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Kimberly Ragghianti
FRIT 7331 Class GSU
Key Assessment Section 3
School Library Media Center Services Overview
Circulation Policy:
Amana Academy's library collection contains over 22,000 resources to support student
learning. Included in our collection is a professional library where staff can access a
multitude of GPS-aligned resources. Additionally, Amana has a newly-expanded library
media center which is a learning hub for both students and staff. K-2 grades must return
their book each week to get a new book. They are allowed one book out at a time. 4-8
grades are on a flexible schedule and may visit the library any time or any day that they
have a moment during the day. They must have a library pass to visit the library and are
allowed to have two books out at any given time. They may keep materials for up to two
week or until they have completed reading. There is no limit to the amount of weekly
visits to the library as long as only two books are out at on time. (This policy was copied
and pasted from the school media center website.)
How does the circulation policy consider different grade levels and staff?
There are policies for K-2 grades and 3-8 grades. As the students get older they
have the privilege to check out more books and keep them for a longer amount of time.
This is helpful in cases where they may have a research report or project that requires
more time to complete. Teachers and staff have a resource room where they can check out
books, hands on activities, maps, class sets of novels, and other resources. They may go
to the resource room during planning times after they get the key from the librarian.
Teachers may check out as many resources as they would like with consideration that
other teachers may need the same limited resources.
Technology Philosophy at Amana
At Amana, computing technology is integrated with academic content in a meaningful
and authentic way. Our approach is consistent with proven best practices and follows the
NETS Standards for Global Learning in the Digital Age.
Technology Goals
Ensure that all students exceed the technology components as outlined in their
grade level state standards
Support teachers with the resources they need to give students a top-notch STEM
education.
Prepare students with the hardware and software skills they will need for high
school and beyond
Leverage students' natural interest in social media and digital communication to
help them form connections with both their academic content and with other
learners
Technology Class

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Amana is the only public school in Georgia offering year-long technology classes to all
students in grades 4-8. At Amana, students in grades 4-8 attend technology class twice
weekly in our new technology lab. During this time their instructor, Helen Copeland,
works with students to build a strong foundation of basic computing and software skills.
Mrs. Copeland also assists students with academic projects requiring the use of
technology. (This information on technology goals and classes is on the schools
technology webpage.)
Amana Academy Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Acceptable Use Policy (AUO)
There will be times during the school year when it will be beneficial for Middle
School students to bring their own technology devices to school. Laptops and Tablets
may be brought to school during designated times of the year. When student technology
devices are brought to school, they are to be used only at pre-ordained times during the
school day.
Each Student Device must be registered with Amana Academy, approved and
labeled before use. Along with the BYOD Student Agreement below, students and
parents/guardians agree to the Fulton County Schools Code of Conduct & Discipline
Handbook, Rule #6: Threats, Harassment, Bullying, Disrespectful Conduct and Acts of
Bigotry (pp. 13 14) and Rule #16: Technology Offenses (pp. 20 21) which can be
found in the Fulton County Schools Code of Conduct & Discipline Handbook given out
at the beginning of the school year and located online at
http://www.fultonschools.org/en/divisions/acd/supportserv/Documents/Discipline
%20Handbook%20FY13.pdf
The use of technology at Amana is a privilege and should be treated as such. The
owner of the device is responsible for his or her technology at all times. Amana Academy
will not be responsible for any damaged or stolen device.
BYOD Student Agreement
The use of technology at Amana is to provide additional educational opportunities.
Students will be directed as to when to use these devices. When abused these privileges
will be taken away, when respected, students will enjoy a wider learning environment.
Students and parents/guardians participating in BYOD must agree to the following
Student Code of Conduct:
Student device must be registered with Amana Academy and approved before use.
Student understands devices are to be used for educational purposes as dictated or
approved by teachers.
Students are responsible for their own device.
Student devices may not be used to cheat on tests or assignments.
Students may not use their devices during the day to make personal calls, text
message, IM or use social networking.
Students may not use device to post or transmit pictures or video of students or
school activities.
It is a violation to bring on premises or infect the network with a Virus, Trojan, or
program designed to damage, alter, destroy, or provide access to unauthorized
data or information.

It is a violation to process or access information on school property related to

hacking, altering, or bypassing network security policies.
Amana Academy reserves the right to collect and examine any devices that are
suspect of causing problems or was the source of an attack or virus infection.
Student devices are to be charged prior to being brought to school. Charging
devices at school will not be allowed.
Student devices are to be used for educational research and school-related
activities and assignments.
Devices should only come to school and be used during designated BYOD times
and must be kept secure in student lockers at other times during the day.
Student is a representative of Amana Academy and will act accordingly with their
online presence.
Student will use the EL Design Principles as a guide for using technology.

I understand any violation is unethical and will result in the loss of my personal
device privileges at Amana.
The above policy and guidelines are signed by the student and their parents/guardians.
The device make/model and serial number are collected. (These policies and guidelines
are on the media center webpage.)
Expeditionary STEM Education - Science Technology Engineering Mathematics
STEM Education grows out of the idea that interdisciplinary boundaries of
Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics are permeable. By blending these
disciplines, STEM education seeks to create 21st century learning/skills for
students. STEM is a national initiative at the high school level, trickling down to only a
handful of middle schools. Amana's unique implementation is called Expeditionary
STEM Education.
Our mission for STEM is to provide rigorous, authentic integrated instruction in science,
technology, engineering, and math in order to build student understanding and
competence in these areas and prepare students for advanced studies in STEM. Students
will be exposed to current technology and engaged in the curriculum through appropriate
applications of technology. They will meet and exceed state standards in Math and
Science by applying these concepts. (This section about bringing in and using technology
is on the Expeditionary STEM webpage.)
How does it describe privileges, responsibilities, and consequences? You can include all
policies that regard print, ebooks and computers.
As stated as the students get older they have the privilege to check out more
books and keep them for a longer amount of time. Middle school aged students may bring
their own technology as long as they follow the rules set forth in the BYOD and AUO
policies. An agreement to follow these rules is signed by both the student and their
parents/guardians. Students that do not return their books may not check out another
book. A letter is sent to the students parents telling them of over due books and fines for

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lost/damaged books. Students parents are reasonable to pay for any broken technology. If
the media center fines are not paid by the end of the year the students report card is held
at the front office until the fines are paid or other arrangements are made.
1. Addressing Needs of the 21st Century Library and Its Learners: The media center has
addressed the needs of the 21st century library and its learners by having a well stocked
library encompassing different resources, having technology available, and integrating a
STEM program to enhance technology.
2. BYOD (bring your own technology/ device): The school allows middle school students
to bring their own technology and has rules set in place so this technology is used to
improve learning opportunities. In the future it would be good if the elementary students
had the opportunity to bring in their technology devices for educational purposes as well.
The younger students would have to be taught to use their devices for learning only (not
playing Skylanders with friends) in school, but it can be done with practice and patience.
3. Web 2.0 Technologies: There are some Web 2.0 technologies used, but the specifics are
not mentioned in this policy. The school does encourage technology. Especially for the
older elementary and middle school students.
4. E-Books: The school does not have any e-books. The students can find some free
educational e-books online and can buy and/or download them to their personal devices
for use in school if wanted.
Scheduling:
The Library is open 7:30am-3:30pm Monday Thursday and 7:30am 12:40pm on
Friday. The Library is open late until 4:30 on Tuesday and Thursday. K-3 is on a fixed
schedule and visits the library once a week for check out. (This policy was copied and
pasted from the school media center website.)
Hours of operation, flexible/open access or fixed access?
Amana Academy has fixed access to the library media center for younger students and
flexible access for older students. The librarian chooses the fixed days and time for
library every other week for the younger K-2 students.
Flexible scheduling is maintained by allowing full participation of teachers and the
library media specialist in collaborative planning and allowing students to come to the
library media center at any time.
Flexible Scheduling is any schedule that is controlled by the library media specialist in
collaboration with the classroom teachers to meet the needs of the students at the
students' point of need. A schedule that is mandated and/or controlled by the school
administration is not flexible.

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Flexible scheduling is essential to an effective K-12 media center program that
recognizes the importance of collaboration. (As stated on the Georgia Department of
Education website under FAQ)
As said by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and stated on the
Georgia Department of Educations website a flexible schedule is essential for a
collaborative media center. I have seen teachers, librarians, and administrative staff
control the activities of younger students strictly. They think that giving younger ones
free range will create chaos. It is true younger students do better with a structure, yet for
them to grow they need times of freedom and discovery. With set expectations, practice,
and patience younger students can enjoy the same flexibility as their older peers. I have
seen expectations become reality. If you set a high bar the students will reach to meet it.
1. Addressing Needs of the 21st Century Library and Its Learners: This would be better
addressed if the media center had a flexible schedule for all grade levels and teachers.
2. BYOD (bring your own technology/ device): Students bringing their own technology
are in charge of their devices, so this would depend on if they are willing to share or
would with a group using their device.
3. Web 2.0 Technologies: The computer lab has a fixed schedule. Often the computer lab
is unavailable due to technology classes for 4-8 grade students. Older students teachers
can check out a laptop cart for classroom use. K-2 grade teachers must sign up far in
advance to use the computer lab.
4. E-Books: The school does not have any e-books. The students can find some free
educational e-books online and can buy and/or download them to their personal devices
for use in school if wanted.
5. Creative Commons: This is not mentioned in this policy.
Services:
Amana Academy's library collection contains over 22,000 resources to support student
learning. Included in our collection is a professional library where staff can access a
multitude of GPS-aligned resources. Additionally, Amana has a newly-expanded library
media center which is a learning hub for both students and staff.
List of programming and services for students, teachers, staff and parents. Specifically
addresses services for diverse patrons (including disabilities).
Again although the policy states they have many resources to support student learning the
specifics are not given. Services typically seen in a school library are
educational lessons from the librarian on media center related skills
checking out/in resources
organizing the media center and its resources
helping locate resources for research or reading pleasure
staying up-to-date with technology/keeping a up-dated library website

planning with teachers

locating resources for students with disabilities
events such as book fairs, author visits, book clubs
making sure the library has a healthy environment and supports intellectual
freedom of students

1. Addressing Needs of the 21st Century Library and Its Learners: This is the same as
above. The media center has addressed the needs of the 21st century library and its
learners by having a well stocked library encompassing different resources and having
technology available, yet they do not list the specifics. Like all media centers they will
need to improve and enhance these services as times move forward to keep up with the
changes in the school, library uses, world events, and technology.
2. BYOD (bring your own technology/ device): Students bringing their own technology
are in charge of their devices, so this would depend on if they are willing to share or
would with a group using their device.
3. Web 2.0 Technologies: There are some Web 2.0 technologies used, but the specifics are
not mentioned in this policy. Services include Galileo, WebTrekker, and web based
subscriptions such as BrainPOP, Study Island, and Discovery Education.
4. E-Books: The school does not have any e-books.
5. Creative Commons: This is not mentioned in this policy. However there is a link on the
media center page for copyright free pictures.
Ethics and Legal Principles:
Copyright Policy
In accordance with the philosophy of assisting the creation of responsible, contributing
citizens, it shall be the policy of the Freedom School District to comply with the current
Copyright Law, P.L. 94-553 and with all guidelines and additions to the law. School
administrators will not direct any staff member to willfully violate this copyright law. The
law covers the use of film, television, computers, videotapes, copy machines, and any
future technological development.
Freedom School District will support any district employee who is subject to legal action
if that employee believed the copying was fair-use. School employees who violate the
copyright law are liable for their own actions.
Use of district copy equipment to prevent the purchase of copyrighted material is
prohibited.
Assistance will be provided to school personnel in acquiring the rights to duplicate
copyrighted materials.

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Any prerecorded video cassette brought into a classroom will be for instructional
purposes and follow the selection policies of the district.
Any materials ordered on preview should not be copied without permission of the
publisher.
The Fair Use criteria is used to justify copying of copyrighted material. Fair Use factors
are:

The nature of the copyrighted work. (Copying a work intended to be

consumed by one person, such as a student's workbook, would probably not
be a Fair Use.)

The amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the

copyrighted work as a whole. (An individual copying more than a small

portion of a copyrighted work or the whole work probably exceeds Fair

Use. Use the guidelines as aids in determining what is deemed acceptable.)

The effect of the use upon potential market for or value of the copyrighted
work. (Substituting a copy for purchase of a work or a subscription is likely
to exceed the fair use provision.)

The purpose and character of the use, including whether use is for
commercial or nonprofit educational purposes. (Copying for commercial
gain is against the law; copying for research, scholarship, teaching,
commentary, criticism, or news reporting is not if done within limits.)

Most library photocopying is justified under the Copyright Law. Warning notices of
copyright should be placed on copies. Copies are not to be made to substitute library
purchases unless copies are out-of-print, unpublished or cannot be replaced at a fair price.
Any photocopies made for the purpose of interlibrary loan should be stamped with a
notice of copyright. This may be done by a rubber stamp, pre-printed photocopy paper, a
notice affixed to the photocopy machine, labels, or any other device. Section 108(a)(3).
A copyright notice should also be posted on unsupervised reproduction equipment.
Section 108(f)(1). A library displaying this notice is not liable for copyright
infringements.
Off-air taping may be done by non-profit educational institutions for educational
purposes. A broadcast program may be legally kept for forty-five (45) school days unless
permission has been granted for a longer period of time. Programs may not be altered
from their original content. Programs may not be combined without permission of the
publisher.

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Computer software may be copied with permission of the publisher. If multiple copies are
needed, multiple copies should be purchased. If necessary, licenses which allow multiple
copying should be purchased. Computer software being previewed should not be copied.
(Amana Academy does not have a copyright policy posted on their website, so as
required I found another example. This is from the Freedom School District. Amana
Academy has policies for such things in their student handbook, but the link does not
function properly.)
Services offered in support of intellectual property rights (copyright and creative
commons), ethical information use, intellectual freedom, and patron confidentiality
(privacy). Includes at least one annual procedure for reminding teachers of their
copyright responsibilities. Addresses ethical information behavior expected of students.
Includes links to online resources on these topics.
1. Addressing Needs of the 21st Century Library and Its Learners: This is very useful
information for staff, students, and parents to have access to. The Freedom School
System has clearly stated their policies on this topic. It would also be a good idea to have
a copyright training session at least once yearly to educate students, teachers, and staff.
2. BYOD (bring your own technology/ device): The older students may bring their own
technology as long as they follow the rules set forth in the BYOD and AUO policies. An
agreement to follow these rules is signed by both the student and their parents/guardians.
3. Web 2.0 Technologies: The policy states the rules about what can be done, what cannot
be done, and about referencing sources.
4. E-Books: E-Books are implied to be part of the technology umbrella and the copyright
laws apply to this resource.
5. Creative Commons: Again the policy states the rules about what can be done, what
cannot be done, and about referencing sources. Amana Academy does have link on the
media center page for copyright free pictures and documentation, so the topic must have
come up. However they do not have this copyright information displayed on their
website.

October 5, 2014 (up-dated November 2014)