Rules & Policies

O’Rourke Middle School

Speck Library Media Center

Rules & Policies

The Speck Library Media Center is a learning center.

Students visit Speck to read and research.  We promote a climate that is conducive to quiet work, inquiry, and contemplation.  Students must be respectful and courteous to staff and other students. 

Visiting Speck

Students most often come to the library for a scheduled lesson in the Main Room or the Speck Lab.  Their class may meet with the Library Media Specialist for instruction, or the classroom teacher may conduct their class at Speck for access to library materials or computers.

Students may also come to the library from study hall with a pass.  Students must stop at the circulation desk to sign in and out.  They are expected to conduct themselves according to the behavioral expectations of the library staff, and respect our culture of quiet work, reading, and contemplation.

Students come to Speck on a pass to:

• sign out or return library materials,

• work independently on research or other school work,

• use a computer for class assignments,

• read books & magazines.

Students wishing to work in the library during Activity Period are required to have a pass from their subject-area teacher whose assignment they will be working on.

Independent access to the Library Media Center is contingent on a student's behavior and borrowing record.  

Inappropriate behavior or overdue materials will result in the loss of library privileges.

Rules for Proper Use of Computers

1. Students must adhere to the district's Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).

2. School computers may only be used for school assignments.

3. Games and personal e-mail are not permitted on school computers.

Rules for Proper Use & Care of Library Materials

Students are responsible for library materials. In case of loss or damage, the students is required to pay the replacement cost of the materials.

1. Students will care for and protect library materials from loss or damage due to water, food, pets, mark-ups or otherwise.

2. Students will return library materials in a timely manner. Students with overdue library materials may not be permitted to borrow additional materials and may be restricted from independent access to the library.

3. Students will be responsible for the replacement cost of library materials that have been lost or damaged beyond repair. The replacement cost and the extent of the damage is to be determined by the Library Media Specialist.

The Library Collection

The Speck collection is designed to support the content curricula and provide age-appropriate literature for recreational reading.  The collection is cataloged in an online database called Destiny, which is accessible via the Internet.

Library materials include print, multimedia and online resources:

• Print resources include books, magazines and reference books.

• Multimedia resources include audio books, music CDs and video DVDs.

• Online resources include our library website, which provides access to our many databases and subscription web services.

Borrowing

Students are encouraged to borrow from our extensive collection. Each student has a unique patron barcode for his or her library account. Since our circulation is computerized, it serves as a means of verifying that library materials are checked out to the correct patron. Students can use their district login to access their Destiny account. Students also can request materials from other schools in our district, subject to the approval of library personnel.

Loan Period

Library materials are checked out for a two-week loan, and may be renewed two times, on or before the due date. Books that are currently on loan may be placed on reserve (hold) by another student. Books that are placed on hold while out on loan may be renewed only once.

Overdue & Lost Books

When a student is two weeks late in returning library materials, a written overdue notice is given to the student. Repeated overdue notices will be sent. Further borrowing may be suspended until the overdue materials are returned, and independent access to the library may be restricted.

After a library book is two months overdue, it is presumed lost and a bill is generated. A letter is mailed home, along with a copy of the book's record showing the replacement cost. Upon payment, a letter of receipt is sent home with the student, and full library privileges are restored.

If a library book is returned to the Library Media Center within the same academic year that is was lost, any monies paid will be refunded.

Damaged Books

When a book is returned to the library in a damaged condition, the Library Media Specialist will attempt to determine the cause and extent of the damage. Sometimes a book can be repaired to make it suitable for circulation. Other times, the damage is irreparable, and a replacement cost will be determined.

When a book is damaged beyond suitability for circulation, a letter is mailed home, along with a copy of the book's record showing the replacement cost. Upon payment, a letter of receipt is sent home with the student.