Policies and Procedures
The principal goal of the library media center is to support the vocational and academic programs of the school. This goal includes maintaining and enriching the curriculum needs of the students and teachers, providing professional support for teachers and administrators, furnishing materials for personal interests and recreational reading at various levels, and providing students with varying levels of maturity with an environment which will allow them to develop respect for themselves and others.
Confidentiality
All Library Media Center patrons have a right to privacy as guaranteed by the United States Constitution. The Library Media Specialists will strive to protect the privacy of students, teachers, and anyone who uses the Library Media Center. To assure this, no person who works in the Library Media Center, as either a volunteer or paid employee, may disclose any information concerning materials used by a patron. Circulation records are confidential. Patrons are to be informed personally when they have overdue materials. Teachers may be asked to help in expediting the return of overdue materials. No lists of overdue or lost items are to be made available to the public under any circumstances.
Check In\Out Procedures.
Early morning: Students who come prior to school need to scan their barcode found on their student ID badge upon entering and exiting the Library Media Center. Students without an ID badge should get a new one issued at The Dean of Students office. Students without an ID badge will sign in with their name and student ID number. Students who continually (more than twice in the same week) come to the Library Media Center without their ID will be referred to Dean's office.
Periods 1-8: Individual students with a pass from a teacher may use the Library Media Center as long as there is space available. Students scan their ID badge upon check in/out and get a pass signed prior to returning to class. Students using the Library Media Center with a teacher do not scan their ID badges.
Reserving and Checking out Titles
All physical titles may be reserved online through Follett Destiny. Students are encouraged to browse the physical and digital collection often.
Circulation of digital titles is time limited by title.
All physical titles are to be returned on time and placed in the media return slot at the circulation desk.
Student Circulation
Titles within the circulating collection may be checked out by students for 14 days, and students can renew them for an additional 14 days with a limit of three titles being checked out at a time. Additional titles may be allowed under special circumstances on an individual needs basis.
Teacher and Administration Circulation
Teachers and Administration may check out an unlimited number of titles for 14 days, and may renew these titles for as long as they are needed within the classroom.
Reference Materials
Reference materials are to be used by the students in the Library Media Center and may be checked out for one day with approval from the Library Media Specialist. Teachers may check out reference materials for classroom use when necessary.
Periodicals/Magazines
Newest (most recent issue) magazines and newspapers are not to be taken out of the Library Media Center by students, teachers, and administration. Copies of an article can be made if needed outside of the Library Media Center. Current copies are on display in the library, while back issues may be requested from the Library Media Specialist and taken to be used.
Fines
There will be no fines charged for the return of late titles.
Lost or Damaged Books
Lost or Damaged titles should be reported to the Library Media Specialist as soon as possible. The Library Media Specialist will report the amount owed by the patron to the coordinator's office. Lost and damaged books will count towards the limit of books a student may check out until payment is received. Payment for a lost book is reimbursed should the book be found and returned in good condition. Debts remaining at the end of the school year will become a part of the student's permanent file.
_______________________________________________________
As the American Library Association dictates, a fundamental responsibility of the Library Media Specialist is to provide the leadership and expertise necessary to ensure that the Library Media program is an integral part of the instructional program of the school.
To carry out the mission of the program, the Library Media Specialist performs the following separate but overlapping roles to link the information resources and services of the library media program to the information needs and interests of the school's students and staff:
Through these roles, the Library Media Specialist provides:
The goals and objectives of the school Library Media Center should adhere to and reflect the policies in the Library Bill of Rights, the School Student Handbook, and the Freedom to Read Statement --
"Libraries should provide books and other materials presenting all points of view concerning the problems and issues of our time: no library materials should be proscribed or removed from libraries because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval."
It has long been a core value of librarians to preserve, protect, and defend people’s First Amendment right to freedom of expression and the corollary right to receive and consider ideas, information, and images. Libraries are essential sources of the information that is essential to the functioning of a free and democratic society, and librarians serve as guardians of the public’s access to that information, and to ideas more generally.-
- American Library Association
Selection of Materials:
Responsibility:
The school policy delegates the responsibility for selecting Library Media Center materials to the school Library Media Specialist. These instructional materials are defined as including both printed. Digital, audio and visual materials (not equipment). Although the selection process may involve teachers, administrators, students and parents, the final responsibility for coordination and recommendation for purchase rests with the professionally trained and certified school Library Media Specialist.
Criteria:
Materials for the school Library Media Center will be selected in accordance with the following criteria:
1. Selected materials will support the educational goals of the district and the objectives of the specific courses.
2. The materials will contribute to the fulfillment of curriculum needs, as well as individual needs of students and teachers of the school.
3. Selected materials will possess high standards of quality in factual content and presentation.
4. The materials will be of an appropriate educational level and subject matter. The selected materials will also be suitable for the age level, ability level, emotional and social development of the students from whom they are intended. This will include the needs of special and challenged students.
5. The selected materials will reflect an interest in, and portray the changes and contributions made by the diverse cultural, ethnic and religious groups of our society.
These materials will assist the students in gaining an awareness and understanding of the contributions made by a variety of constituencies.
6.The materials chosen will be by competent and qualified authors and publishers.
7. The materials selected will present varied points of view in order to provide a balanced perspective for students to develop critical thinking skills.
8. Biased or slanted materials may also be provided only to meet specific curriculum needs.
9. The physical format and appearance of this selected materials will be suitable for their intended use.
Criteria
1. Fictional materials should be selected to support curriculum and to promote and develop the reading interests of students. It is to be understood that fiction serves an important service in helping to promote student understanding of their society, world and human relations. Furthermore, in addition to the previously mentioned criteria, the following considerations should be considered in selecting fiction materials. The materials will:
2. Non-fiction materials selection will include some or all of the following criteria. The
materials will:
3. Non-print material selection will be judged on the previously stated criteria for selection. Additionally, further considerations should be made:
A. Audio/Visual materials should be considered with attention to: ƒ
C. Computer applications should be selected with consideration of:
Procedure for Selection
In selecting materials for inclusion in the Library Media Center, the Library Media Specialist will evaluate the existing collection and the curriculum needs; and will consult appropriate reviewing and selection sources. Recommended sources are, but not limited to, the following:
Objections to, and Reconsideration of Materials
Any member of the Tri County District may address concerns with regard to materials used or not used in the district's educational program. Materials will remain in use until a final decision as to the appropriateness and/or affordability has been made. Upon receiving a concern, the following will be done:
1. The school official or Library Media Specialist initially receiving the concern will treat that concern in a courteous manner. The concerned individual will be referred to the building principal.
2. The principal will request that the concerned individual meet informally with the Library Media Specialist. At this time, the school's selection policy should be reviewed with the complainant. If the complainant still finds the offending material unacceptable, alternate reading materials or assignments will be found for the student.
3. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the concerned party should complete the Request of Reconsideration of Library Materials form. This form should be signed and returned to the Library Media Specialist. A copy will be forwarded to the building principal.
4. Upon receipt of the completed form, the Library Media Specialist will call a meeting of the Media Center Advisory Committee to review the specific concern and material. The Media Center Advisory Committee will consist of at least one senior teacher, one administrator, the Library Media Specialist, two parents, and one student. The chairperson of this committee should not be an employee or officer of the district. As credibility is of paramount importance, it is essential that the chairperson be a member of the community. It is advisable that the committee establish meeting times as needed. The principal will be notified of this meeting.
If it is possible to locate the reviews of the materials in question, they will also be presented to the committee. Upon completion of their investigation, the committee will present their opinion, in writing, to the Library Media Specialist within two week.
5. A written decision will be sent to the building principal, who will notify the concerned individual of the committee's decision within thirty days.
6. The principal will, at the same time, notify the superintendent of the complaint and
the attempts to resolve the problem.
7. If the concerned individual is not in agreement with the committee's decision, an appeal can be made to the Tri County Superintendent within thirty days.
8. If the concerned individual is not in agreement with the superintendent's decision, an appeal can be made to the Tri County School Committee within thirty days.
9. Any decision to remove a media from the collection shall be reported to the school committee prior to its removal.
Collection Evaluation:
The collection will be continuously reviewed and evaluated in order to maintain and improve the quality of the resources available in the school Library Media Center. Evaluation will be conducted by the Library Media Specialist, who should conduct both qualitative and quantitative resource measurements. The Library Media Specialist has a responsibility to know their community, curriculum and collection. They are in a unique position to judge whether the collection is in keeping with the objectives set forth in the selection policy. The Library Media Specialist should be continuously re-evaluating the collection in relation to the curriculum content, changing student and faculty needs and teaching approaches. (Trained volunteers may be used in the evaluation process if needed).
Measurement tools that may be used to judge the collection can include:
Collection Maintenance
The Library Media Specialists recognize that materials can become lost, stolen, worn, damaged, or outdated. As part of an ongoing process, the library media specialists must determine which items need to be repaired, replaced or removed from the collection. To maintain collections which are relevant, effective and appropriate to each school's needs, the following guidelines are recommended. Weeding (removal) will be deemed to be necessary when:
1. The item contains out of date or inaccurate information.
2. The item is in poor physical condition.
3. The Library Media Center currently owns multiple copies of the item and the item no longer has the demand it once had.
4. The item has been superseded by a later edition.
5. The item has not circulated in several years.
6. The item is no longer pertinent to the curriculum or students' interests.
Any items that have been weeded due to poor physical condition should be replaced or repaired whenever possible. If it is not possible or advisable to repair or replace these items, a serious effort should be made to locate substitute items with similar scope and content.
When possible, before final weeding decisions are made for items used in curriculum support, teacher and administration input should be sought.
Objections to, and Reconsideration of Materials
Any member of the Tri County District may address concerns with regard to materials used or not used in the district's educational program. Materials will remain in use until a final decision as to the appropriateness and/or affordability has been made. Upon receiving a concern, the following will be done:
1. The school official or Library Media Specialist initially receiving the concern will treat that concern in a courteous manner. The concerned individual will be referred to the building principal.
2. The principal will request that the concerned individual meet informally with the Library Media Specialist. At this time, the school's selection policy should be reviewed with the complainant. If the complainant still finds the offending material unacceptable, alternate reading materials or assignments will be found for the student.
3. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the concerned party should complete the Request of Reconsideration of Library Materials form. This form should be signed and returned to the Library Media Specialist. A copy will be forwarded to the building principal.
4. Upon receipt of the completed form, the Library Media Specialist will call a meeting of the Media Center Advisory Committee to review the specific concern and material. The Media Center Advisory Committee will consist of at least one senior teacher, one administrator, the Library Media Specialist, two parents, and one student. The chairperson of this committee should not be an employee or officer of the district. As credibility is of paramount importance, it is essential that the chairperson be a member of the community. It is advisable that the committee establish meeting times as needed. The principal will be notified of this meeting.
If it is possible to locate the reviews of the materials in question, they will also be presented to the committee. Upon completion of their investigation, the committee will present their opinion, in writing, to the Library Media Specialist within two week.
5. A written decision will be sent to the building principal, who will notify the concerned individual of the committee's decision within thirty days.
6. The principal will, at the same time, notify the superintendent of the complaint and
the attempts to resolve the problem.
7. If the concerned individual is not in agreement with the committee's decision, an appeal can be made to the Tri County Superintendent within thirty days.
8. If the concerned individual is not in agreement with the superintendent's decision, an appeal can be made to the Tri County School Committee within thirty days.
9. Any decision to remove a media from the collection shall be reported to the school committee prior to its removal.
Collection Evaluation:
The collection will be continuously reviewed and evaluated in order to maintain and improve the quality of the resources available in the school Library Media Center. Evaluation will be conducted by the Library Media Specialist, who should conduct both qualitative and quantitative resource measurements. The Library Media Specialist has a responsibility to know their community, curriculum and collection. They are in a unique position to judge whether the collection is in keeping with the objectives set forth in the selection policy. The Library Media Specialist should be continuously re-evaluating the collection in relation to the curriculum content, changing student and faculty needs and teaching approaches. (Trained volunteers may be used in the evaluation process if needed).
Measurement tools that may be used to judge the collection can include:
Collection Maintenance
The Library Media Specialists recognize that materials can become lost, stolen, worn, damaged, or outdated. As part of an ongoing process, the library media specialists must determine which items need to be repaired, replaced or removed from the collection. To maintain collections which are relevant, effective and appropriate to each school's needs, the following guidelines are recommended. Weeding (removal) will be deemed to be necessary when:
1. The item contains out of date or inaccurate information.
2. The item is in poor physical condition.
3. The Library Media Center currently owns multiple copies of the item and the item no longer has the demand it once had.
4. The item has been superseded by a later edition.
5. The item has not circulated in several years.
6. The item is no longer pertinent to the curriculum or students' interests.
Any items that have been weeded due to poor physical condition should be replaced or repaired whenever possible. If it is not possible or advisable to repair or replace these items, a serious effort should be made to locate substitute items with similar scope and content.
When possible, before final weeding decisions are made for items used in curriculum support, teacher and administration input should be sought.
Circulation
The Library Media Center may establish its own circulation policies with respect to the size of individual collection and school needs. These policies should include:
1. Collections
2. Circulation parameters
3. Checkout procedure
4. Renewals
5. Overdue materials
6. Lost material
Orientation
Time should be scheduled at the beginning of each academic year for student orientation sessions. Reviewing Library Media Center policies and procedures will reinforce guidelines for that use during the year.
Copyright
There will be no copying of any media (digital or print) materials not in the public domain without written permission of the producer. Copyright laws will be posted in key areas within the school and Library Media Center. All teachers, staff, and students will observe copyright laws.
Copyright Law Guidelines
"FAIR USE"
Provisions of the copyright law grant... (educational) users conditional rights to use or reproduce certain copyrighted materials as long as the reproduction or use of those materials meets defined guidelines. The following are some of the more frequent issues:
Print Guidelines
Teachers MAY make and retain single copies of materials for purposes of research, teaching or preparation for teaching.
Teachers MAY make multiple copies for classroom use meeting the following:
Teachers should request permission in writing from the copyright holder for copying if they know that a particular item will be used year to year or term to term.
Poems may be copied in entirety only if less than 250 words. Prose must be 2,500 words or less to be copied in entirety.
A prose that is longer may have only up to 1,000 words or 10% of its whole copied.
Copying shall not be used to create or to replace or substitute for anthologies, compilations or collective works. (Parts copied from different books should not be put together to create a whole work, i.e. different pieces of poetry into an anthology collection).
Do not copy more than three items from one periodical volume during one term.
Copying may not be done from works intended to be "consumable."
Copying shall not substitute for the purchase of books, reprints or periodicals. Neither can it be repeated with respect to the same item by the same teacher from term to term.
Graphics, once copied, may not be altered in any way. (Check guidelines for additional quantity restrictions.)
Audiovisual Materials (Video, etc.) Viewing and Duplication Guidelines
Make sure that all audio-visual material shown to students is directly related to the curriculum, is presented face-to-face and is presented in an educational setting. Be especially aware of film ratings.
Make sure that the performance audio-visual materials are legally acquired.
Programs recorded off-air are considered to be legally acquired when recorded in compliance of the fair-use guidelines and shown within the retention time limits.
If a video recording is a rental, the teacher needs to use the video/DVD in compliance
with the fair-use guidelines.
A video, etc., may be used for its lifetime. If it breaks or is damaged, a new one must be purchased.
Do not copy commercially produced videos without copyright holder's written approval.
Do not copy off-air recordings unless it falls within its 10/45 fair use period. Also the copies are bound to the same time frame as the original. (A tape recorded on Sunday but duplicated on Tuesday is still bound to the Sunday 10-day performance /45-day teacher review schedule.)
Recording From Broadcast Channels, Cable or Satellite
The person at the point of use (the classroom teacher) is the one who must make the request for copying.
The duplication or copying must happen so closely to the date of anticipated use that one could not expect a response to a request for permission.
The recorded program may not be edited or altered from its original content.
Copies of all off-air recordings must include all copyright information, usually included in the credits at the end of the program.
Write the record date and source of program on all videos taped.
Many cable and satellite programs have extended taping rights. These may be obtained from publications such as Cable in the Classroom or Satellite TV. All other tapes must be used for classroom instruction within 10 days of taping teacher review within 45 days and erased after that.
Multimedia Presentations
Multimedia is considered to a copyright infringement "nightmare". In creating a presentation t
he user is likely to deal with video, graphics, music and computer software. Each component carries its own guidelines. Some of the basic are:
Display:
Teachers may display their own works before classes, at conferences and workshops. They may retain the programs in portfolios for job interviews, evaluations and other similar uses up to two (2) years.
Beyond the two-year window, permission for EACH portion is required.
Students may use their presentation in the class for which it was created. Students may maintain a portfolio for job interviews and college applications. (No retention time is noted.)
Quantity Limits:
Motion Media: up to 10 percent or three minutes, whichever is less.
Text: Up to 10 percent or 1,000 words, whichever is less, of a novel,
story, play or long poem Short poems less than 250 words may be used in their entirety. Only three poems by one poet or five poems by different poets from an anthology may be used.
Music, lyrics, and music video:Up to 10 percent but not more than 30 seconds from a single work. If a video clip has music in the background and you can't separate the music from the visual, you will be restricted by the 30-second limitation for music.
Illustrations, cartoons and photograph s: A work may be used in its entirety but only if no more than five (5) images from a single artist or photographers are used. In addition, if images are taken from a single collective work, no more than 10 percent or 15 images may be used.
Numerical data sets (computer databases or spreadsheets): Up to 10 percent or 2,500 fields or cells, whichever is less may be used from a copyrighted database.
Confidentiality
All Library Media Center patrons have a right to privacy as guaranteed by the United States Constitution. The Library Media Specialists will strive to protect the privacy of students, teachers, and anyone who uses the Library Media Center. To assure this, no person who works in the Library Media Center, as either a volunteer or paid employee, may disclose any information concerning materials used by a patron. Circulation records are confidential. Patrons are to be informed personally when they have overdue materials. Teachers may be asked to help in expediting the return of overdue materials. No lists of overdue or lost items are to be made available to the public under any circumstances.
Check In\Out Procedures.
Early morning: Students who come prior to school need to scan their barcode found on their student ID badge upon entering and exiting the Library Media Center. Students without an ID badge should get a new one issued at The Dean of Students office. Students without an ID badge will sign in with their name and student ID number. Students who continually (more than twice in the same week) come to the Library Media Center without their ID will be referred to Dean's office.
Periods 1-8: Individual students with a pass from a teacher may use the Library Media Center as long as there is space available. Students scan their ID badge upon check in/out and get a pass signed prior to returning to class. Students using the Library Media Center with a teacher do not scan their ID badges.
Reserving and Checking out Titles
All physical titles may be reserved online through Follett Destiny. Students are encouraged to browse the physical and digital collection often.
Circulation of digital titles is time limited by title.
All physical titles are to be returned on time and placed in the media return slot at the circulation desk.
Student Circulation
Titles within the circulating collection may be checked out by students for 14 days, and students can renew them for an additional 14 days with a limit of three titles being checked out at a time. Additional titles may be allowed under special circumstances on an individual needs basis.
Teacher and Administration Circulation
Teachers and Administration may check out an unlimited number of titles for 14 days, and may renew these titles for as long as they are needed within the classroom.
Reference Materials
Reference materials are to be used by the students in the Library Media Center and may be checked out for one day with approval from the Library Media Specialist. Teachers may check out reference materials for classroom use when necessary.
Periodicals/Magazines
Newest (most recent issue) magazines and newspapers are not to be taken out of the Library Media Center by students, teachers, and administration. Copies of an article can be made if needed outside of the Library Media Center. Current copies are on display in the library, while back issues may be requested from the Library Media Specialist and taken to be used.
Fines
There will be no fines charged for the return of late titles.
Lost or Damaged Books
Lost or Damaged titles should be reported to the Library Media Specialist as soon as possible. The Library Media Specialist will report the amount owed by the patron to the coordinator's office. Lost and damaged books will count towards the limit of books a student may check out until payment is received. Payment for a lost book is reimbursed should the book be found and returned in good condition. Debts remaining at the end of the school year will become a part of the student's permanent file.
_______________________________________________________
As the American Library Association dictates, a fundamental responsibility of the Library Media Specialist is to provide the leadership and expertise necessary to ensure that the Library Media program is an integral part of the instructional program of the school.
To carry out the mission of the program, the Library Media Specialist performs the following separate but overlapping roles to link the information resources and services of the library media program to the information needs and interests of the school's students and staff:
- Information Specialist
- Teacher
- Instructional Consultant
Through these roles, the Library Media Specialist provides:
- Access to information and ideas by assisting students and staff in identifying information resources and in interpreting and communicating intellectual content.
- Formal and informal instruction in information skills, the production of materials, and the use of informational and instructional technologies.
- Recommendations for instructional planning to individual teachers as well as assistance in school-wide planning of curricular and instructional activities.
The goals and objectives of the school Library Media Center should adhere to and reflect the policies in the Library Bill of Rights, the School Student Handbook, and the Freedom to Read Statement --
"Libraries should provide books and other materials presenting all points of view concerning the problems and issues of our time: no library materials should be proscribed or removed from libraries because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval."
It has long been a core value of librarians to preserve, protect, and defend people’s First Amendment right to freedom of expression and the corollary right to receive and consider ideas, information, and images. Libraries are essential sources of the information that is essential to the functioning of a free and democratic society, and librarians serve as guardians of the public’s access to that information, and to ideas more generally.-
- American Library Association
Selection of Materials:
Responsibility:
The school policy delegates the responsibility for selecting Library Media Center materials to the school Library Media Specialist. These instructional materials are defined as including both printed. Digital, audio and visual materials (not equipment). Although the selection process may involve teachers, administrators, students and parents, the final responsibility for coordination and recommendation for purchase rests with the professionally trained and certified school Library Media Specialist.
Criteria:
Materials for the school Library Media Center will be selected in accordance with the following criteria:
1. Selected materials will support the educational goals of the district and the objectives of the specific courses.
2. The materials will contribute to the fulfillment of curriculum needs, as well as individual needs of students and teachers of the school.
3. Selected materials will possess high standards of quality in factual content and presentation.
4. The materials will be of an appropriate educational level and subject matter. The selected materials will also be suitable for the age level, ability level, emotional and social development of the students from whom they are intended. This will include the needs of special and challenged students.
5. The selected materials will reflect an interest in, and portray the changes and contributions made by the diverse cultural, ethnic and religious groups of our society.
These materials will assist the students in gaining an awareness and understanding of the contributions made by a variety of constituencies.
6.The materials chosen will be by competent and qualified authors and publishers.
7. The materials selected will present varied points of view in order to provide a balanced perspective for students to develop critical thinking skills.
8. Biased or slanted materials may also be provided only to meet specific curriculum needs.
9. The physical format and appearance of this selected materials will be suitable for their intended use.
Criteria
1. Fictional materials should be selected to support curriculum and to promote and develop the reading interests of students. It is to be understood that fiction serves an important service in helping to promote student understanding of their society, world and human relations. Furthermore, in addition to the previously mentioned criteria, the following considerations should be considered in selecting fiction materials. The materials will:
- have well-organized and creative plot lines
- have convincing characterization
- have established literary merit and significance
- have an authentic and honest representation of human emotions, values and ideas
- have appeal to or be in demand by the students
- have a reasonable price, corresponding with the potential value.
2. Non-fiction materials selection will include some or all of the following criteria. The
materials will:
- be produced by a reputable author and/or publisher
- have facts and opinions that are those of recognized authorities in the field
- have a format that is clear and readable, and organized in an acceptable style and manner for the intended age level. An index is to be recommended.
- have depth and scope of subject area that is appropriate
3. Non-print material selection will be judged on the previously stated criteria for selection. Additionally, further considerations should be made:
A. Audio/Visual materials should be considered with attention to: ƒ
- appropriateness of the media chosen
- technical quality (clarity, color, sound, composition)
- artistic merit
- quality of presentation and honesty of interpretation
- ease of understanding
C. Computer applications should be selected with consideration of:
- ease of use
- appropriate educational and developmental topics
- sufficient documentation (manuals and guides)
- technical quality and compatibility
- clear on-screen instructions and graphic
Procedure for Selection
In selecting materials for inclusion in the Library Media Center, the Library Media Specialist will evaluate the existing collection and the curriculum needs; and will consult appropriate reviewing and selection sources. Recommended sources are, but not limited to, the following:
- Booklist
- Horn Book
- Follett
- Library Journal
- New York Times Book Review
- Kirkus Reviewƒ
- School Library Journal
- VOYA
- Teen Ink
- YALSA
- MASLA
- NELA
Objections to, and Reconsideration of Materials
Any member of the Tri County District may address concerns with regard to materials used or not used in the district's educational program. Materials will remain in use until a final decision as to the appropriateness and/or affordability has been made. Upon receiving a concern, the following will be done:
1. The school official or Library Media Specialist initially receiving the concern will treat that concern in a courteous manner. The concerned individual will be referred to the building principal.
2. The principal will request that the concerned individual meet informally with the Library Media Specialist. At this time, the school's selection policy should be reviewed with the complainant. If the complainant still finds the offending material unacceptable, alternate reading materials or assignments will be found for the student.
3. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the concerned party should complete the Request of Reconsideration of Library Materials form. This form should be signed and returned to the Library Media Specialist. A copy will be forwarded to the building principal.
4. Upon receipt of the completed form, the Library Media Specialist will call a meeting of the Media Center Advisory Committee to review the specific concern and material. The Media Center Advisory Committee will consist of at least one senior teacher, one administrator, the Library Media Specialist, two parents, and one student. The chairperson of this committee should not be an employee or officer of the district. As credibility is of paramount importance, it is essential that the chairperson be a member of the community. It is advisable that the committee establish meeting times as needed. The principal will be notified of this meeting.
If it is possible to locate the reviews of the materials in question, they will also be presented to the committee. Upon completion of their investigation, the committee will present their opinion, in writing, to the Library Media Specialist within two week.
5. A written decision will be sent to the building principal, who will notify the concerned individual of the committee's decision within thirty days.
6. The principal will, at the same time, notify the superintendent of the complaint and
the attempts to resolve the problem.
7. If the concerned individual is not in agreement with the committee's decision, an appeal can be made to the Tri County Superintendent within thirty days.
8. If the concerned individual is not in agreement with the superintendent's decision, an appeal can be made to the Tri County School Committee within thirty days.
9. Any decision to remove a media from the collection shall be reported to the school committee prior to its removal.
Collection Evaluation:
The collection will be continuously reviewed and evaluated in order to maintain and improve the quality of the resources available in the school Library Media Center. Evaluation will be conducted by the Library Media Specialist, who should conduct both qualitative and quantitative resource measurements. The Library Media Specialist has a responsibility to know their community, curriculum and collection. They are in a unique position to judge whether the collection is in keeping with the objectives set forth in the selection policy. The Library Media Specialist should be continuously re-evaluating the collection in relation to the curriculum content, changing student and faculty needs and teaching approaches. (Trained volunteers may be used in the evaluation process if needed).
Measurement tools that may be used to judge the collection can include:
- checklists
- collection mapping
- direct examination
- circulation statistics
- accreditation standards
- user surveys
Collection Maintenance
The Library Media Specialists recognize that materials can become lost, stolen, worn, damaged, or outdated. As part of an ongoing process, the library media specialists must determine which items need to be repaired, replaced or removed from the collection. To maintain collections which are relevant, effective and appropriate to each school's needs, the following guidelines are recommended. Weeding (removal) will be deemed to be necessary when:
1. The item contains out of date or inaccurate information.
2. The item is in poor physical condition.
3. The Library Media Center currently owns multiple copies of the item and the item no longer has the demand it once had.
4. The item has been superseded by a later edition.
5. The item has not circulated in several years.
6. The item is no longer pertinent to the curriculum or students' interests.
Any items that have been weeded due to poor physical condition should be replaced or repaired whenever possible. If it is not possible or advisable to repair or replace these items, a serious effort should be made to locate substitute items with similar scope and content.
When possible, before final weeding decisions are made for items used in curriculum support, teacher and administration input should be sought.
Objections to, and Reconsideration of Materials
Any member of the Tri County District may address concerns with regard to materials used or not used in the district's educational program. Materials will remain in use until a final decision as to the appropriateness and/or affordability has been made. Upon receiving a concern, the following will be done:
1. The school official or Library Media Specialist initially receiving the concern will treat that concern in a courteous manner. The concerned individual will be referred to the building principal.
2. The principal will request that the concerned individual meet informally with the Library Media Specialist. At this time, the school's selection policy should be reviewed with the complainant. If the complainant still finds the offending material unacceptable, alternate reading materials or assignments will be found for the student.
3. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the concerned party should complete the Request of Reconsideration of Library Materials form. This form should be signed and returned to the Library Media Specialist. A copy will be forwarded to the building principal.
4. Upon receipt of the completed form, the Library Media Specialist will call a meeting of the Media Center Advisory Committee to review the specific concern and material. The Media Center Advisory Committee will consist of at least one senior teacher, one administrator, the Library Media Specialist, two parents, and one student. The chairperson of this committee should not be an employee or officer of the district. As credibility is of paramount importance, it is essential that the chairperson be a member of the community. It is advisable that the committee establish meeting times as needed. The principal will be notified of this meeting.
If it is possible to locate the reviews of the materials in question, they will also be presented to the committee. Upon completion of their investigation, the committee will present their opinion, in writing, to the Library Media Specialist within two week.
5. A written decision will be sent to the building principal, who will notify the concerned individual of the committee's decision within thirty days.
6. The principal will, at the same time, notify the superintendent of the complaint and
the attempts to resolve the problem.
7. If the concerned individual is not in agreement with the committee's decision, an appeal can be made to the Tri County Superintendent within thirty days.
8. If the concerned individual is not in agreement with the superintendent's decision, an appeal can be made to the Tri County School Committee within thirty days.
9. Any decision to remove a media from the collection shall be reported to the school committee prior to its removal.
Collection Evaluation:
The collection will be continuously reviewed and evaluated in order to maintain and improve the quality of the resources available in the school Library Media Center. Evaluation will be conducted by the Library Media Specialist, who should conduct both qualitative and quantitative resource measurements. The Library Media Specialist has a responsibility to know their community, curriculum and collection. They are in a unique position to judge whether the collection is in keeping with the objectives set forth in the selection policy. The Library Media Specialist should be continuously re-evaluating the collection in relation to the curriculum content, changing student and faculty needs and teaching approaches. (Trained volunteers may be used in the evaluation process if needed).
Measurement tools that may be used to judge the collection can include:
- checklists
- collection mapping
- direct examination
- circulation statistics
- accreditation standards
- user surveys
Collection Maintenance
The Library Media Specialists recognize that materials can become lost, stolen, worn, damaged, or outdated. As part of an ongoing process, the library media specialists must determine which items need to be repaired, replaced or removed from the collection. To maintain collections which are relevant, effective and appropriate to each school's needs, the following guidelines are recommended. Weeding (removal) will be deemed to be necessary when:
1. The item contains out of date or inaccurate information.
2. The item is in poor physical condition.
3. The Library Media Center currently owns multiple copies of the item and the item no longer has the demand it once had.
4. The item has been superseded by a later edition.
5. The item has not circulated in several years.
6. The item is no longer pertinent to the curriculum or students' interests.
Any items that have been weeded due to poor physical condition should be replaced or repaired whenever possible. If it is not possible or advisable to repair or replace these items, a serious effort should be made to locate substitute items with similar scope and content.
When possible, before final weeding decisions are made for items used in curriculum support, teacher and administration input should be sought.
Circulation
The Library Media Center may establish its own circulation policies with respect to the size of individual collection and school needs. These policies should include:
1. Collections
2. Circulation parameters
3. Checkout procedure
4. Renewals
5. Overdue materials
6. Lost material
Orientation
Time should be scheduled at the beginning of each academic year for student orientation sessions. Reviewing Library Media Center policies and procedures will reinforce guidelines for that use during the year.
Copyright
There will be no copying of any media (digital or print) materials not in the public domain without written permission of the producer. Copyright laws will be posted in key areas within the school and Library Media Center. All teachers, staff, and students will observe copyright laws.
Copyright Law Guidelines
"FAIR USE"
Provisions of the copyright law grant... (educational) users conditional rights to use or reproduce certain copyrighted materials as long as the reproduction or use of those materials meets defined guidelines. The following are some of the more frequent issues:
Print Guidelines
Teachers MAY make and retain single copies of materials for purposes of research, teaching or preparation for teaching.
Teachers MAY make multiple copies for classroom use meeting the following:
- Only one item per student (no "extra copies" are permitted).
- Copies must be for a specific activity or discussion (not supplementary).
- Each copy must have a notice of the copyright holder (i.e. Copyright 1997, Linworth Publishing Company).
- Copies must be at the "inspiration" of the actual classroom teacher.
- No more than 9 items may be copied in multiples per course during one class term.
Teachers should request permission in writing from the copyright holder for copying if they know that a particular item will be used year to year or term to term.
Poems may be copied in entirety only if less than 250 words. Prose must be 2,500 words or less to be copied in entirety.
A prose that is longer may have only up to 1,000 words or 10% of its whole copied.
Copying shall not be used to create or to replace or substitute for anthologies, compilations or collective works. (Parts copied from different books should not be put together to create a whole work, i.e. different pieces of poetry into an anthology collection).
Do not copy more than three items from one periodical volume during one term.
Copying may not be done from works intended to be "consumable."
Copying shall not substitute for the purchase of books, reprints or periodicals. Neither can it be repeated with respect to the same item by the same teacher from term to term.
Graphics, once copied, may not be altered in any way. (Check guidelines for additional quantity restrictions.)
Audiovisual Materials (Video, etc.) Viewing and Duplication Guidelines
Make sure that all audio-visual material shown to students is directly related to the curriculum, is presented face-to-face and is presented in an educational setting. Be especially aware of film ratings.
Make sure that the performance audio-visual materials are legally acquired.
Programs recorded off-air are considered to be legally acquired when recorded in compliance of the fair-use guidelines and shown within the retention time limits.
If a video recording is a rental, the teacher needs to use the video/DVD in compliance
with the fair-use guidelines.
A video, etc., may be used for its lifetime. If it breaks or is damaged, a new one must be purchased.
Do not copy commercially produced videos without copyright holder's written approval.
Do not copy off-air recordings unless it falls within its 10/45 fair use period. Also the copies are bound to the same time frame as the original. (A tape recorded on Sunday but duplicated on Tuesday is still bound to the Sunday 10-day performance /45-day teacher review schedule.)
Recording From Broadcast Channels, Cable or Satellite
The person at the point of use (the classroom teacher) is the one who must make the request for copying.
The duplication or copying must happen so closely to the date of anticipated use that one could not expect a response to a request for permission.
The recorded program may not be edited or altered from its original content.
Copies of all off-air recordings must include all copyright information, usually included in the credits at the end of the program.
Write the record date and source of program on all videos taped.
Many cable and satellite programs have extended taping rights. These may be obtained from publications such as Cable in the Classroom or Satellite TV. All other tapes must be used for classroom instruction within 10 days of taping teacher review within 45 days and erased after that.
Multimedia Presentations
Multimedia is considered to a copyright infringement "nightmare". In creating a presentation t
he user is likely to deal with video, graphics, music and computer software. Each component carries its own guidelines. Some of the basic are:
Display:
Teachers may display their own works before classes, at conferences and workshops. They may retain the programs in portfolios for job interviews, evaluations and other similar uses up to two (2) years.
Beyond the two-year window, permission for EACH portion is required.
Students may use their presentation in the class for which it was created. Students may maintain a portfolio for job interviews and college applications. (No retention time is noted.)
Quantity Limits:
Motion Media: up to 10 percent or three minutes, whichever is less.
Text: Up to 10 percent or 1,000 words, whichever is less, of a novel,
story, play or long poem Short poems less than 250 words may be used in their entirety. Only three poems by one poet or five poems by different poets from an anthology may be used.
Music, lyrics, and music video:Up to 10 percent but not more than 30 seconds from a single work. If a video clip has music in the background and you can't separate the music from the visual, you will be restricted by the 30-second limitation for music.
Illustrations, cartoons and photograph s: A work may be used in its entirety but only if no more than five (5) images from a single artist or photographers are used. In addition, if images are taken from a single collective work, no more than 10 percent or 15 images may be used.
Numerical data sets (computer databases or spreadsheets): Up to 10 percent or 2,500 fields or cells, whichever is less may be used from a copyrighted database.