Frequently Asked Questions

How do libraries impact students?

How are books chosen to be added to the library's collection? 

Certified school librarians select and order titles and resources that complement curricular needs and student interests based on professional reviews from industry publications such as Kirkus, School Library Journal, and Booklist, in consultation with other district librarians and state professional organizations. Teachers and students often make direct requests, which are honored whenever appropriate.

Are books ever removed from the library's collection?

Yes, to make room for new acquisitions and guarantee a relevant collection, holdings are regularly "weeded" of out-of-date materials. These books are repurposed whenever possible in order to avoid waste. Data pertaining to "weeded" titles and resources are maintained to guide future purchasing needs. 

Beyond books, what does DMS Library Media Center offer my student?

DMS Library Media Center hosts regular collaborations with school faculty to support classroom instruction. We also provide routine and special programs to support student learning beyond the regular curriculum: we will be hosting virtual author visits, book clubs, TED-style Talks, roundtable discussions, job fairs, how-to technology and crafting maker sessions, and open mic opportunities, among other events. Be sure to check our home page regularly for notices about our most current program offerings. 

Additionally, we provide a variety of electronic resources--such as those available on this website! We support teachers and students in learning how to use these resources to accomplish their unique goals, as well as discover (and evaluate!) additional resources.

We are dedicated to achieving our mission statement: "Our mission is to provide a safe collaborative space to all students, staff, and faculty and support them as they leverage the power of literacy and education to build a better life and a better world; to facilitate lifelong learning through the effective use of ideas and information; to facilitate access to a wide range of integrated, interdisciplinary, multimodal resources and activities; and to engage inquiry and exploration to develop competence in our ever-evolving information landscape." If you have any feedback regarding how we can better achieve that mission, please don't hesitate to contact us!