbookslctn - 77k –.

 

Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204. (2006). Library media center policy and procedure manual. Retrieved 02/20/2012, from

http://clow.ipsd.org/documents/lmc_manual_revisions/LMC_Procedure_Manual.pdf.

 

Morris, B., 2010. Administering the school library media center. Santa Barbara, CA. ABC-CLIO, LLC.

Nebraska Library Commission. (2007). Nebraska laws pertaining to libraries & library operations. Retrieved 02/27/2012, from http://nlc.nebraska.gov/legal/liblaws/84-300s.asp.