D. L.

Perez Elementary School

Library Guidelines - draft
Circulation
Students must submit a completed & signed Library Book(s) Accountability Form prior to borrowing
books.
Library books may be borrowed for two weeks.
Students in Kindergarten and Grade 1 may check out 1 (one) book each. Books must remain in the
homeroom.
Students in Grades 2-5 may check out 2 (two) books each. Books may be taken home. Care must be
taken to avoid damage, e.g. enclose in a re-sealable clear bag labeled with student name & homeroom.
Teachers may check out equipment or resources for the school year and shared among the grade level
teachers. Responsibility for the equipment remains on the patron who signs the form. Time limits may
be imposed for high demand items. Problems must be reported to the library as soon as possible.
Restitution may be arranged with the administrator, librarian, responsible patron and other patrons as
necessary.
All library books, equipment, and resources must be returned on time. A verbal notice will be given
upon the first time books are overdue. A written notice will be provided the second time if books are
still overdue. No other books may be borrowed until overdue books are returned. Lost or damaged
books must be replaced with a similar item of equal value and or quality as guided by the cost and
description of the original item.

Reference
Resources print or electronic - labeled as Reference may only be used in the library. Special
arrangements with faculty and staff patrons may be made for classwork.
Reference assistance will be offered without bias, in a timely manner, and as arranged between the
librarian and patron.
Reference citations will be part of library instruction and will be expected of all patrons for reports
presentations, and similar work.

Selection
Materials for the library must be selected in accordance with the guidelines and procedures for
selection as given by applicable Board Policy, e.g. 721, and Public Law, e.g. 27-45. Educational
standards adopted by DOE will also guide the selection of materials.
The librarian is responsible for overseeing the selection and acquisition of materials for the school
library.
Guidelines for the acquisition of materials must be followed as determined by the financial
administration of DOE.

New materials must be included in the library inventory and catalog before releasing them for
circulation
Gifts & Donations will be accepted based on Board Policy. The Superintendent is authorized to receive
any in kind donation from any individual or organization. The existing selection criteria will be followed
upon receipt of gifts and donations. Items which do not meet the criteria will be returned or provided
to other agencies as much as possible.

Maintenance
The librarian is responsible for keeping a current shelf list, catalog, and inventory of the library
collection, resources, and equipment.
Weeding Criteria

Poor physical condition

Sexual, racial, or cultural stereotypes
Outdated in content, use or accuracy although materials may be considered for classical or
historical value
Poor technical quality of non-print items
Incompatibility of non-print and available equipment
Non-functioning equipment and or its incompatibility with school resources

Withdrawal or Survey Procedures

Remove item from shelves
Delete items from the inventory, catalog, or database
Remove identifying marks and spine labels
Discard by following DOEs procedures for surveying materials

Challenge & Reconsideration Process

Explain the selection criteria and procedures as established by DOE
Request the patron to complete the Patrons Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials Form
Inform the principal about the concern and discuss the purpose & use, professional reviews of the
materials and the selection criteria.
Schedule a meeting with the School Library Committee to hear and discuss the challenge to the item.
This must be done within 10 (ten) working days from the receipt of the patrons form.
The School Library Committee will notify the patron in writing of its decision within 10 (ten) working
days of the meeting.
Patron may appeal the decision and findings of the School Library Committee and may appeal to the
DOE Library Advisory Committee within 10 (ten) working days of receipt of the decision.
The DOE Library Advisory Committee will have 10 (ten) working days to consider and reply to the
challenge. The librarian will notify the patron of the LACs decision.

Copyright Guidelines
The following factors must be considered when photocopying print or copying non-print materials under
fair use:
[1] purpose and character of the use: transformative, non-profit, educational
[2] nature of the copyrighted work: published, factual
[3] portion of the work used: non-essential, relatively small
[4] effect of the use upon the potential market: will not prevent the owner from rightful profit
Any serious questions concerning copyright issues should be directed to the DOE counsel.

Acceptable Use Policy

Students and or parents must complete and submit the Acceptable Use Policy, Educational Technology,
Forms prior to use of computers, software, and the Internet.

Accountability Guidelines
Funds
The librarian is responsible for maintaining records of requisitions and purchase orders of materials
purchased for the library, providing timely reports of expenditures and other financial records.
Library Committee
The librarian is responsible for forming a committee at the school site to assist in the selection and
other procedures. This committee may consist of the school principal, faculty members, a parent
representative, and a student. The committee should have three to five members.
Binder Contents

Introduction with School Mission, School Library Mission and Purpose

Description of Patrons and Overview of Collection
Library Guidelines
Circulation Process
Reference Services
Selection Criteria
Maintenance Procedures
Challenge & Reconsideration Process
Inventory Procedures
Forms
Minutes of Library Meetings
Annual Reports

D. L. Perez Elementary School

Library Media Center
Patron Request for Reconsideration / Challenge of Library Materials
Title:
Author:
Illustrator:
Publisher:
Request initiated by
Contact information
Home Address
Mailing Address
Email Address
Subject:
1. Did you examine the entire item or parts of it? Which parts?
2. Which item/parts would you like for the School Library Committee
to consider?
3. What do you think might be the result of using this item / parts?
4. What are your recommendation for these items / parts?
_______________________________

____________________

Patrons Printed Name & Signature

Date

Note: Please submit this request to the librarian. The librarian will convene a meeting of the School
Library Committee to consider this request within 10 (ten) working days.