A. Exemplary.

The mission of the Stratford Library is to create a positive and safe

environment in which all students are challenged to reach their full potential through best
teaching practices, incorporating technology, and focusing on social development and
emotional well-being. Shelby also sent out a need’s assessment survey using Google
forms to the staff and students to help guide and direct the purchasing and programming
of the library to fit their educational needs and wants. She strives to make the library an
open and welcoming space where students will want to gather and use all the resources
the library has to offer.
B. Acceptable. The district handles all the rules regarding if the facilities, such as the
library, are being followed. If there are any concerns that the librarian sees Shelby will
notify the proper personnel.
C. Exemplary. Shelby strives to have relationships with the teen libraries in the local
neighborhood and looks to develop new relationships with librarians at academic colleges
in the area. She is planning on running for an officer position with the Acquisitions and
Collection Development Round Table in hopes of fostering new relationships in the
Texas library community. She is also a member of three listserv groups and belongs to a
mini listserv that contains other librarians within the district.
Table 1

 The Stratford library is below standard on library space allocations. There are over 2,100
students and the library only has 2800 square feet. This square footage total includes the
storage room, library office, and mechanical room. If you were to take the square footage
and divide it by the current library capacity of 72 (this number is given by the Fire
Marshall) then there would be 38.88 square feet required per person.
 Computer/Online Reference Area
o Exemplary. At present, there are 72 electronic devices available for student use
in the library facility. The 72 devices are made up by 45 Dell laptop devices, 20
Dell desktop devices, 2 Apple iMac devices, and 5 Chromebook devices.
Stratford will currently be 1 to 1 starting next year so the need for devices within
the library will be lessened. There will also not need to be as much dedicated
space for the computers due to the upcoming 1 to 1 initiative. This space can now
be repurposed to provide more resources for the students.
 Reading/Instructional Area & Reference/Independent Study Area
o Exemplary. These sections of the library take up about 45% of the library. Even
though there is not enough square footage for the number of students located
within the building, Shelby has maximized the amount of space she does have.
 Shelby has 4 designated areas located around the library where students can
lounge in chairs, stools, rockers, or couches for independent study and reading.
There are also four tables dedicated to charging electronic devices. Each table has
four surge protected strips where students can plug in their devices. There is also
work space for the students with stools to work at while they are charging their
devices. In the middle of the library there are tables with chairs where instruction
can take place either by lecture or using the SmartBoard located there.
 Stack Area, Circulation Desk Area, and computer/online reference areas
o Exemplary. There is a main circulation desk with two dedicated workstations
with computers for Shelby to use. There are also 12 desktop computers located
directly behind the circulation desk for the students to use. These two areas take
up about 35% of the area. There are stacks of books located around the perimeter
of the library with a long bookshelf containing nonfiction, graphic novels, and
additional reference materials which comprise about 20% of the library.
 Necessary Ancillary Areas & Staff Area
o Below standard. There is not enough square footage available for other ancillary
areas or a staff area to be. The total square footage is just under 3,000 and this
includes the storage room, library office, and mechanical room. Shelby’s office is
very small and located to the side of the main entrance. Due to it not being
centrally located she hardly ever uses her office. It is mostly used for some
storage and when new materials come in, she catalogues in there. Every available
space that the library offers is being utilized.
 Windows
o Recognized. There is floor to ceiling windows located across the entire back wall
of the library. In front of the windows is the long bookcases containing the
nonfiction, graphic novels, and additional reference material. The windows often
remained closed so the books will not be damaged by the incoming sunlight. It
also helps to keep them closed to help regulate the temperature within the library.
A. Exemplary. The library is a warm and comforting environment that invites the students
and staff to stay and enjoy themselves by reading a book or using one of the many
resources located there. Shelby sent out a library needs assessment using Google forms to
assess if the students and staff were satisfied with their experience at the library. Using
that information she was able to correct or add any element of the library they felt needed
improvement upon.
B. Exemplary. All of the shelving located within the library, except the nonfiction and
informational section, is located along the perimeter of the library. Every shelf is
adjustable to meet the needs of the books located within that section.
C. Exemplary. Every shelf in the library has space located within it to accommodate any
potential growth. She places bookends on each shelf to keep the books orderly and to
ensure that there is at least 25% extra space left on the shelf.
D. Exemplary. The Stratford library is cleanly and nicely decorated featuring student and
book artwork. Since this is a high school Shelby has dedicated a wall to college banners,
signs, and informational posters. It is the main focus in that section of the library since
Stratford strives to promote students continuing on with their education. She also has a
table in the entrance of the library showcasing the newest books in the library. In the back
of the library in one of the common areas there is a circular bookcase contianing books
 she feels the students might find interesting. Throughout the library there are
motivational posters, book promotions, and reading lists from Maverick, Texas Lone
Star, and Texas Tayshas. Any available shelf space she uses to display books, artwork,
and information about the library. There are 2 locking display boards at the entrance of
the library that she also uses to display any pertinent information the students need to
know and book promotions or themes for that month.
E. Exemplary. The technology infrastructure meets the standards designated by the district
since they no longer use the STaR chart. Shelby created a fully integrated library system
webpage within the online learning management system, itsLearning. She is also working
towards updating all of the outdated technology located within the library by using bond
mnoney.
F. Exemplary. All of the library equipment and furnishings are designed to meet the needs
of the students, staff, and library patrons. She provides comfortable seating areas around
the library so students will want to stay and enjoy themselves. Each seating areas
showcases a different type of seating style to accommodate everyone. One section
features modern stools and high bar tables, another has rocking chairs and plush chairs
and another section has couches with armchairs.
G. Exemplary. This is a state and district law to provide ADA access to patrons needing this
accomodation. Everyone should have access to the library and its services regardless of
their physical and mental capacities. They have the same rights as everyone else and
Shelby strives to provide an inclusive library for all.
H. Recognized. The district is in charge of maintaining educational specifications related to
the building itself. She has no control over the lighting, HVAC, wiring, electricity,
plumbing or mechanical. If there is an issue with any of those things she notifies
maintance or the district of the issue.
I. Recognized. The library is open for an hour before school and four and half hours after
school for staff or club meetings.
J. Acceptable. There is a huge column blocking the center of the library where an old
staircase used to be. The staircase has since been removed but structurally this column
must remain. Shelby has put computers on three sides of the column and the other side
has access to water. Due to the size of this column it impedes seeing 30% of the library.
K. Recognized. There used to be a security system at the front of the library, but it started
malfunctioning so it was removed. After looking at the cost benefit analysis report it was
determined that the loss was not better than the gain of replacement.
L. Acceptable. Shelby is very active on the various listservs, TLA, and other professional
library resources. She is aware of the various designs or improvements that would need to
be made to make the library a more functional space in regards to design and
improvements. She also talks to other librarians to see what works and doesn’t work
within their libraries.
M. Recognized. Shelby is aware of all of the various components of the library. She does not
have access to the HVAC system and there are no thermostats located within the library.
The only thing that she can control is the opening and closing of blinds and doors.
Having the blinds open or closed greatly effects the climate within the library. All of the
operarting systems for the building are district controlled and if there is an issue she
immediately notifies the proper administration.
N. Exemplary. All of the library furniture and shelving is able to be easily moved and
manipulated in order to accommodate the various types of students within the building.
 Since she has a very little square footage she makes sure every space is utilized and every
item within the library has the capability to be manipulated or moved.
O. Exemplary. Throughout the library there are motivational posters, book promotions, and
reading lists from Maverick, Texas Lone Star, and Texas Tayshas. Any available shelf
space she uses to display books, artwork, and information about the library. There are 2
locking display boards at the entrance of the library that she also uses to display any
pertinent information the students need to know and book promotions or themes for that
month. All of the tops of counters can be used to display artwork and depending on the
type of artwork determines where it is displayed.