Embedded Files
Bear Creek Elementary Library is proud to support barrier-free, equitable access to library checkout by supporting check out policies and procedures that are unrestrictive.
Bear Creek Elementary Library provides the highest level of service to all library users through appropriate and usefully organized resources, and equitable service policies. BCES's librarian and staff uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and resist all efforts to censor library resources.
The Bear Creek Elementary Library is proud to meet the needs of all students.
Right to Privacy
Right to Privacy
Policy Statement:
The purpose of the Right to Privacy Policy is to protect the confidentiality of the Bear Creek Elementary School Library patrons. Article VII of the Library Bill of Rights states that “all people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use." (ALA) The records of all patrons will not be disclosed to anyone except:
· With written permission from the person named in the records.
· By a court order or subpoena.
Policy Specifics:
Library patrons have the right to access information knowing that their personal information will not be shared. This personal information includes: circulation records, requests for materials, and computer searches or browser history. The American Library Association states that “privacy is essential to free inquiry in the library because it enables library users to select, access, and consider information and ideas without fear of embarrassment, judgment, punishment, or ostracism”. BCES Library is committed to preserving users' right to privacy.
Procedures:
1. Students will check out library materials using their student ID #.
2. Students will clear the screen after they have finished checking out their books or materials.
3. Overdue notices will remain confidential and will only display the students name. These will be given to the student’s teacher to deliver to the student.
Sources: American Library Association, Privacy http://www.ala.org/advocacy/privacy
Challenges to Materials
Challenges to Materials
Policy Statement:
In the interest of protecting the individual’s right to have access to all materials, the Bear Creek Elementary Library supports the following documents:
· The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
· The Library Bills of Rights—amended June 23, 1980 by the American Library Association Council.
· The Freedom to Read Statement—revised January 16, 1991, by the ALA Council and the AAP Freedom to Read Committee.
Although all materials selected and purchased for the library have been thoroughly reviewed through the selection criteria, all library patrons have the right to question the selection of material. Challenge to materials requests can be filed via a library link and will be submitted to the school librarian.
Finally, the Austin ISD School Board affirms the right of parents to restrict their child’s access to materials they deem inappropriate. The right is reserved for guardians and parents solely, and does not include faculty, staff, administrators, or community members.
Policy Specifics:
The BCES Library considers all materials selected under this policy to be constitutionally protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. If a patron claims that a particular item is not constitutionally protected, the burden of proof rests with the patron. The BCES library will make the decision whether or not to add, withdraw, or reclassify the material, with written reasons for the decision conveyed to the patron. Materials subject to challenge shall not be removed from use and circulation until final decision has been made.
If a library book or material is challenged, the librarian will follow the procedures provided to ensure the integrity of the library collection. These procedures will provide the librarian with a course of action steps to take when a material or item is challenged.
Procedures:
1. The complaint is first heard by the Librarian. After the librarian has heard the complaint, he/she will explain to the patron the reason for having the material available in the library.
2. If the matter is not resolved, the patron will be given a Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Material form to fill out. The librarian will explain that filling out the form is the first step before the material will be reviewed.
3. The completed form will be forwarded to the Principal.
4. The librarian will review the material in question with the selection criteria. The librarian will then check any professional unbiased review sources, and make a report about the value of the material.
5. The librarian will present the report and the formal complaint to the Library Media Advisory Committee (LMAC) for review.
6. The LMAC will read and examine the materials; check general acceptance of the materials by reading reviews; distinguish advantages and disadvantages, then, form opinions based on the material as a whole and not on passages or portions pulled out of context.
7. The LMAC will discuss the material and complete the appropriate Review Committee Report form.
8. The decision will be of the LMAC will be forwarded to the complainant, and the school principal.
9. If the complainant is not satisfied by the decision of the reviewing committee and desires to carry the request further, the form may then be submitted to Austin ISD School Board.
10. No materials shall be removed from use until the committee has made a final decision.
Internet Access
Internet Access
Policy Statement:
Austin ISD provides students with internet access in each library and classroom. Austin ISD believed that in a digital context, access to internet is crucial. The district states that “access to computers and the Internet provides resources for students to thrive. Ensuring everyone has access increases equity in many ways” (Austin ISD, Technology). With internet available to all students “blended learning” is possible and makes learning “more engaging and relevant for students, which improves their learning outcomes” (Austin ISD, Technology). While students have access to internet, they are responsible for following the AISD Acceptable Use Policy found in the student handbook. Students are prohibited from accessing information that is deemed harmful to minors. The purpose of this policy is to provide policies and guidelines for internet access to the school district computer system and acceptable and safe use of technology resources and the Internet. If a student violates the Acceptable Use Policy, the librarian will:
· Contact the students’ parents, teacher, and administrator.
After identification of inappropriate use of network services by the administration, and librarian, internet access may be denied, revoked, or suspended at any time.
Sources:
Austin Independent School District, Everyone:1 Engagement. Empowerment. Equity.
To assist BCES library staff with library-related ethics, the American Library Association has released guidelines to follow which include: a Code of Ethics, and the Library Bill of Rights. ALA’s policies provide helpful frameworks for dealing with ethical situations, and BCES librarians are not only familiar with them, but adhere to them as well. Please click the Code of Ethics Icon for more information.
Google Sites
Report abuse