Resources

2.1  Resources are appropriately integrated with instruction and management procedures.

Each year, we monitor our circulation counts to discover what books are circulating and what is being used by teachers and students for curricular needs. Our catalog system, Atriuum, provides statistical reports, as well as more in-depth, customizable data about what circulates and what does not. We use this data to inform next year's purchases, along with input from students and staff. 

In addition, KCS provides access to database usage reports (admin login required) through Gale/TEL for determining what databases are being used, for how long, and by how many students.

• Peterson's Test and Career Prep (data updates requested)

2.2  Written plans, policies and procedures are available for library staff.

• District and LMS department Professional Resources

• Duties and Responsibilities for both Parent Volunteers and Library Staff

• Shelf Reading Assignments (for volunteers, same as previous year)

• Atriuum Help (for book checkout and circulation system)

2.3  Materials and media are equitable and accessible to all users.

The OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) allows students to search the library catalog for materials. It allows users to see if the material is owned by the library, and whether it is checked in or out. The online catalog also allows user to see when the book is due back.  Additionally, students that log into the OPAC with their ARS student information can put books on hold. 

The library provides access to reliable, scholarly resources online on our Database page.

Students are provided login information through Canvas for using these e-resources at home. Many of the resources have translation, read-aloud, and other capabilities to address specific student needs. We make targeted efforts to reach out to at-risk students, such as ELL, RTI, etc., to let them know about the read-aloud and translation capabilities provided by our databases.

2.4  Facilities are arranged to accommodate different types of activities, and student movement is meaningful.

In 2022, the Bearden Foundation generously provided funds to replace the very worn, broken couches and chairs on the upper level. With their assistance, we were able to purchase several new industrial-quality chairs and couches. This furniture provides students with a comfortable gathering place before, during, and after school on a daily basis. 

We work to accommodate a variety of activities in the library with purposeful and flexible furniture arrangements. Outside of regular use by classes, the library often hosts PTSO/Foundation events, clubs, testing for both small and large groups, Bertelkamp tutoring, community meetings, daily prayer by our Muslim Student Association, outside speaker presentations, and evening events through Guidance or other school organizations.

Upper level:

• Couches and comfortable seating encourage students to spend time relaxing and reading before and after school.

• Computer workstations are designed for students to print classwork or work on assignments when needed.

• The Makerspace provides a flexible area for a variety of student projects, creative activities, collaboration, and exploration, equipped with new Promethean ActivPanel.

Lower level:

• East side: enclosed Writing Center for students and staff needs, with projector.

• Middle: traditional or flexible class presentation style, 2 new Promethean ActivPanels.

• West side: tables and projector for a small class presentation, and the Dawg House Cafe, our student-run coffee shop.

2.5  LMS/LIS and user activities allow for maximum use of learning time.

The library space is open from 8:00a–4:00p Monday through Thursday, and 8:00-3:30 on Fridays for students, teachers, and others. Students have open access to use the space before and after school where they gather with friends and study.

Teachers schedule their classes for library/research instruction or to use the space for group/project work. We do our best to accommodate all teacher and community requests for space.

Teachers can access the library's online calendar via the Teacher Toolkit in Canvas. After-school activities are scheduled with Morgan Shinlever via Facilitron.

2.6  Community resources are used appropriately.

One of our most valuable resources is the active community of parent volunteers who help keep the library running. Volunteer duties are clearly communicated, as well as expectations for time commitment. Written procedures and training are provided. We could not be as available for teaching and collaboration without the daily assistance we receive from our volunteers.

The library also requests funds from PSTO/Foundation gifts for specific purposes.  In 2023-24, we received funding to create 2 charging stations in the library, with iPhone chargers, USB-C, and Chromebook chargers.

In Spring 2022, we received generous funds to replace the worn furniture that students have so enjoyed on the upper level of the library. In the Spring of 2023, we received a PTSO grant that will help us replace the aged Ellison die lettering system that is coming apart due to age, wear, and tear.  (Mrs. Graham and the TAP students are very excited about this!)

We were also awarded a $1000 donation grant from the Casey's corporation to fund the purchase of a new desktop computer to replace an obsolete machine. (April 2023)

We are fortunate to once again have had the support of a community bookseller, McKay’s Used Books. They send $25 trade credit vouchers for teacher use to buy books and materials for classroom use. The library ensures this trade credit is equally distributed to all teaching faculty. 

2.7  A variety of promotional activities are continually incorporated in the library program.

2022-2023 promotional activities: 

• Board games, chess, checkers, UNO cards, and various other games and "fidget" items are out and available for use by students.

• Frequently rotating display shelves highlighting library special monthly events such as Banned Book Week, Hispanic History Month, award winners, teacher selections, new arrivals and other categories meant to catch student attention and increase circulation. 

• Puzzles, coloring pages, and friendship bracelet yarn with instructions as passive programming for students. 

• Make-and-take activities

The librarians participate in school-wide promotions and spirit activities to support students and clubs. Amy currently sponsors Key Club, and Kristen sponsors ProjectU and Hope Squad.