Angela

G. Leal Elementary Library

San Benito, Texas
Policies & Procedures Manual




Introduction

Angela G. Leal Elementary Library through its professional staff is committed to

facilitating teaching and learning by providing the library media center collections

that meet both the curricular needs and personal needs of our students. The schools

librarian, teachers, and administrators are responsible for the selection and

reconsideration of materials for the school library in accordance with the objectives

listed in this regulation. In order to fulfill this mission, the following goals and

objectives will be utilized as a guideline for the library:

To instill and foster a love for reading, through high interest materials and
maintaining a fun and nurturing environment
To ensure the entire school community has effective access and use of
information
To provide expert advise in the use of instructional technologies, through
assisting with technology troubleshooting, implementing Tech Tuesday,
and access funds for new technology

Library Mission Statement

Angela G. Leal Elementary Library will foster a love for reading and encourage
lifelong learning.




Source: Geary County School District, Fort Riley Elementary
https://www.usd475.org/school/fre/library/Shared Documents/FRE Library
Policies and Procedures.pdf





Materials Selection Policy

Selection Policy Statement
The Angela G. Leal Library will select materials that reflect the school philosophy as
well as enrich the curriculum. This will ensure that all materials and services are
appropriate for the growth and development of the entire school community.

Selection Policy Specifics
Selection of materials will be in accordance with the following criteria:

1. Authenticity
2. Appropriateness
3. Relevance and contribution towards curriculum
4. Positive reviews from creditable sources; i.e. School Library Journal,
Booklists, Good Reads, etc
5. Favorable recommendations from administrators, teachers, students,
and parents
6. Contributed materials made in reference to viewpoints and
controversial issues
7. High degrees of potential user
8. Quality and variety of format of materials
9. Value and/or need of materials
10. Permanence of material

Selection Policy Procedures

1. The librarian will use a district chosen company to complete and evaluate a
collection analysis and consider discrepancies
2. The librarian will be sure that all materials be assessed through a series of
criteria
3. The librarian will collaborate with teachers to ensure genuine lessons geared
towards student academic success
4. The librarian will teach the importance of critical thinking, decision making,
and strengthen problem-solving skills
5. The entire school community will be provided with access to current and
accurate information and resources available in multiple formats



Source:
Geary County School District, Fort Riley Elementary
https://www.usd475.org/school/fre/library/Shared Documents/FRE Library
Policies and Procedures.pdf







Circulation of Materials

Circulation Policy Statement
The students of Angela G. Leal Elementary are allowed to check out two books at a
time for a period of one week. The book can be renewed an unlimited number of
times for another period of one week as long as the student has the book in their
possession.

Circulation Policy Specifics
Students may check out an additional book(s) for research or class work with the
classroom teacher's permission with the exception of reference books.

Overdue, damaged or lost materials
No overdue fines are charged
Full replacement cost of any damaged or lost material will be charged
At the end of the school year, all students with overdue books will be issued
parent notices and the return of materials or payment for the missing
materials is required before the last day of school

Circulation Policy Procedures
Student library cards will be created at the beginning of the school year, with
the students name, identification number, and homeroom teacher. Library
cards are kept in the classroom. During the class-designated time for library,
the students will need to bring their library card to the library and any
materials that need to be returned, in order to check out materials.
Students may come to the library at any time, as long as they have teacher
permission to do so.
Materials to be returned must be placed in the drop box at the entrance of
the library.
Students will be allowed to check-out their own materials by:
1. Proceed to check-out
2. Scan the student library card
3. Scan the book barcode
Students are allowed to place books on hold through the school library
catalogue or by asking the librarian


Source:
Geary County School District, Fort Riley Elementary
https://www.usd475.org/school/fre/library/Shared Documents/FRE Library
Policies and Procedures.pdf

"Welcome to the Library." / Circulation Policy. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Feb. 2017.







Challenges of Materials

Challenge Policy Statement
Angela G. Leal Elementary Library supports the beliefs of intellectual freedom
expressed in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The library will
keep and evaluate the library collection on a yearly bases in order to keep materials
as current as possible and age appropriate for all who access the library, however
when there is material that is considered inappropriate, a formal request for
reconsideration may be made.

Challenge Policy Specifics
Library materials may be challenged/reconsidered if necessary, removed from
school media center and libraries in accordance with the following guidelines:
The material is deemed inappropriate
The material is outdated or factually incorrect
A more thorough or more complete resource exists
The resource no longer supports the districts curriculum objectives
The resource is not used by either staff or students
The resource is not recommended by district librarians, teachers or
administrators

Challenge Policy Procedures
A student, parent, or faculty member may challenge materials by submitting the
Request for Reconsideration form to the librarian to begin the process for
challenged materials. Upon receipt of the completed form, the following must take
place prior to a final decision:
A committee will be developed consisting of an administrator, librarian, two
classroom teachers, the counselor, and a parent. The classroom teachers will
represent two different grade levels.
The committee will meet and receive a copy of the Request for
Reconsideration form and a copy of the material that is being challenged.
Copies of reviews on the material will also be collected by the librarian and
given to the committee members.
A discussion will be held about the material and a majority vote will decide
whether to keep or remove said material(s) from the collection.
A written report of the procedures and the decision made by the committee
will be given to the principal.
The principal will send a copy of the report to the complainant and discuss
the decision with them if necessary.
If the complainant is dissatisfied with the decision of the committee, he/she
may seek further action through the superintendent and the school board
The material in question will remain in circulation until a final decision is
made by the committee


Source: Fairfield ISD, Fairfield Intermediate School
http://fislibrary.weebly.com/uploads/8/9/4/0/8940861/policy__procedure_manu
al.pdf


Weeding of Materials


Weeding Policy
A balanced, up-to-date collection of materials is essential to a media center. These
materials should be carefully selected by a media professional working closely with
teachers who will determine the quality of the materials. The collection should be
made-to-measure the needs of the students and the curriculum of each school.
Constant evaluation of materials by all users will result in a highly effective and
qualitative collection.


Weeding Policy Specifics
The librarian may remove materials, equipment and furniture that are no longer of
value to the library media program following general selection and weeding
guidelines. The librarian will weed through the media canter as part of the total
selection and evaluation process by:

Physical condition
Provide a more up-to-date collection
Maintain a reputation for providing reliable information which supports the
needs of both students and curriculum
Low circulation
Content not accurate
Not suitable or is inappropriate
Material is biased


Weeding Policy Procedures
Disposal and discarding of materials is to be done through the following methods:

Donation to classrooms, hospitals, churches, or nursing homes
Materials that are not in good conditions or no longer accurate may be
recycled



Source: Fairfield ISD, Fairfield Intermediate School
http://fislibrary.weebly.com/uploads/8/9/4/0/8940861/policy__procedure_manu
al.pdf










Right to Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy Statement
Library staff will keep the records of all students confidential. It is the responsibility
of the librarian to protect and maintain confidentiality and privacy of all patrons at
all times. This information may be provided if requested legally by an authority,
written permission of the student, or to uphold the daily activities of the library
media center.


Privacy Policy Specifics
Confidentiality of records for the entire school community will be maintained at all
times. This includes circulation, Internet history, material requests, and registration
information. The librarian may not consult a third party that involves student
information.


Privacy Policy Procedures
Student library records will be considered confidential and will not be
released to a third party unless required by law.
Students may request library reports for their own personal account and
records.
Overdue and lost book list containing only students names, will be sent to
teachers to inform said students of library status.









Source:
Fairfield ISD, Fairfield Intermediate School
http://fislibrary.weebly.com/uploads/8/9/4/0/8940861/policy__procedure_manu
al.pdf

"Privacy Policy." Privacy Policy. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Feb. 2017.









Internet Access Policy

Internet Access Policy Statement

The objective at Angela G. Leal Elementary is to take full benefit of the
educational advantages of every part of the Internet competences. To better
prepare our students for the future; Angela G. Leal Elementary is committed to
making advances in technology and access to learning opportunities available to
all students and teachers.

Internet Access Policy Specifics

Each student must sign an Acceptable Use Policy at the beginning of the year, which
states they understand the rules and policies set forth by the district. The students
may not access the Internet until this form is signed and returned to the school.
Students are expected to be responsible for the following in the media center:

Use the computers for educational use only
Be cautious in not sharing personal information on the Internet
Follow copyright guidelines
Accept the district and school policies
View sites that are appropriate for a school setting
Use only student assigned computer accounts

Internet Access Policy Procedures
Teachers may check out technology equipment for a designated period of
time
Students may check out technology equipment if being used for an assigned
school project
The librarian will provide tools and training for teachers to evaluate websites
and online resources
The library staff will assist students in evaluating online resources on
websites, in databases, and other web resources to find reliable information
All staff members will monitor student use of the network and internet and
work together to take disciplinary action for act of unacceptable use



Source:
Fairfield ISD, Fairfield Intermediate School
http://fislibrary.weebly.com/uploads/8/9/4/0/8940861/policy__procedure_manu
al.pdf
Geary County School District, Fort Riley Elementary
https://www.usd475.org/school/fre/library/Shared Documents/FRE Library
Policies and Procedures.pdf