Library Policies
Mission:
Circulation:
Students may borrow 5 items at a time.
Items can be checked out for 3 weeks, and renewed twice as long as no one is waiting for the item.
Students can expect:
. . . the library to provide a place to learn, a place find materials for completing assignments, and a place to enjoy books and reading.
. . .to learn the value of information and technology, and how to locate, evaluate, and use that information.
. . . to find information for personal needs and books to read for pleasure.
. . . friendly, professional help from staff members as students locate materials and acquire information literacy skills.
Students are expected to:
. . . show respect for library staff and other students by behaving appropriately.
. . . respect the rights of others to learn and to enjoy using the library without interference.
. . .treat school property and library materials properly.
. . .follow all school policies while in the library, including the district's Internet Policy.
Materials Selection Policy
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Middle School Library seeks to provide students and staff with access to current, appropriate information resources, and to improve reading skills by promoting pleasure reading. The library’s goal is to provide a collection of materials that supports the curriculum and the literacy goals of our school community.
- To collaborate with teachers, administrators, and staff as a key part of the school's instructional program;
- To promote reading and therefore increase literacy and achievement;
- To enhance learning through the appropriate and effective use of technology;
- To develop information literate students who have the ability to access, evaluate and use information effectively and ethically as independent learners; and
- To provide free, unrestricted intellectual access to information and ideas, and flexible, equitable physical access to materials in a variety of formats.
Circulation:
Students may borrow 5 items at a time.
Items can be checked out for 3 weeks, and renewed twice as long as no one is waiting for the item.
Students can expect:
. . . the library to provide a place to learn, a place find materials for completing assignments, and a place to enjoy books and reading.
. . .to learn the value of information and technology, and how to locate, evaluate, and use that information.
. . . to find information for personal needs and books to read for pleasure.
. . . friendly, professional help from staff members as students locate materials and acquire information literacy skills.
Students are expected to:
. . . show respect for library staff and other students by behaving appropriately.
. . . respect the rights of others to learn and to enjoy using the library without interference.
. . .treat school property and library materials properly.
. . .follow all school policies while in the library, including the district's Internet Policy.
Materials Selection Policy
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Middle School Library seeks to provide students and staff with access to current, appropriate information resources, and to improve reading skills by promoting pleasure reading. The library’s goal is to provide a collection of materials that supports the curriculum and the literacy goals of our school community.
- The librarian selects books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, and other resources for the library with input from staff, administrators, students, and parents. Materials are selected using reviews from professional library publications and other sources. In selecting materials, the librarian will consider relevance to curriculum, anticipated popularity, accuracy, literary merit, and other factors. Materials are also selected based on requests from members of the school community, particularly in the case of popular materials purchased to encourage pleasure reading.
In selecting materials, the librarian will consider the developmental needs of all students, including English Language Learners and special education students. The librarian will take into consideration the wide range of maturity levels at a middle school, selecting materials for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, as well as attempting to provide materials to support the students’ varied interests. In developing the collection, the librarian will strive to include materials appropriate for students who are reading at many different grade levels. Additionally, the librarian will seek out materials that reflect the diverse backgrounds of the students and the community.
Requests for Reconsideration of Material
Challenges to library material should be made in writing and include the name, signature, and contact information of the person making the complaint. The person complaining is expected to have thoroughly read and reviewed the material, and should be able to cite specific instances of objectionable content.
In the event of a challenge, the principal will appoint a committee of school personnel – which will include the librarian -- to read and evaluate the challenged materials and make a recommendation. The committee will follow the steps recommended by the American Library Association:
- Read, view or listen to the challenged material in its entirety;
- Review the selection process and the criteria for selection;
- Check reviews and recommended lists to determine recommendations by the experts and critics;
- Meet to discuss the challenge; and
- Make a recommendation to the administrator on removal, retention, or replacement.
