MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Library Media Center is to teach students to be effective users of information and to encourage and prepare students to be life-long learners.  This mission is accomplished by:

·        providing instruction in information literacy  

·        providing intellectual and physical access to informational materials in a variety of formats and media

·        stimulating interest in reading and in finding and using information and ideas

·        working with teachers to develop educational strategies to meet the information needs of students and to augment teaching

Vision Statement

The vision of the Library Media Center supports School Improvement Plan goals by striving to be an approachable, accessible organization that is sensitive to the needs of all users while providing a positive learning experience and fostering excitement in the process of discovery. To accomplish this we will promote a service-oriented program, supported by a friendly staff who evaluate and organize information, provide instruction, and fulfill the information needs of student academic achievement before, during and after school hours.

Philosophy/Belief

 It is the belief of the library media program that in order for children to achieve their full potential as active participants in our increasingly complex and technologically driven society they must:

•think rationally and creatively

•solve problems

•access, evaluate and manage information

•communicate effectively

Goals and Objectives

·        To provide physical access to information by providing a carefully selected, systematically organized, up-to-date collection of materials on topics which reflect the information needs of students and faculty.

·        To provide access to contemporary technologies, software, and telecommunications.

·        To provide leadership, instruction, and consulting assistance in the use of instructional and informational technology.

·        To provide resources and activities that contribute to lifelong learning, while accommodating a wide range of differences in teaching and learning styles and in instructional methods, interests, and capacities.

·        To meet the national information literacy standards for student learning.

LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

Adopted June 18, 1948, by the ALA Council; amended February 2, 1961; amended June 28, 1967; amended January 23, 1980; inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 24, 1996

The Nine Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning:

Standard 1:The student who is information literate accesses information efficiently and effectively.

Standard 2:The student who is information literate evaluates information critically and competently.

Standard 3:The student who is information literate uses information accurately and creatively.

Standard 4:The student who is an independent learner is information literate and pursues information related to personal interests.

Standard 5:The student who is an independent learner is information literate and appreciates literature and other creative expressions of information.

Standard 6:The student who is an independent learner is information literate and strives for excellence in information seeking and knowledge generation.

Standard 7:The student who contributes positively to the learning community and to society is information literate and recognizes the importance of information to a democratic society.

Standard 8:The student who contributes positively to the learning community and to society is information literate and practices ethical behavior in regard to information and technology.

Standard 9:The student who contributes positively to the learning community and to society is information literate and participates effectively in groups to pursue and generate information.

SERVICES:

Class and individual instruction

·        Book Talks

·        Automated catalog and circulation system

·        Internet access

·        Classroom equipment service

·        Computer Lab

·        Research assistance

Accessibility

The library operates on a flexible schedule. Students may come to the library to:

·        check-out books

·        return books

·        research

·        use research materials

·        take Accelerated Reading Tests

·        use the Internet