1 Stephanie Bailey LIS 6455 Eletronic Notebook Assignment November 6, 2013

Middle School Library

Policies and Procedures Manual

Hardman, M. (n.d). Broad Rock Middle School Library. [Image]. Retrieved from http://br.skschools.net/Library/005EA814-011EDE84.2/P8120003.jpg

Table of Contents
Community and School Analysis Vision and Mission Goals and Objectives Personnel Job Description Evaluation Procedures and Form Programs and Services Information Literacy Programs Reading Promotion Programs Book Fairs and Special Events Other Programs and Services Evaluation Procedures and Forms Print and Non-Print Collections Circulation Evaluation/Selection/Development Weeding Periodicals Inventory Maintenance and Repair Purchasing Technical Services 4 5 6 7 7 8 9 9 9 10 10 10 11 11 12 14 17 18 18 18 18

3 Automation System Processing Cataloging Technology Hardware and Software Networking Acceptable Use Policy Maintenance and Repair Purchasing Facilities, Furnishings, and other Equipment Floor Plan Maintenance and Repair Purchasing Marketing, Image, and Public Relations Programs within the School Linkage with Parents and Community Other Policies Gifts Copyright Intellectual Freedom Challenged Materials 18 19 19 20 20 20 21 22 23 23 23 24 24 24 24 25 25 26 27 27 27

4 Background This project is created for a fictional middle school in Hillsborough County. Since I will be taking a job in this school district when I get my degree, I wanted to use this assignment to become more familiar with their policies and procedures. This electronic notebook is designed to function as a basic foundation for a school media centers policies and procedures manual. Community and School Analysis Community Analysis1 The Middle School Library resides in Temple Terrace, FL, which is home to 24,592 residents and 10,240 households based on the 2010 census. There are 4 public schools in this small city and only one middle school. The average household income is $48,038 and the average house price is $208,700. There is a high English language proficiency percentage and a low poverty level. 39% of the population has college degrees. The breakdown of the populations ethnicity is: o White: 16,697 (68.04%) o Black: 4,793 (19.53%) o Hispanic: 3,597 (14.66%) o Asian: 1,338 (5.45%) o One Race, Other: 811 (3.30%) o Two or More Races: 778 (3.17%)

City of Temple Terrace Demographics: Hillsborough Community Atlas. (2012). Retrieved from

http://www.hillsborough.communityatlas.usf.edu/demographics/default.asp?ID=1205771400

5 o Native: 124 (0.51%) School Analysis2 There are 900 students between grades six through eight enrolled at this school. There are 60 teachers, making the student teacher ratio 17 to 1. 54% of the students are males and 46% are females. Ethnicity Demographics: o White: 60% o Black: 20% o Hispanic: 13% o Two or More Ethnicities: 4% o Asian: 2% o Indian: 0.8% o Pacific Islander: 0.2% 40% of the student population are eligible for free or reduced lunch.
English Language Learners (ELL) makes up 10 % of the student population.

5% of the population is in the gifted and talented programs at this school. Vision and Mission

Vision The vision of this library is to encourage students to excel on an academic, social and professional level throughout their lives. Mission

School Data & Statistics. (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.fldoe.org/families/schoolData.asp

6 In addition to supporting the schools instructional program, the mission of the library is to ensure that students are proficient, responsible information users and lifelong learners. This mission is achieved by providing students with innovative instruction and current resources. Media specialists should guide students through the process of finding, assessing and synthesizing information from a variety of different tools and resources. Resources, services and programs should promote literacy, student achievement and enjoyment of reading. Resource: http://schools.nycenet.edu/offices/teachlearn/sls/Handbook_Section1_VisionMissionGoalsExpec tations.pdf - Section 1.3 describes how to construct vision and mission statements and gives examples of some well-developed vision and mission statements. Goals and Objectives 1. Goal: To develop and maintain a well-balanced, up-to-date and diverse collection of materials and resources for students and staff. a. Objective: Provide access to materials through a variety of formats. b. Objective: Reflect the curriculum needs and interests of students in the librarys collection. c. Objective: Manage and evaluate the collection to ensure it sustains this goal. 2. Goal: To provide students with the instruction and skills necessary to make them successful information users, critical thinkers and lifelong learners. a. Objective: Incorporate multiple literacies into instructional lessons. b. Objective: Integrate new technologies into teaching units. c. Objective: Use an inquiry-based learning process.

7 d. Objective: Evaluate student learning by developing assessment techniques in order to ensure the goal is being met. 3. Goal: To form instructional partnerships with the faculty with the intention of improving student accomplishment and the quality of instruction. a. Objective: Gain administrative support to advocate for collaborative efforts. b. Objective: Integrate library resources and services with curriculum content. c. Objective: Plan, implement and evaluate curriculum units in tandem with teachers. Resource: http://nnlm.gov/evaluation/guide/stage2.pdf - A great in-depth guide that shows the steps involved in developing goals and objectives. Personnel Job Description3 Media Specialists are school staff members assigned the professional activities of media center program administration, learning and teaching, information access and delivery for students and staff, according to generally accepted standards of practice, such as the Code of Ethics and Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida. Media Specialist Responsibilities: Plans, prepares and provides instruction in the skills necessary to access information in all formats to ensure optimal student achievement. Instruction can be implemented in large group, small group, and individual settings.

Hillsborough County Public Schools Job Description. (2008). Retrieved from

http://lms.mysdhc.org/MSJobDescription.pdf

8 Establishes and maintains standards for acceptable student behavior using appropriate techniques. Demonstrates and maintains knowledge of theories, techniques, technology and skills in the field of library information science. Engages in professional development activities that enhance this knowledge. Provides an atmosphere conducive to individual inquiry, small group activities, research, study and relaxation in support of student achievement. Establishes and maintains a positive collaborative relationship with all stakeholders including school and district staff, students, parents, and community members to ensure an environment conducive to learning. Develops and maintains a balanced comprehensive collection of print media, non-print media, and technology to support classroom curriculum. Assists teachers and staff in the selection of media for student achievement. Trains staff on the use of specialized equipment and/or technology in addition to training on educational software. Oversees and trains staff on copyright policies and procedures. Demonstrates other professional competencies, responsibilities, and requirements as established by the rules of the State Board of Education and the policies of the district school board. Evaluation Procedures and Form The media specialists evaluation is comprised of a series of observations throughout the school year. These observations are based on Empowering Effective Teachers (EET) evaluation

9 standards and methods. The assessment form is available at http://lms.mysdhc.org/handbook/Forms/HCPS%20Library%20Media%20Rubric%202012.pdf. Programs and Services School librarians are responsible for implementing, managing and evaluating various reading programs in their media center with the aim of encouraging students to be effective information users, resourceful researchers and eager readers. Information Literacy Programs AASL Standards for the 21st-Century LEARNER Florida Research Model: FINDS

Reading Promotion Programs Sunshine State Young Readers Award (SSYRA) SSYRA is a reading motivation program for students in grades 3-8 throughout Florida. The goal of this program is to entice students to read high interest, contemporary literature for personal enjoyment. The long term goal of the program is to nurture lifelong readers who will continue to read for information needs and personal pleasure.4 15 high-quality titles are picked every year for the award. Students who read three of the 15 books are allowed to vote for their favorite book. The votes are counted for the entire state and the book with the most votes wins this notable award. The SSYRA books are also used in Battle of the Books. Battle of the Books Battle of the Books is a reading incentive program throughout Hillsborough County for all grade levels. The intent of this program is to expand reading interests and foster literary appreciation. Students who read the required books and score high on the Battle Qualifying Test are eligible to be on the schools Battle Team. The competition is held

Sunshine State Young Reader's Award Program. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.fldoe.org/bii/Library_Media/ssyrap.asp

10 at the end of the school year against other middle schools in the district. More information can be found at http://battleofthebooks.com/what-is-bob/. Scholastic Reading Counts Students can read any of the books that are on their reading level and on the Reading Counts list, which is complied by the school librarian. After reading a book, the student takes a quick quiz to test his/her understanding of the book. It is designed to encourage independent reading and improve reading skills. Book Fairs and Special Events Scholastic Book Fair This semi-annual reading event is designed to get students excited about reading, get families involved in the schools community, and help generate funds for the school. The books selected for the Fair are new and exceptional titles that students enjoy. The event is hosted for a week in fall and spring. The guidelines for running a book fair and handling the funds can be found in the Hillsborough County Media Handbook. Other Programs and Services Teen Reads Week Teen Reads Week is a national adolescent literacy initiative celebrated in mid-October with a new theme every year. Its purpose is to showcase the librarys collection and empower students to read recreationally. Also, during Teen Reads Week, a handful of students can sign up to take a field trip for a Teen Read Author Visit. Evaluation Procedures and Forms The school media specialist should assess their library media center program with the Florida ExC3EL evaluation rubric. The major factors for program evaluation are:5

21st Century Library Media Programs in Floridas K-12 Schools. (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.fldoe.org/bii/Library_Media/pdf/EvaluationRubric.pdf

11 Instruction - The library media program enhances student achievement through a systematically, collaboratively planned instructional program. Curriculum Support - The library media program enhances student achievement by supporting all facets of the instructional program. Program Administration - Technological processes and resources enhance learning and serve as an infrastructure for administering a properly staffed and well-funded library media program. Environment - Effective library media programs provide an inviting, accessible and stimulating environment for individual and group use that share resources across the learning community. Advocacy - The library media program and its initiatives are promoted throughout the learning community. Resource Management - The library media program provides appropriate, accurate and current resources in all formats to meet the needs of the learning community. Print and Non-Print Collections Circulation The circulation policy is aimed at providing students with as much access to library materials as possible. Students need to have his/her student ID to check out books. Three items at a time may be checked out for a two-week period with an optional one-week extension.

12 Students are permitted to check out reference materials, magazines and DVDs, but only on an overnight basis. There are no fines for overdue books, but before the student can check out more materials, the late items need to be returned. Overdue books are considered to be lost if they are not returned within two months from the time of checkout. If a book is lost or damaged, the student is expected to pay for the book or the repair. If a student misplaces a book, a parent can give consent for the students to continue checking out materials until the book is found or paid for. Materials are available through interlibrary loans (ILL) upon student or teacher request. There is no limit to the number of items a teacher may check out, but the two-week return policy still applies unless the items are used as instructional materials for the classroom. In such a case, the teacher may keep the items for two months. Evaluation/Selection/Development The media centers collection should be comprehensive, reflect the diversity and needs of its students in addition to supporting the schools curriculum. All school libraries within the district are required to follow to the selection and evaluation policies set by the School Board of Hillsborough County: Major criteria used for the selection of resources:6 I. The educational suitability of the resource for its intended use;

District Policy and Procedures for Educational Media Materials Selection . (2012). Retrieved from http://lms.mysdhc.org/handbook/material%20selections#district

13 II. The intellectual content of the material: the scope, arrangement, organization, relevance, timeliness of information, special features, and overall value to the collection; III. The philosophy and goals of the school district: the resources support and are consistent with the educational goals of the district and with goals and objectives of individual schools and specific courses. Objectives for Selecting Media To provide materials that will enrich and support the curriculum, taking into consideration individual needs and the varied interests, abilities, socioeconomic backgrounds and maturity levels of the students served. To provide materials which stimulate growth in factual knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values and ethical standards. To provide a background of information enabling students to make intelligent judgments in their daily lives. To provide materials representing various sides of controversial issues so that students may develop, under guidance, the practice of critical thinking and critical analysis of all media. To provide materials which are representative of many religious, ethnic and cultural groups and the contribution of these groups to our American heritage. To place principle above personal opinion and reason above prejudice in selecting school instructional resources of the highest quality, thereby assuring a comprehensive collection. Criteria for Selecting School Media Resources Individual learning styles, curriculum needs and the existing collection are all factors for consideration in identifying an individual school's needs for media resources. Considerations for judging materials for purchase include the following:

14 Purpose. What is the material's purpose and direct relationship to instructional objectives and/or curriculum content? Reliability. Is the material accurate and authentic in its presentation of information? Quality. What is the material's literary and/or artistic merit? Production values. If the material is a non-print format, are the visual and audio elements of good quality? Construction. Is the material durable, manageable in a school setting and attractive for its purpose? Special features. Does the material include useful illustrative, graphic or organizational elements such as indexes and charts? Possible uses. Is the material suitable for use by students individually or in groups, for instruction or in-depth study? Suggested Selection Aids: ALAN Review VOYA School Library Journal Booklist Kirkus Horn Book Guide to Children's and Young Adults Books Weeding A major part of maintaining the media centers collection is deselecting materials that no longer suit the needs of the school community. Weeding should be done frequently and methodically to ensure the librarys materials are current, accurate and relevant. Careful

15 considerations must go into deselecting materials. To this end, the Hillsborough Countys Media Handbook gives some useful guidelines for weeding: Kinds of Books7 There are several general categories that comprise the types of books under consideration for retaining or discarding from a school library media center. A few suggestions are offered under each heading. The general groups include: Books of good quality and in good condition -- Shelve correctly and promote use. Books of good quality but in poor condition -- Remove from shelves and place in workroom for simple mending or cleaning, if possible. Books of poor quality but in good condition -- Check approved lists; if not included, lay aside for examination by teachers. Unless there is a positive reason for retaining book, remove it from the collection. Out-of-date books -- Remove from shelves. Little used material -- Sometimes these items need only to be brought to the attention of teachers or students for their circulation to greatly increase. What to Discard In general, consider for discard for any or all of the following reasons, books that are: Unattractive in appearance because of yellowed paper, fine print, etc. In poor physical condition as to ragged binding, torn or dirty pages, etc. Seldom circulated. With old copyright dates that make the books outdated in content, use or accuracy. Mediocre or poor in quality. These include:
7

Media Handbook: Weeding the School Library. (2012). Retrieved from http://lms.mysdhc.org/handbook/collection%20services#i

16 o Poorly written adult books, with stereotyped characters and plots, popular when relatively few children's books were available. o "Old-fashioned" stories which are so written or illustrated that they are not appealing to children today. o Fictionalized representations of life in this country and other countries that have contributed to the development of false and stereotyped concepts of minority groups in our country and of people in other countries. Duplicated with several copies of titles no longer in heavy demand. Of a subject matter or treatment not suitable for students served by the library. Set of books (especially in the literature and history sections) that have gathered dust for years. Superseded by new or revised editions. Of passing interest at the time of publication, such as travel and biographies of persons who were known in their generation, but not likely to be of interest again Special Pointers Give special consideration to reference books. Sets should be examined carefully with a view to discarding from the school library media center. Older sets that have been replaced may still have value in the classroom. Do not replace worn out books until their value has been assessed by checking with standard book selection tools and by careful consideration of their place in the relation to the needs of students and teachers. Curriculum changes may have taken place, better books in the field may now be available, the purchase of the title in a paperback edition may seem feasible.

17 It is equally important to weed from the library other types of materials, in addition to books. These include: o Non-Print Collection o Magazines Periodicals The school district allocates a separate fund in the librarys budget for periodicals every year. The periodicals must be purchased through one of the countys approved vendors. Guidelines for selection of periodicals are:8 1. The first priority is to be given to curricular needs of students. 2. The second priority is to be given to leisure needs of students. Students who are not avid readers require an abundance of materials in their area of interests; such as sports, cars, fashions, science projects and short stories. These periodicals help students identify ways to fill leisure hours. 3. The third priority is to be given to professional journals. Initially the titles to be purchased are those that meet general educational issues and trends. As the budget allows, a balanced collection of periodicals for specific subject areas are purchased. Quite often the limited periodical budget cannot be stretched to cover all the areas; therefore, you should take advantage of the magazine jobber used for the media center. The jobber offers discount prices and extensive service in case of missing issues, etc. The Media Handbook has complied an extensive list of quality periodical titles, which is available at http://lms.mysdhc.org/handbook/Forms/Periodicals3.doc

Media Handbook: Administrative Support Programs. (2013). Retrieved from http://lms.mysdhc.org/handbook/lawson#general

18

Inventory Inventory is performed annually at the end of the school year in order to determine if materials are missing or damaged and to update the cataloging and circulation system. The complete inventory report should be sent to the administration. For more information regarding inventory policies consult the inventory section of the Hillsborough Countys Media Handbook. Maintenance and Repair The media specialist conducts maintenance and repairs on items on an as-needed basis. If the book is to extensively damaged than the item must be eliminated from the collection and replaced with a new copy. Resources: The ALA website features a helpful video on how to perform common types of repairs. Also, Dartmouth Library has a book repair manual. Purchasing The school library receives funds primarily from the state and county to purchase supplies, books, AV materials, periodicals and newspapers for each fiscal year. Purchased materials must come from the approved vendor list supplied by the district. The purchasing decisions fall to the media specialist. To obtain more detailed purchasing information, please visit: http://lms.mysdhc.org/handbook/lawson#general Technical Services Automation System Symphony handles cataloging and circulation tasks such as checking materials in and out and providing the status of users and items. Crystal Reports creates reports about circulation, weeding and collection data.

19 Cybercat is the online library catalog for Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS). Each school has its own separate catalog for their library, but there is also the option to search all school library collections within the district. Processing Any materials purchased by vendors should come shelf ready and processed based on the districts specifications. Processing should include spine label, bar code label, bar code inscription, Mylar tape and theft detection. Depending on the vendor, some of these services cost an additional fee while others are included for free. For materials that do not go through vendors, they will require the Library Technical Services department to process and catalog them. Cataloging Processed materials from vendors should come with full MARC records as specified by Hillsborough Countys requirements, but if materials come from an outside source than Library Technical Services will also handle cataloging. Subject headings should be from LCSH. Also, Dewey call numbers and cutter numbers are used:9
9

Biography (Individual): B + Surname of Biographee Easy Fiction: E + first 3 letters of authors last name or title Fiction: F + first 3 letters of authors last name or title Non-Fiction: Dewey Number + first 3 letters of authors last name or title Professional: PROF + Dewey Number + First 3 letters of authors last name or title Reference: R+ Dewey Number + First 3 letters of authors last name or title Graphic Novel: GN + Dewey Number + First 3 letters of authors last name or title

Library Media Services: Library Materials Vendor Specifications (2011). Retrieved from http://lms.mysdhc.org/lts/Vendors/Vendor%20Specifications%20Rev%20727.pdf?Templates=RWD&display_mode=1&printversion=4&noclosebutton&displaydate=0&n_pbgc=FFFFFF&n_ pfcolor=000000&n_pfsize=12&n_pfface=Arial,Geneva,Sans-Serif

20 For an exhaustive list of cataloging specifications for the district, see the footnote. Technology In the school media center, technology plays a vital role in supporting instruction, literacy and learning. The media specialist should provide technology instruction and integrate technology into the curriculum to improve student success. Therefore, it is crucial that the librarys technology tools be innovative and state-of-the-art. Hardware and Software The media center contains one computer at the circulation desk for checking items in and out with the ILS system, three computers used specifically to access Cybercat stationed around the library, and 25 computers for educational student use. Additionally, laptops and AV equipment are available for check out for teachers. The software is determined by the district standards but includes Windows 7, Microsoft Office 2010, and Adobe Digital School Collection among others. The district application portfolio shows an in-depth list of software available for Hillsborough County Public Schools. Networking The computers throughout the school are connected to a district server. A username and password are required to access this server, which is given to the school. Wireless Internet is available throughout the school. The network policy for Hillsborough County is located in the Faulty Handbook on page 33 of the document. The HCPSs Information and Technology department deals with any network issues.

21 Acceptable Use Policy10 Internet use by students should be for school-related assignments or activities only. School computers must not be used simply to surf the Internet, for playing games, or for reading e-mail. Internet access is coordinated through a complex association of government agencies and regional, state, and local networks. The operation of the Internet relies heavily on the proper conduct of the users who must adhere to strict guidelines. 1. Acceptable Use - The use of telecommunications must be in support of educational goals and policies of Hillsborough County School Board. Use of other computing resources must be consistent with School Board policies. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material or material protected by trade secret. 2. Privileges - The use of the Internet is not a right, but a privilege, and inappropriate or irresponsible use may result in cancellation of that privilege. Each individual who is permitted access directly will receive information pertaining to the proper use of the Internet. 3. Responsible Use - You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. Be polite. Do not use vulgar or obscene language. Students should never reveal their private addresses or phone numbers or those of others. Adults should also exercise caution in revealing name and address information over the network. Electronic mail is not guaranteed to be private. Do not disrupt the network, the flow of data or other users. 4. Warranties - The Hillsborough County Public Schools makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing. The District will not be Administrative Support Programs: Internet Use By Students (2013). Retrieved from http://lms.mysdhc.org/handbook/lawson#photo
10

22 responsible for any damages you suffer including loss of data. The District will not be responsible for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through this Internet connection. 5. Security - Security is a high priority. If you should identify a security problem, you must notify an administrator immediately. Do not show or identify the problem to others. Do not use another individual's account. Attempts to log on as another user will result in cancellation of privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems with other computer systems may be denied access. 6. Vandalism - Vandalism may result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as the malicious attempt to harm or destroy the data of another user, the Internet, FIRN, or other networks. This includes the creation of, or the uploading of, computer viruses on the Internet or the host site or disruption of data flow. 7. Exception of Terms and Conditions - All terms and conditions as stated in this document are applicable to all users of the Internet. These terms and conditions reflect an agreement of the parties and shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida and the United States of America. Maintenance and Repair The media specialist is expected to conduct maintenance and repairs on the media centers AV equipment while the schools technology specialist handles the maintenance and repair of computers and computer-related equipment. Also, a call center is available for technology troubleshooting and repairs. For major repairs that cannot be completed on-site, the media specialist must submit a repair request through the countys maintenance request system.

23 Purchasing Computer equipment and software purchases should follow the Hillsborough County specifications and come from an approved vendor. The technology department is in charge of purchasing computer equipment while the media specialist is responsible for ordering AV equipment. More information regarding the purchase of media center equipment can be found at: http://lms.mysdhc.org/handbook/lawson#account and http://css.sdhc.k12.fl.us/SitePages/Home.aspx Facilities, Furnishings, and other Equipment Since the media center is the heart of learning in the school community, it is imperative that the facility provides a welcoming and flexible environment that promotes reading and technology use for students. Moreover, the library area must be able to accommodate a variety of learning abilities and teaching techniques. Floor Plan The floor plan is designed to maximize the use of the library by improving functionality, flexibility, efficiency, traffic flow, and accessibility of the available space.

24 Resource: http://eduscapes.com/sms/administration/elements.html Maintenance and Repair The schools janitorial staff handles a majority of facility-related repairs unless the furnishings are beyond repair then a replacement is arranged with the administration. Major repairs require a request record to be submitted in order to initiate and complete them, which must be filled out by the media specialist. Purchasing Facility equipment and furnishings must come from the approved vendors list. The type of items that need to be purchased can be easily searched for through the following link as well: http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/Procurement/search.asp. The decisions regarding the purchase of equipment for the facility should be made in junction with the schools administration. Marketing, Image, and Public Relations In order for the library to flourish and grow, it is vital that the schools community support the media centers programs and goals. To achieve this mission, the school media specialist must advocate the library, its services and resources to the school and community by developing ongoing outreach initiatives. The ALA advocacy document provides foundational instructions for marketing and promoting the school library. Advocating Programs within the School Through: Displays/Bulletin Boards The AASL website offers some great links to designing ideas for these promotional tools. Also, another helpful resource is the Department of Educations School Library Support website, which features some topical and implementation suggestions for creating displays.

25 Flyers and bookmarks are easy and effective ways to promote the librarys services and encourage reading. Newsletters and Morning Show announcements help keep the faulty and students abreast of approaching activities and events in the library. Posters The ALA Celebrity READ posters motivate students to read and call attention to certain materials in the collection. Moreover, these posters are extremely well liked by the student body. Linkage with Parents and Community Parent Teacher Association (PTA) School Media Centers Website Friends of the Library Program Creating this group can increase community interest and help raise funds for the library among other numerous advantages. Guidelines on how to form this group are available at http://www.folusa.org/resources/html-versions/fact-sheet-6.php. Volunteers An application for community members to contribute their time to the school library is available through the district forms website. Brochures AASL has created printable brochures to educate and inform parents, teachers, administration and policymakers about the media centers role within the community. Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, blogging, etc.) are great techniques to get the media centers latest news and available services out into the digital community. Other Policies The following policies are dictated by district and national standards.

26 Gifts11 In general, all materials should be accepted with the understanding they must meet established criteria set for book selection and be considered of value by the media specialist in consultation with the faculty. The problem of gift books is a very real one and should be discussed with principals if necessary. Public relations with residents in the community can be jeopardized, and tactfulness in dealing with well-meaning residents who are cleaning out attics and bookshelves is essential. If book drives are undertaken, be sure that a written policy statement, specifying the kinds of books that will or will not be acceptable, is prepared in advance. When accepting gift books: 1. Write a "thank you" letter to patron and include in the letter: a. title of books b. copyright date 2. Do not assign a price. As stipulated by the Hillsborough County Public Schools, this is not allowed. To discard your gift books, select one of the means listed below that meets the approval of your administration: 1. Let teachers keep the ones they may find useful. 2. Let students take the ones they may like to have. 3. Send the remainder to the warehouse

Media Handbook: Materials Selections. (2012). Retrieved from http://lms.mysdhc.org/handbook/material selections#gift

11

27 Copyright The Hillsborough County School Districts Media Handbook gives an extensive amount of information about copyright policies, procedures and laws in addition to practical guidelines on how to handle copyrighted materials. To view the document in full, please visit http://lms.mysdhc.org/handbook/Copyright Intellectual Freedom An intellectual freedom statement specifically for school media centers to keep in consideration is on the front page of the districts Media Handbook. Additionally, ALA website provides a wealth of information and resources on intellectual freedom. A particularly interesting article about this topic in school libraries is found at http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/iftoolkits/ifmanual/fifthedition/schoollibrary Challenged Materials The district has a detailed process for dealing with challenged materials, which involves the media specialist, the Media Materials Committee and the administration. The procedures and forms that need to be completed can be found in the reconsideration of challenged materials section of the Media Handbook.