Policies and Procedures

Hours of Operation

Daily-9:00 AM – 3:50 PM

Admittance policy for students

During class time – Students must bring a pass with the name of student, teacher, date and time, and reason student is coming to the media center. Teachers are responsible for writing passes for students to use the library at any time. Teachers must check ahead with

the media specialist when sending more than 2 students to the media center for assistance

on research or computer work.

Class use of the library

The top priority of the media specialist is working with students and teachers throughout the school day. I can best serve students when teachers schedule class time in the media

center at least one week in advance.

Instruction:  Collaborative planning

Teachers will plan assignments and/units with the media specialist in advance to ensure that students receive maximum benefit from time in the media center.  Complete the

planning worksheet form and return it to the media center at least 2 days before the

research project begins in order for scheduled library dates to be confirmed. The form is included in the Media Center Policies and Procedures Handbook given to all teachers at the beginning of the school year.

Teachers will accompany classes to the media center and they will remain in the media

center with their students.

Five minutes before the period ends, clean-up begins. Reference books go back to

the reference shelves. Magazines and pamphlets get returned to the magazine rack.

Books go back on book cart or book drop. Clean up trash from table and floors.

Students should have definite assignments to complete while in the media center.

The media specialist will assist the teacher and students in every way possible.  This

can include teaching information skills and use of materials and equipment necessary for the successful completion of assignments.

Planning time with teachers for research assignments is by appointment.

Assigning research to students:

Alert the media specialist when you assign a project to students that will require

library resource usage.  There are many advantages to doing this:

The materials will be put in a central location with signage.

The media specialist will prepare a resource page of search strategies for you.

Overnight circulation will be arranged, if needed.

Student and teacher circulation procedures

Students may check out 2 books at a time.  A limit of 2 books is set to ensure that all

Students will be able to access books.

Student materials may be kept for 10 school days.  Materials may be renewed unless a

reserve has been put on the materials.  Students will be charged for damaged or lost

materials.

Faculty are asked to observe the same rules as students for books used for you or your

children’s personal use.  Materials may be checked out for 2 weeks and may be renewed

unless there is a reserve on it.  The 5 book limit with 2 book limit on the same topic is

in place unless a special arrangement is made with the media specialist.  This ensures

that our students will have fair access to information needed for their assignments.

Computers

The media center has 8 desktop computers for student use.  All computers have internet

access.  Students have access to the Internet when they login to the network.  Students

who access inappropriate sites or who misuse their Internet privilege will be disciplined according to the 500 Role Models Academy discipline management plan and Miami

Dade County Public Schools Student Code of Conduct.

Primary computer use is for research instruction and information retrieval.

Students may also use computers for word processing when classes are not scheduled

to use them.  Students must ask permission to use computers.

Students must bring a pass with written permission specifying computer usage.

A network printer is also available.  A pass from the teacher is required for the student

to be allowed to print material.

Professional Collection

A collection of books, periodicals, and non-print items dealing with curriculum and professional issues is housed in the library media center.  Teachers are encouraged to check these items at any time.

Student Library Media Use Expectations

Expectations for student behavior in the library media center are based on the following

Library Users’ Right:

All library media center users have the right to:

a. a safe and quiet area to read, study, research and use computers without distractions

b. a clean and organized environment free of food, drink, and gum and their resulting

problems

c. use newspapers, magazines, books, computer programs, and equipment that are whole,

clean and in good condition and are available when needed

Audiovisual Equipment Procedures

Some equipment, such as, overhead projectors may be checked out for the year.

TV/VCR’s, multimedia projectors, and other equipment may be reserved for use on particular days. Reserving in advance ensures that a teacher’s need can be met.

Repairs: Return the equipment to the library if anything other than a bulb needs repair

or replacement.  Please include a note on what went wrong with it.  The media

specialist will write the work order for it, send it in to be repaired and loan you a

replacement.

Videos

Our media center has a limited number of videos available for classroom use.  In

accordance with Copyright laws, make sure that any video shown in class is instructional

and relates to direct teaching.  Any other showing of videos in class is a violation of the

Copyright laws.  The principal has emailed all teachers with specific procedures

to be followed when showing a video.  A form included in the Procedures and Policy Handbook that was given to all teachers in the beginning of this school year.  It  is to be filled out by the classroom teacher and submitted along with a copy of the lesson plan 

to the administration for approval prior to showing a video.

Print Resources

Besides many book titles, our library subscribes to the daily newspaper and to numerous

magazines.  Our goal is to have materials that support the curriculum of the school.  Feel

free to come in and browse through our materials to find things useful for your students.

Special Programs/Events

Special programs/events may be scheduled in the Media Center.  Approval by an

Administrator is required.  Events will not be confirmed until appropriate form and

necessary approval is returned to the Media Center.  The sponsor of the activity is

responsible for setting up, cleaning up and restoring the Media Center to its

original configuration.

Promotions

Author visits and other events that promote school and community are always welcome.

Reading Incentives Programs are held throughout the school year with prizes being

awarded to winners. 

Role of Volunteers

Volunteers must be registered with Miami Dade County Public Schools and approved

according to guidelines.

Duties include:

Reshelf library materials.

Assist with preparing overdue notices for distribution.

Help at circulation desk when needed.

Parents: How can you help your child enjoy books?

Encourage your child to read by having all varieties of printed materials, such as,

magazines, newspapers, maps, catalogs, even comic books are all good reading

sources.

Come in and visit us. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to check out books to take

home.

Take your child to the Public Library on a regular basis.

Let your child see you reading.

For birthday presents buy your child books or a subscription to magazines.

THANK-YOU FOR VISITING THE 500 ROLE MODELS ACADEMY’S MEDIA CENTER.