Dunbar

Middle School

Policies Manual








Heather Althoff



Table of Contents
Introduction
Mission Statement
Materials Selection Policy
Circulation Policy
Reconsideration Policy
Weeding Policy
Privacy Policy
Internet Access Policy

Introduction
Dunbar Middle School is located in Dickinson, Texas with an enrollment of 675 students
who are served by a staff of 80. Dunbar is one of three middle schools in Dickinson
Independent School District serving our 5th and 6th graders. Students come from a variety
of backgrounds including English Language Learners and Special Education.


Mission Statement
The mission of the library program at Dunbar Middle School is to provide all students with
an opportunity to become effective users of information and to encourage them to become
life-long learners in preparation for their future endeavors throughout their lives.

Source
Dickinson ISD (2017). Dickinson ISD Librarian/ Media Specialist Handbook. Dickinson, TX:
Dickinson ISD.


Material Selection Policy

Policy Statement
The selection of materials for the library will be based on meeting the needs of the students
and faculty of our school, while providing materials that match the academic objectives set
forth by the state and the district. Materials selected will be diverse and represent a broad
range of interests. The goal of the library is to provide books and materials that will meet
different learning styles, abilities, and needs to support classroom instruction and
encourage students’ independent learning.

Policy Specifics
Selection of materials will be the responsibility of the school librarian, under the
supervision of the principal. Administration, faculty, students, and parents can make
material recommendations, which will be considered by the librarian. School Librarians
should evaluate all materials before selecting materials for purchase. Bibliographic
reference books and professional journals may be consulted in the selection of materials;
however, selections may not be limited to these aids.

Procedures
• At the beginning of each year, the librarian will obtain the amounts allotted to the
library budget from the school secretary.
• The librarian will keep a consideration file of books and other materials in
preparation of anticipated orders.
• Request from staff will be added to the consideration file.
• The librarian will read reviews of materials, as well as consider interest level of
books that are being considered for purchase. This list will be ongoing and will have
to be maintained as items are ordered.
 • The librarian may request an open purchase order so that ordering can take place
through out the year.
• The librarian will maintain books that are of a variety of readabilities as to reach as
many readers as possible.
• The librarian will work with teachers to ensure that curriculum needs are met by
providing materials that are aligned with the areas of study.
• The librarian will work with students to establish current interest as to keep topics
of interest in mind when selecting materials.
• Materials considered must have at least one positive review from a reputable
source.
• Material must adhere to the district purchasing requirements coming from an
approved vendor or by providing a sole source letter.
• Orders made after purchase orders are closed will be submitted to the principal for
approval.
• All purchases are subject to the approval of the principal.
• All technology related request (hardware, software, programs, etc.) are subject to
the district technology procedures and must be submitted through the technology
department. The librarian may work as an advisory in this proves, but cannot make
these decisions.

Print Materials
The following criteria will be considered when evaluating print materials for purchase:
• Appropriateness: Is this content appropriate to the targeted audience?
• Authority and accuracy: Is the information accurate? Is the author or publisher of
the work established his/herself as a credible authority?
• Comparisons to other works, both those available and to those already in the
collection: How does this material compare to others like it?
• Scope: Does this material support our state standards (Texas Essential Knowledge
and Skills) and the American Library Association’s Standards for the 21st Century
Learner? What is the educational value of this material? Does this material align
with school and district objectives?
• Format and organization: Is the information organized in a way that is easy to
understand?
• Treatment of the subject matter
• Cost: Is the cost of the material appropriate to the value?
• Physical quality
• Literary merit

Electronic Sources
The following criteria will be considered when evaluating electronic sources for purchase.
• Timeliness
• Sustainability
• Cost
• Appropriateness
 • Follow district technology procedures for approval

Some additional things to consider when evaluating materials for the collection are:
• Is this the newest version of the material?
• Is the content of this material relevant in today’s world?

Sources
American Library Association. (1999, Oct). Workbook for selection policy writing.
Retrieved February 14, 2018, from
http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=dealing&Template/ContenManagement/Conte
ntDisplay.cfm&ContentID=11173

Bishop, K. (2013). The collection program in schools: concepts and practices. (5th ed). Santa
Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.

Lonsford, K. (2018, February 13). Materials Selection [Personal interview].

Payne, J. (n.d.). School Library Media Center Collection Development Policy [PDF]. Florence,
Kentucky. Retrieved February 14, 2018, from
http://www.boone.k12.ky.us/docs/building/14/depts/94/library%20collection%20devel
opment%20policy.pdf


Circulation Policy

Policy Statement
Circulation records will be kept using the digital automation system, as this provides a way
to run reports and keep track of materials. Reports using the digital automation system will
be used to collaborate with other district librarians and to analyze statistical information.

Policy Specifics
The school librarian will create a schedule for library visits based on campus needs. Only
students and staff may check out materials through the system. Students are allowed to
check out three items which can be renewed a limited number of times if needed. Teachers
and staff will have unlimited checkout. No late fines will be charged, however, fines will be
assessed for items that are beyond repair.

Procedures
• Schedules may be fixed or open depending on the needs throughout the year. The
librarian will establish the schedule and communicate any needed changes with the
effected staff in a timely manner.
• All items will be checked out to the appropriate patron using the districts online
catalog system, currently Follett’s Destiny.
• Students will be allowed to check out three items at a time.
• Any student who has overdue items is limited to one item at a time.
 • In the spring semester, students who have outstanding items will not be allowed to
check out new items until all the items are returned.
• Students can check out books, back issues of magazines, and audio book kits.
• Students may renew items up to two times if they wish to continue using, however,
they may only renew it once if the item has been placed on hold.
• In order to renew an item, students must physically bring the item to the library.
• No student will be charged a late fine, however students may not be permitted to
participate in extracurricular events if they have overdue materials. Students will be
notified in advance if this will be part of the participation requirements.
• Current issues of magazines are to only be used in the school library.
• Reference books and materials are to be used in the library or under the supervision
of a teacher in the classroom, in which the books or materials will be checked out to
the teacher, and need to be returned following the completion of an assignment.
• Teachers may check out as many items as needed with all items due to be returned
at the end of the school year.
• At the end of each grading period, the librarian will send each teacher a list of the
items checked out to that teacher.
• Teachers may also request materials from other libraries within the district by
completing a request form. Materials will be checked out to the teacher upon receipt
and will need to be returned to the lending library within 60 days.
• Materials can be placed on reserve for teachers if they are needed for a student
project. These materials will be places on a specified cart. Teachers may choose to
use these materials in the library or take them to their classroom. Upon completion
of the assignment or project, materials will be returned to the library collection for
circulation.
• Items that are determined to be beyond repair will be charged to the students or
staff’s account. The charge will be based on the cost of the item at time of purchase.
This information should be recorded in Destiny.
• Equipment (projectors, chrome books, document cameras, etc.) that will be used in
the classroom will be cataloged through the districts inventory system.

Source
Bishop, K. (2013). The collection program in schools: concepts and practices. (5th ed). Santa
Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.

Dickinson ISD (2017). Dickinson ISD Librarian/ Media Specialist Handbook. Dickinson, TX:
Dickinson ISD.

Lonsford, K. (2018, February 13). Materials Selection [Personal interview].

Woolls, B., Weeks, A. C., & Coatney, S. (2014). The school library manager. Santa Barbara,
CA: Libraries Unlimited.


Reconsideration Policy

Policy Statement
Our school library supports the principle of Intellectual Freedom, as protected by the First
Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states that “Congress shall make no law
respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or
abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceable to
assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances” (U.S. Constitution).
Intellectual Freedom is the freedom for individuals to search for and receive information
without any type of restriction or judgement. It is important for libraries to uphold this
position, so that patrons can understand all sides of an issue and make informed decisions.
Through Intellectual Freedom, we are teaching students to be critical thinkers and life-long
learners.

Policy Specifics
Individuals may request a reconsideration of materials that are currently in the library
collection, by completing a Reconsideration Form. It will be assumed that the individual
completing the form will have read or viewed the material. Once the form has been
completed and turned in, it will become an Formal Request for Reconsideration and will
undergo the procedure for reconsideration, in which a reconsideration committee will
evaluate the material. The challenged material will continue to be in circulation until the
official process is complete.

Procedures
Upon receipt of a request for reconsideration the steps on page 32 of Dickinson ISD’s
Librarian/ Media Specialist Handbook will be followed.
• The librarian will document the reconsideration request so that it can be included in
district reports.
• The school principal and other qualified staff shall try resolving the request on
campus.
• The principal or designee shall explain the school’s selection process and the criteria
for selection.
• The qualification of the professional staff that made the selection will be shared with
the requestor.
• The principal or designee will explain the role that the questioned material plays in
the curriculum and how it enhances the learning of students.
• If necessary, the appropriate staff may offer a concerned parent another material for
their child to use in place of the questionable material.
• If the complainant wishes to make a formal request, they will be provided with the
Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Resources form and a copy of this
policy.
• The completed form will be submitted to the principal.
• The reconsideration process will follow the DISD Board Policy (EF local).


Sources
American Library Association. (1999, Oct). Workbook for selection policy writing.
Retrieved February 14, 2018, from
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/challengedmaterials/preparation/workbook-
selection-policy-writing

Bishop, K. (2013). The collection program in schools: concepts and practices. (5th ed). Santa
Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.

Collection Development and Management Policy [PDF]. (2015, February). Burlington,
Kentucky: Boone County Public Library. Retrieved February 14, 2018, from
https://www.bcpl.org/docs/library/collection-development-policy.pdf

Dickinson ISD (2017). Dickinson ISD Librarian/ Media Specialist Handbook. Dickinson, TX:
Dickinson ISD.

Dickinson ISD Board Policy Manual. (n.d.). Retrieved February 14, 2018, from
https://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Search/498?filter=challenge

Magi, T., & Garnar, M. (2015). Intellectual Freedom Manual, Ninth Edition. Chicago, IL:
American Library Association.

Reconsideration Policy. (2017, January 17). Retrieved February 14, 2018, from
https://www.uccs.edu/library/info/policies/reconsideration


Weeding Policy

Policy Statement
“Materials that no longer meet the stated objectives of the library (including items that
have become damaged or obsolete) will be systematically withdrawn according to the
accepted professional practices described in the publication, CREW: A Weeding Manual for
Modern Libraries.” (Larson, 2012, p.27) Weeding is a vital part of the selection process as it
keeps the materials current and addresses the needs of the libraries community.

Policy Specifics
The school librarian will set forth a schedule to inventory library materials, including both
the entire collection and certain sections throughout the year for their effectiveness. The
schedule of inventory will be determined by the campus needs. Input from campus staff
will be considered when looking at weeding materials, but the decision is the responsibility
of the librarian.

Procedures
• Using CREW guidelines, librarians will follow the MUSTIE factors to determine if
items are no longer relevant or in poor condition.

MUSTIE is an easy to remember acronym of the six negative factors that affect weeding.

“M- Misleading (and/or factually inaccurate)
U- Ugly (worn and beyond mending or rebinding)
S- Superseded (by a truly new edition or by a much better book on the subject)
T- Trivial (of no discernible literary or scientific merit; usually of ephemeral interest at
some time in the past)
I- Irrelevant to the needs and interests of your community
E- Elsewhere The material or information may be obtained expeditiously elsewhere
through interlibrary loan, reciprocal borrowing, or in electronic format. “ (Larson, 2012,
p.57)

• All identifying marks, including the barcode, should be removed and DISCARDED
should be written on inside cover in permanent marker.
• Items will be removed the item from the OPAC before they are discarded.
• Books that are chosen to be discarded and still in usable condition, will be made
available to teachers for classroom use or donated to the local friends of the public
library for their book sales.
• Books that are considered inappropriate for the school library will be offered to a
more appropriate location or donated to the local public library.

Source
Bishop, K. (2013). The collection program in schools: concepts and practices. (5th ed). Santa
Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.

Dickinson ISD (2017). Dickinson ISD Librarian/ Media Specialist Handbook. Dickinson, TX:
Dickinson ISD.

Larson, J. (2012). CREW: A Weeding Manual for Modern Libraries. Retrieved November 26,
2017, from https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ld/pubs/crew/index.html


Privacy Policy

Policy Statement
The right to privacy that was established by the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution will be
upheld and protected by the library and district. It is the district’s goal and purpose to
protect the rights to privacy of all patrons of the library.

Policy Specifics
The Dunbar library is committed to protecting the privacy of our staff and students. No
personal information will be collected when visiting the library. Confidentiality will be
maintained when information is sought and materials acquired by the patron. The library
for analysis purposes will collect circulation data only. Due to the age of patrons, parents or
guardians have the right to see the record of the minor student. Following the Dickinson
ISD’s established acceptable use monitoring process, information about computer usage
will be monitored for appropriate use.

Procedures
• All information gathered about patrons will be used solely for the purpose of library
data and usage statistics.
• Student records are considered confidential and therefore no information regarding
materials that are checked out will be released except to the parent or guardian of
the student.
• The district will collect computer usage data to monitor for acceptable use. Please
see Dickinson Independent School District’s Acceptable Use of Electronic
Communications USE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS for more information.

Sources
Acceptable Use of Electronic Communications [PDF]. (n.d.). Dickinson, TX: Dickinson
Independent School District. Retrieved February 17, 2018, from
http://www.dickinsonisd.org/upload/page/0020/docs/tech.AUEC.pdf

Developing or Revising a Library Privacy Policy. (2017, April 30). Retrieved February 17,
2018, from http://www.ala.org/advocacy/privacy/toolkit/policy


Magi, T. J., & Garnar, M. (2015). Intellectual freedom manual. Chicago: ALA Editions, An
imprint of the American Library Association.

Privacy. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2018, from http://www.queenslibrary.org/about-
us/privacy


Internet Access

Policy Statement
In efforts to maintain an 21st Century learning environment, the district will provide
internet access is to those who are employed by and enrolled in the district. In efforts to
comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act, the district has established the
Acceptable Use of Electronic Communication.

Policy Specifics
All students and staff with agree to stipulations in the Acceptable Use of Electronic
Communication in order to be granted access. Technology protection measures will be
used to filter or block potentially harmful or obscene material. By using the district
network, users have agreed to the districts Acceptable Use policy. Violations of this policy
will result in revocation of access to the electronic network.

Procedures
• At the beginning of each year, Dickinson ISD will send out verification sheets with
will acknowledge the Acceptable Use of Electronic Communication document.
• Parents or guardians must sign this document for students who are under 18.
• Even without this document signed, users have agreed to follow this policy by
signing on to the districts network.
• Teachers, administrators, and other school personnel will monitor student usage to
ensure that students are following expectations.
• All communications will not be confidential and may be monitored by disrrict
appointed personnel.
• Filters will be used to protect students and staff from potentially harmful and
obscene material.
• Students will have access to the internet on school computers, chrome books, and
other electronic devices.
• Students and staff may bring their own devices for education purposes, and sign in
to the network, again agreeing to the Acceptable Use of Electronic Communications
policy.
• Websites that are blocked by the filter may be requested to be unblocked by
completing and submitting the appropriate form to technology.
• The technology department reserves the right to refuse access to any website.
• Misuse of any district electronic communication may result in the revocation of
access and criminal prosecution if necessary.

Sources

Acceptable Use of Electronic Communications [PDF]. (n.d.). Dickinson, TX: Dickinson
Independent School District. Retrieved February 17, 2018, from
http://www.dickinsonisd.org/upload/page/0020/docs/tech.AUEC.pdf