Policies+and+Procedures

Policies and Procedures

=Goals=

2010-11

 * 1) Work with faculty to systematically integrate research skills and literacy enrichment.
 * 2) Explore Learning Commons Concept with Staff and Administration. See article Flip It!
 * 3) Complete Research Skills Scope/Sequence
 * 4) Finish inventory
 * 5) Present mini classes to faculty (databases, ebooks, research skills, web literacy)

=Library Policies and Procedures=

Selection Policy
No one person alone is equal to the task of choosing materials for all levels of reading ability, maturity, interest, as well as curricular needs. In view of this fact, the widest possible participation of professional personnel in selection is encouraged. The teacher is in a position to know the curricular and individual abilities of the students. Students are encouraged to suggest titles related to their personal and curricular needs and interests, and parents, too, can recommend materials for purchase.

Staff members and administrators involved in selection of resource materials shall use the following criteria as a guide:


 * educational significance
 * contribution the subject matter makes to the curriculum and to the interests of the students
 * favorable reviews found in standard selection sources
 * favorable recommendations based on preview and examination of materials by professional personnel
 * reputation and significance of the author, producer and publisher
 * validity, currency, and appropriateness of material
 * contribution the material makes to breath of representative viewpoints on controversial issues
 * high degree of potential user appeal
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">high artistic quality and/or literary style
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">quality and variety of format
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">value commensurate with cost and/or need
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">timeliness or permanence
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">integrity

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The following recommended lists shall be consulted in the selection of materials, but selection is not limited to their listings.

**a. Bibliographies (latest editions available, including supplements)** <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%; line-height: 14.15pt;">American Historical Fiction <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> The Best in Children's Books <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Children and Books <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Children's Catalog <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Elementary School Library Collection <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> European Historical Fiction and Biography <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Guide to Sources in Educational Media <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Junior High School Catalog <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Reference Books for School Libraries <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Subject Guide to Children's Books in Print **b. Current reviewing media:** American Film & Video Association Evaluations Booklist Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Horn Book Kirkus Reviews School Library Journal <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The following criteria will be used as they apply.


 * 1) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Learning resources shall support and be consistent with the general educational goals of the school.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Learning resources shall meet high standards of quality in factual content and presentation.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Learning resources shall be appropriate for the subject area and for the age, emotional development, ability level, learning styles and social development of the students for whom the materials are selected.
 * 4) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Physical format and appearance of learning resources shall be suitable for their intended use.
 * 5) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Learning resources shall be designed to help students gain an awareness of our pluralistic society.
 * 6) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Learning resources shall be designed to motivate students and staff to examine their own duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges as participating citizens in our society.
 * 7) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Learning resources shall be selected for their strengths rather than rejected for their weaknesses.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">In the end, the librarians know the holdings of the libraries, have the ultimate responsibility of maintaining a balanced collection, and make the final decision in selection based on evaluative criteria.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The upper school librarian will be responsible for selecting materials for grades 6-12, while the lower school librarian will be responsible for selecting materials for grades PreK-5.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">It should be emphasized that materials should be considered as a whole when judging usefulness and desirability. The total effect should be the deciding factor rather than isolated references.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The selection of materials is a continuous process because of the changing curriculum and the publishing of new materials in a variety of new formats. Selection is based on established bibliographies and on reviews in reputable professional selection aids such as School Library Journal, Booklist, and The Book Report. The collection is periodically checked against recommended holdings suggested in the appropriate tools such as Children’s Catalogue, Junior High School Library Catalogue, Senior High School Library Catalogue, Core Media Collection of Elementary Schools, and Core Media Collection for Secondary Schools. Additional suggestions come from visits to conference book exhibits and displays, examination of local bookstore stock, reading lists, etc.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The foremost consideration for the selection of any material is whether it contributes to the enrichment of the curriculum and meets the individual needs of the students and teachers of a particular school. These criteria may be applied in the selection of print and non-print materials for purchase, for acceptance of gifts, or for determining whether the materials now on the shelves should be withdrawn.


 * 1) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Needs of the individual school based on:
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Knowledge of the curriculum
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Requests from administrators and teachers
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The existing collection
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Needs of the individual student based on knowledge of children and youth, requests of parents and students, and staff
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Provision of a wide range of materials including: all areas of the curriculum, all reading ranges from non-reader to adult.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Foreign languages that are offered as ASW classes will be supported. These include: French, Dutch, Spanish, Polish, German, and Swedish
 * 4) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Special classes including music, art, PE, and drama
 * 5) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Professional resource materials for staff
 * 6) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The needs of ESL students
 * 7) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Special learning needs
 * 8) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Diversity of appeal
 * 9) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Popular Fiction
 * 10) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Books which have received international awards
 * 11) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;"> Up-to-date materials
 * 12) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Accuracy in terms of the latest scientific knowledge, history, and technology
 * 13) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The materials on controversial issues should be representative of a particular point of view and a sincere effort made to select equally representative materials covering contrasting points of view.
 * 14) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The material does not unfairly, inaccurately, or viciously ridicule a particular race, ethnic group, or religion. A writer’s expression of a certain point of view is not to be considered a disparagement when it represents the historical or contemporary views held by some person or groups.
 * 15) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The materials on religion are chosen to explain rather than convince and are selected to represent the field as widely as necessary for school purposes.
 * 16) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The selection of materials on political theories and ideologies, or on public issues, should be based on sound factual authority and literary merit and directed toward maintaining a balanced collection representing various views. In a literary work of established quality, the use of profanity or the treatment of sex is not itself an adequate reason for eliminating or restricting the material from the library.
 * 17) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Materials on physiology, physical maturation or personal hygiene should be accurate and relevant to curriculum areas or meet the practical need for information of the students who use them.
 * 18) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Science materials should be selected according to their unbiased, objective and authoritative treatment of fact or theory, and not in relation to apparent agreement or conflict with moral or ethical judgments of ideological groups.
 * 19) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Different formats should be available such as Large print materials, ebooks, <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Newspapers in both English and Polish , <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Magazines in English, Polish, and other languages taught at ASW , <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Videos in English, Polish, and other languages taught at ASW
 * 20) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Provision of materials of high literary and artistic quality.
 * 21) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Provision of materials with superior format.

Reconsideration Policy
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Despite the care taken to select appropriate and valuable materials and the qualifications of the persons involved in the selection, occasional objections to the suitability of a particular book or other material may be made. In such cases, the principles of the freedom to read and the professional responsibility of the staff must be defended rather than the specific materials. The school has no obligation to remove material from use during the review process.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Parents and/or guardians requesting permission to examine materials may examine them in either library in such a way so as not to disrupt the normal operation of the school. If a complaint is made, the procedure is as follows:


 * 1) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">School personnel are to be courteous to the complainant, make no commitment, advise the complainant to arrange a conference with the principal, and notify the principal of the complaint.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">It is the complainant’s responsibility to arrange a conference with the principal.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">At this conference, the principal invites the complainant to file his/her objections in writing on the Request for Reconsideration of School Materials form.
 * 4) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">A complainant who does not complete and return the form receives no further consideration.
 * 5) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Upon receipt of the completed form, the principal requests a review of the challenged material by the school Library Review Committee, which will include representation from library personnel, administration, teachers, parents, and when appropriate, students. When a textbook or other curricular material is being challenged, the principal should make certain that appropriate grade/subject area representatives are included on the committee. (standing committee?)
 * 6) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The committee must meet within two (2) weeks and reach a decision within four (4) weeks. Its meetings do not need to be public, but the contesting parties should be allowed to attend as observers only. The principal will notify the Director that such review is being conducted.
 * 7) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The committee takes the following steps after receiving the challenged materials:
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Reads the book, views, or listens to the material in its entirety and completes the appropriate checklist
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Checks general acceptance of the material by reading reviews and consulting recommended lists;
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Determines the extent to which the material supports the needs of the school;
 * <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Meets as a group and jointly completes the checklist which is then given to the principal.
 * 1) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">Upon receipt of the checklist, the principal conveys the decision of the committee to the complainant and notifies the librarian and the Director.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The next level of appeal will be to the Director.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The final level of appeal will be to the Board.

Weeding Policy
<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">The materials in both libraries will be evaluated periodically for the purpose of discarding, binding, or repair of materials to keep a balanced, attractive, useful and usable collection. Systematic removal of materials no longer useful is essential to maintain the quality of library collections. Discarding is as important as the original selection and subject to “weeding” criteria which include:

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">1. Materials that are in poor physical condition <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">2. Materials that are out-of-date or contain misinformation <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">3. Materials that have not been circulated in the past five to seven years unless they are standard works or subjects on which the library has little information <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">4. Materials that relate to subject matter that is no longer a part of the curriculum or of interest to the users <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">5. Materials beyond the comprehension of library users or too simple to have real appeal <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">6. Textbooks which are not useful for reference <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">7. Periodicals that are over two years old. Some discarded magazines will be clipped for the vertical file; others will be placed in classrooms or other appropriate locations.

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">In reviewing what materials to withdraw from the collection, special consideration will be given to:

<span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">1. Materials dealing with Poland <span style="font-family: Tahoma,Geneva,sans-serif; font-size: 110%;">2. Materials that are included in a current standard core bibliography. In some cases new editions of books will have to be purchased.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 21.3333px; text-align: center;">ASW Library //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 21.3333px;">Parent Check-Out Policy //
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Check-out limits **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Parents can check out up to six books for three weeks.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> When a book is needed by a student or teacher, the library will request that you return the book immediately.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> Overdue notices will be sent via email.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> Parents will be billed for all damaged or lost books and magazines
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Lost item fees **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Book - 70 PLN each

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> Magazine - 15 PLN each
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Library hours **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Monday - Thursday 7:30 -16:30; Friday and day before holiday 7:30 -16:00.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> Parents are welcome in the library before and after school.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Library computers: **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Use of library computers is prioritized for students

= =

=Kindle User Agreement=

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The Kindle Reader is made available for authorized use to students in Grades 4 and 5 at the American School of Warsaw. Students are responsible for the safe, appropriate operation and care of the Kindle. Expectations for the use of the Kindle are as follows:


 * 1) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The Kindle is for educational purposes.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The student may not install anything on the Kindle.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The Kindle should be in its case whenever transported from one location to another.
 * 4) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Kindles should not be left unattended.
 * 5) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The student must immediately report to the library any problems with the Kindle. NO attempt should be made to repair the Kindle.
 * 6) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The student and parents/guardians accept full responsibility for the return of the Kindle and power cord in good condition at the end of the checkout period.
 * 7) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">If the Kindle is stolen or lost, the student or parent/guardian should immediately notify the ASW Library.
 * 8) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Careless and / or willful and/or malicious damage to the Kindle will result in a reimbursement for repairs and/or replacement cost of the Kindle, the power cords, or the case. Damage includes, but is not limited to, physical damage and/or unauthorized alterations to the Kindle.
 * 9) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">The student and parent/guardian will be held financially liable for loss or theft of the Kindle. Failure to discharge any financial obligation may result in a hold being placed upon report cards, transcripts, diplomas, or the transfer of records.
 * 10) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Failure to abide by the terms of this contract will include one or more of the following actions:


 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Parents will be contacted
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Meet with Librarian and Principal
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Conference with parents and teacher
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Cost of repair/replacement

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">ACCEPTANCE

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Student and parent signatures on the Kindle User Agreement will indicate acceptance of the terms of this contract and their agreement to abide by all the rules in the American School of Warsaw’s Responsible Use policy.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Student Signature _______________________________________________________________

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Parent Signature ________________________________________________________________

Revised: Nov. 14, 2011