All books are available for circulation. Electronic media and equipment, tools, and kits will be available for circulation on a limited basis at the librarian’s discretion. Kits with many small pieces are generally only available for in-library use, or for use in other areas with teacher supervision. Current periodicals are reserved for in-library use, but back issues are available for circulation.
The circulation period for most materials is 4 weeks, with the option to renew indefinitely unless someone else has placed a hold.
Generally, there is no limit on the number of items an individual can borrow at one time. However, this policy is subject to modification if abused.
No late fees will be charged, and generally, no penalty will be charged for lost or damaged materials. However, this policy is subject to modification if abused.
Users may place holds on up to 10 items at a time.
Teachers may check out collections of materials for students to use in their classrooms.
Teachers may place materials on reserve for in-library use only.
The library will maintain student privacy when communicating about overdue materials. When materials are 2 weeks overdue or more, parents will be notified through the school’s electronic communication system on a biweekly basis.
Digital materials, including ebooks, eAudiobooks, music, films, databases, Open Educational resources, and more, will be available at all times through the library’s virtual branch. Some materials will need to be checked out and have a waitlist, while others will be freely available to everyone with a school account. Login information will be required.
The physical library will be open on school days from 7:30-3:30, and will follow a flexible schedule. Students may visit the library at will before or after school and during free periods and lunch. The librarian will collaborate closely with teachers to develop frequent opportunities for classes to make use of library resources and services in support of the curriculum, in accordance with the steps outlined by Kelly Hincks in Journey to a Flexible Schedule: Part 1 and Part 2. . The makerspace will be available for free exploration and use whenever the library is open, unless it has been reserved by a class.
The librarian and any additional library staff will maintain current CPR and First Aid Certification. A fully stocked first aid kit and AED will be available at all times, although the AED may be located elsewhere in the school.
The library will follow disaster preparedness plans outlines by the school and district. Additionally, the librarian will make use of the AASL’s Disaster Preparedness resource collection to prepare the library and students for disasters.
The library will contribute to reducing the frequency and intensity of future natural disasters by engaging in sustainable practices and educating students about climate resilience, sustainable development, and conservation.
The library will be cleaned regularly at all times. For the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the event of future outbreaks of contagious diseases, additional hygiene practices will be implemented. These include mask wearing at all times for all library staff and users, quarantining and sanitizing materials after use, and shutting down for deep cleaning after exposure to positive cases. The librarian will rely on the AASL’s Pandemic Resources for School Librarians for additional guidance.
To prepare for unexpected school closings, the library and other school staff will attempt to ensure that all students have access to devices and internet connections at home that will allow them to participate in school and utilize library resources remotely.
The library will not participate in ineffective and traumatic active shooter drills, unless required by school or district policy. However, library staff will attempt to reduce the risk of shooting incidents by engaging in advocacy for sensible gun control legislation and cultivating a culture of kindness, trust, and active listening within the school community.
Library users are expected to treat each other with kindness and respect at all times. When one student harms another or a conflict arises, a restorative justice approach will be taken. All involved parties will take part in a conversation mediated by the librarian to discuss what happened and come up with meaningful ways to make amends.
Students should feel welcome and relaxed in the library, and should be free to use the library’s spaces and resources for a wide variety of academic and recreational activities. To support these goals, talking in a normal voice is permitted in most areas of the library, but there will also be a room reserved for quiet study.
If a class or event is taking place in the library, other students are asked to be considerate and keep conversations minimal and at a low volume.
Students should control their bodies to keep themselves and others safe. Wrestling, throwing, and other vigorous physical activity should be kept outside.
Food and drink are permitted at study tables, but should not be consumed on soft furniture or in the stacks. This is to protect the library and its collection from damage and infestation. Students are expected to clean up after themselves, and this policy is subject to modification if abused.
Students are expected to wear headphones and keep volumes low enough not to disturb other library users when listening to music or other audio media.
Students should follow directions given by library and school staff.
Students should return library materials on time, and in the same condition they were checked out in.
Students should not remove materials reserved for in-library use.
Once materials have been removed from the shelves, students should place them on carts for reshelving by library staff and volunteers.