Media Center Policy and Procedures

The Spring Day Middle School Media Center is on a flexible schedule which means that library services are provided as needed. Classes and students do not have to visit the library at a scheduled time; instead, they visit as they need information or services. This is the most effective way to serve everyone within the school community. Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning states flexible scheduling as an essential program aspect for school library media centers. This method also enables collaboration between the classroom teacher and the library media specialist to take place. The teacher brings a knowledge of content/subject and student needs and the library media specialist contributes his/her knowledge of resources, technology, and strategies that may be employed to help students achieve higher levels of information literacy. This cooperative planning integrates information skills and materials into the curriculum that encourages critical thinking and inquiry.

Students may come to the media center at any time during the day with a signed agenda book as a pass. The following process should be followed:
The student's name, purpose of library visit, and teacher's signature should be in the agenda. If using the internet, student's pass must state the databases and/or previewed websites to use along with the purpose of their research.
Small groups (up to 5 students) do not need to be scheduled, but groups larger than 5should.

Students may stay in the media center 15 minutes to check out books or magazines. Students may have longer when working on research projects, but that time should be determined by teacher.
Students need to make sure they have all needed materials with them - pencils, paper, etc.
Students use their agenda books when checking out materials.

Borrowing Policy

Students are issued a barcode in their agenda at the beginning of the year. This is to be used when checking out materials. Students who come in the media center without their agenda will be sent back before checkout is allowed.
Students may check out up to 2 books for 2 weeks.
Accelerated Reader books are marked with book level.
Students may check out ONE magazine - OVERNIGHT.
Reference materials cannot be checked out at this time.
**This policy may change in the future.

Lost books should be reported immediately and a recovery charge will be determined.
Materials should only be checked out by the student using them. If a material is lost, it is the responsibility of the student who checked out the item to pay for it. There will be no further checkout until lost or damaged books are paid for in full.

Rules

The Media Center is for study, reading, checkout, information literacy instruction, and research.
The Media Center is a classroom -- treat it as such by respecting the rules and its staff.
Gum, candy, food, and drinks are not permitted at any time in the Media Center.
Silence is not expected in the media center, but a quiet inside voice is!
The computer room is off limits except when scheduled by a teacher or Media Center staff.
Students may sit in the quiet reading areas of the Media Center when given extra time by the teacher.
Students must follow the Appropriate Use Policy of the county.