Overview of Collection Development Policy
Maintenance and Weeding Policy
The Dover Elementary School Library serves students in grades preK-5th with differing interests and concerns. It is the policy of the Stewart County Board of Education to provide a broad range of educational materials to enrich and support the curriculum and to meet the needs of individual students and teachers. The library staff should provide students with a wide range of materials of diverse appeal. Materials should be available in a variety of formats and represent varying levels of difficulty and varying points of view. In selecting materials, principles outweigh personal opinion. The collection development policy establishes guidelines for the selection and placement of books and other materials in the Dover Elementary School Library.
The mission of Dover Elementary School’s Library Media Center is to enrich and support the educational program of the school. The library will strive to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and the community to provide materials, assistance, and information.
The Stewart County Board of Education assumes legal responsibility for the selection of materials in the Dover Elementary School Library. Administrators, supervisors, teachers, and students are encouraged to suggest materials to be added to the library collection and to share in evaluating materials being considered for purchase. The community analysis is considered when choosing books and materials for the library media center. The interests and needs of the students are always examined when making purchases.
Collection Goals
Dover Elementary Library strives to purchase a larger picture book collection for pre-schoolers because the school has recently received the Voluntary Pre-K for Tennessee Act of 2005. This grant targets four-year-olds who are at-risk an opportunity to develop school readiness skills. Also, the library maintains fiction and non-fiction sections for elementary use. A reasonable attempt is made to select according to quality, user demand, and school curriculum.
Collection Objectives
This library media center endorses the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association and the American Association of School Librarians and asserts that the aims of this center are:
- To provide materials that will enrich and support the curriculum, taking into consideration the varied interest, abilities, and maturity levels of the users served.
- To provide materials that will stimulate growth in factual knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values, and ethical and moral standards.
- To provide a background of information which will enable users to make intelligent judgments in their daily lives.
- To provide materials on opposing sides of controversial issues so that young citizens may develop under guidance, the practice of critical analysis of all media.
- To provide materials representative of the many religious, ethnic, and cultural groups and their contributions to our American heritage.
- To place principle above personal opinion and reason above prejudice in the selection of materials of the highest quality in order to assure a comprehensive collection appropriate for the users of the library media center.
Procedures
The responsibility for the selection of all library materials is delegated to the library media specialist and the building principal. The selection process involves opportunity for discussion with administrators, faculty, and students. The collection will be developed systematically, ensuring a well-balanced coverage of subjects, opinions, and formats and a wide range of materials supporting the diverse interests and needs of the school community.
The librarian will:
- Use unbiased selection aides such as:
- Horn book
- Library Journal
- Kirkus Reviews
- Library Media Connection
- Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
- School Library Journal
- Other sources as appropriate
- When the opportunity is available, examine items to be purchased.
- Consider requests and recommendations from faculty, staff, and students.
- Purchase duplicates of significantly used materials.
- Purchase replacements for damaged, or lost materials.
Guidelines for Selection
Factors to be considered by the library media specialist who is the coordinator of purchase:
- State, regional, and national standards for school libraries.
- Curriculum of the school.
- Present library collection.
- Budget.
- Characteristics and needs of students.
- Potential use.
Criteria for Selection
Major aspects of material to be evaluated
- Educational significance
- Need and value to the collection
- Reputation and significance of author
- Opposing points of view on controversial issues
- Validity, accuracy, objectivity, up-to-dateness, and appropriateness of media
- Organization and presentation of concepts
- High degree of readability and/or comprehensibility
- High artistic quality and/or literacy style
- High degree of potential-user appeal
- Quality of physical format
- Value commensurate with cost and/or need
There are no exchange or rental options available at this time.
Donations
Gifts of books and other materials are accepted with the understanding that the library may use them in accordance with the decision of the library media specialist in consultation with the principal, faculty, and /or advisory committee.
Gift materials should meet desirable standards and needs of students and/or faculty using the following criteria:
- Physical suitability
- Usefulness
- Literary quality
Types of materials that are unacceptable are:
- Old, out-dated non-fiction
- Good fiction titles in poor editions that repel readers
- Unsuitable fiction series books, violent, or sensational material
- Adult books with features questionable for use by adolescents
Gifts of money are acceptable. Books can be chosen in relation to school collection; library can secure better discount on purchase.
Purchasing Books
The library media specialist along with the principal will determine where they will purchase the books and materials. All purchases will require the use of a purchase order issued by the Stewart County School System Bookkeeper. Purchases may be made between July and March. Book fairs may be held and the money earned may be used to purchase additional supplies for the library media center.
Maintenance and Weeding Policy:
The collection of the library media center will be continually reevaluated in relation to changing curriculum, new formats of materials, new instructional approaches, changes or needs in the community, and the needs of the students. As materials become worn, dated, damaged or lost, replacement will be determined by the library media specialist and/or the advisory committee, who will determine whether or not:
- The item has historical value
- There is sufficient need to replace that item
- The item is still available and can be replaced
- Another item might better serve the purpose
- Updated, newer, or revised materials better replace the item
Weeding is essential to maintaining a relevant, attractive collection. Materials considered for weeding should include items in poor physical condition containing obsolete subject matter no longer needed to support the curriculum. Weeding will take place as often as necessary but the entire collection will be weeded once per academic year. The weeding process may be split up into small tasks throughout the year. Books and/or materials that need to be repaired will be repaired within two weeks unless the budget does not comply. These materials need to be repaired by the library media staff as soon as possible so they can continue to support the educational programs of the school.
The library media center strives to work collaboratively with the community. The library wants to form a partnership with parents in order to provide the students a better education. Because of this desire, every attempt is made to work with parents and if they have a concern or complaint it is addressed and dealt with as quickly as possible.
The following procedures will be followed when a complaint is made:
- The library media specialist will be courteous, but make no commitments.
- An explanation of established policies and procedures of selection shall be made.
- An invitation to file the complaint in writing will be made on a form provided by the office of the Curriculum Supervisor.
- Assurance shall be given that the objection will be handled through the adopted channels and procedures and a report made back to the responsible objector.
- The complaint shall be referred immediately to the principal.
- Temporarily withdraw the material pending a decision of the advisory committee.
When the advisory committee has the complaint:
- A careful re-evaluation shall be made of the material.
- A recommendation shall be made to the Curriculum Supervisor.
When the county committee has the complaint:
- A careful re-evaluation shall be made of the material.
- The committee shall decide upon a recommendation.
- Since the Stewart County Board of Education assumes all responsibility, the final decision will be theirs.
After the Board recommendation, a reply shall be made to the complainant upon the approval of the Director of Schools. A copy of the reply will be sent to the county committee, and to the school from which the complaint originated.
The Stewart County School System (SCSS) offers Internet access for faculty and student use. This document contains the Acceptable Use Policy for student users of the SCSS Computer Network and Internet resources.
A. Educational Purpose
1. The SCSS Computer Network has been established for a limited educational purpose. The term "educational purpose" includes classroom activities, career development, and limited high-quality self-discovery activities.
2. The SCSS Computer Network has not been established as a public access service or a public forum. SCSS has the right to place reasonable restrictions on the material you access or post through the system. You are also expected to follow the rules set forth in the SCSS Disciplinary Code and the law in your use of the SCSS Computer Network
3. You may not use the SCSS Computer Network for commercial purposes. This means you may not offer, provide, or purchase products or services through the SCSS Network.
4. You may not use the SCSS Computer Network for political lobbying. But you may use the system to communicate with elected representatives and to express your opinion on political issues.
B. Student Internet Access
1. All students will have access to Internet World Wide Web information resources through their classroom, library, or school computer lab with permission of parent or guardian.
2. At this time, e-mail accounts and personal web pages are not being issued to students. If and when these resources are allowed, additional conditions will be added to the Student Acceptable Use Policy to address the additional responsibilities which accompany these items.
C. Unacceptable Uses
The following uses of the SCSS Computer Network are considered unacceptable:
1. Personal Safety
a. You will not post personal contact information about yourself or other people. Personal contact information includes your address, telephone, school address, work address, etc.
b. You will not agree to meet with someone you have met on-line without your parent's approval. Your parent should accompany you to this meeting.
c. You will promptly disclose to your teacher or other school employee any message you receive that is inappropriate or makes you feel uncomfortable.
2. Illegal Activities
a. You will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the SCSS Computer Network or to any other computer system through the SCSS Computer Network or go beyond your authorized access. This includes attempting to log in through another person's account or access another person's files. These actions are illegal, even if only for the purposes of "browsing".
b. You will not make deliberate attempts to disrupt the computer system or destroy data by spreading computer viruses or by any other means. These actions are illegal.
c. You will not use the SCSS Computer Network to engage in any other illegal act, such as arranging for a drug sale or the purchase of alcohol, engaging in criminal gang activity, threatening the safety of person, etc.
3. System Security
a. You are responsible for your individual account and should take all reasonable precautions to prevent others from being able to use your account. Under no conditions should you provide your password to another person.
b. You will immediately notify a teacher or the system administrator if you have identified a possible security problem. Do not go looking for security problems, because this may be construed as an illegal attempt to gain access.
c. You will avoid the inadvertent spread of computer viruses by following the District virus protection procedures if you download software.
4. Inappropriate Language
a. Restrictions against Inappropriate Language apply to public messages, private messages, and material posted on Web pages.
b. You will not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening, or disrespectful language.
c. You will not post information that could cause damage or a danger of disruption.
d. You will not engage in personal attacks, including prejudicial or discriminatory attacks.
e. You will not harass another person. Harassment is persistently acting in a manner that distresses or annoys another person. If you are told by a person to stop sending them messages, then you must stop.
f. You will not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or organization.
5. Respect for Privacy
a. You will not repost a message that was sent to you privately without permission of the person who sent you the message.
b. You will not post private information about another person.
6. Respecting Resource Limits.
a. You will use the system only for educational and career development activities and limited, high-quality, self-discovery activities. There is no limit on use for education and career development activities.
b. You will not download large files unless absolutely necessary. If necessary, you will download the file at a time when the system is not being heavily used and immediately remove the file from the system computer to your personal computer.
c. You will not post chain letters or engage in "spamming". Spamming is sending an annoying or unnecessary message to a large number of people.
7. Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement
a. You will not plagiarize works that you find on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of others and presenting them as if they were yours.
b. You will respect the rights of copyright owners. Copyright infringement occurs when you inappropriately reproduce a work that is protected by a copyright. If a work contains language that specifies appropriate use of that work, you should follow the expressed requirements. If you are unsure whether or not you can use a work, you should request permission from the copyright owner. Copyright law can be very confusing. If you have questions ask a teacher.
8. Inappropriate Access to Material
a. You will not use the SCSS Computer Network to access material that is profane or obscene (pornography), that advocates illegal acts, or that advocates violence or discrimination towards other people (hate literature). A special exception may be made for hate literature if the purpose of your access is to conduct research and both your teacher and parent have approved.
b. If you mistakenly access inappropriate information, you should immediately tell your teacher, librarian, or another district employee. This will protect you against a claim that you have intentionally violated this Policy.
c. Your parents should instruct you if there is additional material that they think it would be inappropriate for you to access. The district fully expects that you will follow your parent's instructions in this matter.
D. Your Rights
1. Free Speech
Your right to free speech, as set forth in the SCSS Disciplinary Code, applies also to your communication on the Internet. The SCSS Computer Network is considered a limited forum, similar to the school newspaper, and therefore the District may restrict your speech for valid educational reasons. The District will not restrict your speech on the basis of a disagreement with the opinions you are expressing.
2. Search and Seizure
a. You should expect only limited privacy in the contents of your personal files on the SCSS Computer Network. The situation is similar to the rights you have in the privacy of your locker.
b. Routine maintenance and monitoring of SCSS Computer Network may lead to discovery that the you have violated this Policy, the SCSS Disciplinary Code, or the law.
c. An individual search will be conducted if there is reasonable suspicion that you have violated this Policy, the SCSS Disciplinary Code, or the law. The investigation will be reasonable and related to the suspected violation.
d. Your parents have the right at any time to request to see the contents of your e-mail files.
3. Due Process
a. The District will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any investigation related to any illegal activities conducted through the SCSS Network.
b. In the event there is a claim that you have violated this Policy or the SCSS Disciplinary Code in your use of the SCSS Network, the matter will be addressed in accordance with the SCSS Disciplinary Code.
c. If the violation also involves a violation of other provisions of the SCSS Disciplinary Code, it will be handled in a manner described in the SCSS Disciplinary Code. Additional restrictions may be placed on your use of your Internet account.
E. Limitation of Liability
The District makes no guarantee that the functions or the services provided by or through the District system will be error-free or without defect. The District will not be responsible for any damage you may suffer, including but not limited to, loss of data or interruptions of service. The District is not responsible for the accuracy or quality of the information obtained through or stored on the system. The District will not be responsible for financial obligations arising through the unauthorized use of the system.
F. Personal Responsibility
When you are using the SCSS Computer Network, it may feel like you can more easily break a rule and not get caught. This is not really true because whenever you do something on a network you leave little "electronic footprints," so the odds of getting caught are really about same as they are in the real world.
But the fact that you can do something or think you can do something without being caught does not make it right to do so. Even if you don't get caught, there is always one person who will know whether you have done wrong -- and that person is you. Your use of the Internet can be a mirror that will show you what kind of a person you are.