Library Manual

Our vision is to cultivate dynamic, inclusive library media centers that foster literacy appreciation, inspire curiosity, support academic excellence, and prepare all learners to thrive in a global, information rich society. We envision libraries as collaborative hubs where knowledge, creativity, and innovation flourish.

The mission of the District Library Media Program is to empower all students and educators to become effective users and creators of information and ideas by providing equitable access to diverse resources, technologies, and instructional support. In alignment with the Alabama Course of Study and Alabama Guidelines for Exemplary School Libraries, our program fosters a culture of inquiry, literacy, ethical digital citizenship, and lifelong learning.

Philosophy

The library media center endeavors to function as the hub of the school. It is a laboratory for curriculum support and resources. We believe that a professionally staffed library media program that maintains quality resources is essential to an equitable and rigorous education. Our school libraries are not only repositories of information, but are active collaborative learning spaces that support curriculum, close achievement gaps, and build critical thinking and digital literacy skills. Our library media centers are committed to fostering safe, inclusive environments where all students can explore diverse perspectives and reach their full potential.

We believe:

• Every student has the right to access a rich array of informational and literary resources that reflect diverse cultures, voices, and experiences.
• Certified school library media specialists are integral instructional leaders who collaborate with educators to improve student achievement and information fluency.
• Libraries should uphold intellectual freedom and champion the ethical and legal use of information in accordance with state and federal guidelines, including the Alabama Literacy Act, Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), and FERPA.
• Library programs will integrate technology equipping students with 21st Century skills needed for college, careers, and civic life.
• Ongoing evaluation and improvement of library services ensure alignment with district goals, state standards, and learner needs.
• Library media programs and personnel should encourage all learners to find their passion for reading and lifelong learning through a variety of literacies, reading formats, and technologies.
• Library media programs will support teaching and learning in multiple literacies including information, digital, technological, visual, and cultural.

Information Access

Providing open, flexible, and equitable access to 21st Century materials and information is a primary function of the library media program.

• Provides intellectual access to information and ideas for 21st Century learning.
• Provides physical access to information and resources for learning.
• Provides flexible, open access to classic, current, and new resources to meet the learning needs of the school community and prepare students for college and career readiness.

The Learning Environment

The 21st Century library media program learning environment is designed to meet the needs of learners in both individual and collaborative settings, enhance learner success, and promote the use of the library media resources and services.

• Provides a curriculum-based, flexibly scheduled, open access learning environment that accommodates all learners.
• Supports the mission and goals of the school and promotes the development of a curriculum-rich environment.
• Incorporates collaborative planning, information literacy, and technology instruction by the library media specialist, teachers, and administrators.
• Provides opportunities for staff development and professional growth for library media staff, teachers, administrators, and other members of the learning community.
• Empowers students to learn, develop, and apply skills in the areas of library use, information literacy, literature appreciation, and digital citizenship.

Facilities

The 21st Century library media center provides an atmosphere that is conducive to student learning and allows for safe, flexible, open access for all learners.

• Designed to encourage simultaneous use by large & small groups or individuals.
• Arrangement of the library media center permits visual control of the entire center.
• Open during school hours.
• Age-appropriately sized and constructed shelving and seating.
• Proper lighting for designated areas and tasks.
• Infrastructure needed to sustain existing and emerging technologies.
• Functional circulation area close to the entrance and easily accessible.
• Attractive, adequately sized signage.
• Aesthetically pleasing arrangement of the library media center.
• Office space and adequate work areas.
• Accessibility for persons with disabilities in accordance with Public Law 101-476, Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments 1990.
• Sufficient temperature and humidity control.
• Contain circulation, instructional areas, leisure reading, display, and support areas.

Specific facility requirements are located in the Alabama Guidelines for Exemplary School Libraries.

Personnel

Library media personnel support and enhance the curriculum and contribute to student achievement. They serve as instructional partners, teachers, information specialists, and program administrators.

• The library media specialist is certified, evaluated annually by appropriate criteria, and has a plan for professional development.
• Library media earned units are set by the Alabama Department of Education.
• Job descriptions are developed in accordance with Alabama Department of Education standards.
• Forty percent of the library media specialist’s weekly time is spent in management of the library media center.
• A public relations plan is essential to promote advocacy for the program.
• Serves as a library media program manager and teacher leader.
• The library media specialist will work with school administration to ensure adequate time to conduct a yearly inventory of resources.
• A library media advisory committee is chaired by the library media specialist and is composed of at least one of each of the following:
  • Administrator
  • Department/grade representative
  • Student
  • Parent
  • Community member

Scheduling

In order for the library to be the core of the educational setting, the library media specialist with the assistance of the administrator, must be allowed to schedule the library for its most effective use. Scheduling will be documented throughout the school year and posted. The library should not be closed for non-library purposes. It should be open for student use at all times. Forty percent of the librarian’s time should be spent in administration of the library media program. During this time, no classes are scheduled for instruction by the media specialist, although the media center may still be used by students and teachers. The LMS is provided with lunch time. Teachers and administrators should understand the different types of scheduling.

Definition of Flexible Scheduling:

The library media center does not have a set schedule for classes to use the library. Classes are scheduled as the result of collaborative planning for use and instruction to integrate with the classroom curriculum. In this case the LMC is an extension of the classroom; used to provide access to resources, information fluency, and independent and group learning. Students and teachers have access at their point of need. Research shows student achievement is higher with this type of scheduling. Flexible scheduling provides equity of access.

Definition of Open Access:

Learners have access to resources and services at their point of need. The library media center may also be scheduled for individuals, groups, or classes to use resources, check out and return materials, to read for pleasure or information, or research topics for reports, using a variety of resources. If an aide is not available to assist with circulation when the LMS is working with a class, students may be taught how to check materials in and out. Student aides and community volunteers may be trained to assist with the circulation procedures.

Definition of Fixed Scheduling:

The library media center operates on a predetermined schedule in which classes visit the library at regularly assigned times. The library media specialist plans and delivers instruction independently or in coordination with classroom teachers during these scheduled periods. While this model ensures that all students receive consistent access to library resources and instruction, it limits opportunities for spontaneous visits or flexible collaboration. Access to the library is generally determined by the master schedule rather than immediate instructional need.