Flagstaff Academy Library Policies

FLAGSTAFF ACADEMY LIBRARY MISSION

In collaboration with Flagstaff Academy’s learning community, the library will be an information & technology hub providing access to a quality collection in a variety of formats and technologies that support and enhance the Core Knowledge Sequence, and extend learning beyond the confines of the library’s walls and school day.

HOURS

WHEN DOES MY STUDENT VISIT THE LIBARARY?

In addition to scheduled days and times for library visits, we encourage students to visit the library for check in, check out, or to use library resources whenever they like during hours of operation and when it is convenient for the classroom teacher.

We never want students to have to wait for a specific day or time to come to the library.

Kindergarten visits the library weekly for story time and check out.
1st-3rd grade patrons visit the library weekly for read alouds, information literacy, library skills, and research strategy instruction. In addition to weekly instructional visits, these patrons also visit the library weekly for check out.
4th-5th grade patrons also have a designated library day to conduct check out. These circulation visits can be weekly or bi-weekly depending on the teacher's preference. These students may also conduct self check out anytime, students like using their Flagstaff library card.
Middle School patrons visit the library on an "as needed basis" for check out, research strategy instruction, or joint teacher and librarian instruction. These students may also conduct self check out anytime it is convenient for them and their teacher. MS students also have Flagstaff library cards and can conduct self check out.

In addition to regularly scheduled library visits, all teachers may schedule "Flex" time in the library. Flex times are periods in the library schedule that teachers can sign up for on an "as needed" basis to augment and enhance curriculum explorations with databases and Teacher-Librarian assistance.

CIRCULATION POLICY

PATRON LOAN PERIODS

Patrons

Number of Items

Loan Period

Kindergarten-2nd grade

1 book

1 week

3rd grade-8th grade

3 books

2 weeks

Patrons that finish their books before the designated due date may return their books whenever it is convenient and check out additional items. There is a return drop slot located just outside the library doors or in the book drop in the middle school hallway.

RENEWALS, OVERDUES, AND FINES

Patrons may renew items once. After one renewal, items may be renewed a second time if no other patron has reserved that item. Patrons must present items to the library staff at the time of renewal.

Items will be checked out to patrons only when the current number of items is not exceeded (see Patron Loan Parameters above) and when no other library items are overdue and/or missing.

Library items are considered overdue when not returned to the library by 4 PM on the due date. The grace period for overdue books is seven (7) days. Fines will be assessed for overdue items at a rate of .10 a day. However, all fines are deleted once the book is returned in good condition.
Lost or damaged items will be billed out by the library and must be paid for by the patron, the patron’s parent or guardian. Payment is made to the library in the form of cash or check. Please make checks payable to Flagstaff Academy and in the Notes section indicate "Lost Book Fee". We can also add payments to Infinite Campus if needed.

Overdue, fine, and lost item notices will be sent home via email.

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICIES

SELECTION POLICY

The selection philosophy of the library is to provide a collection of materials that enriches and supports the Core Knowledge Sequence and meets the individual educational, emotional, and recreational needs of all its patrons. Materials are not limited to books but will include technology-based information delivery platforms and mechanisms. We work to have books that reflect the diversity and cultures of ALL of our students to align with our school's mission of building well-rounded, ethical leaders in the world community.

SELECTION OBJECTIVES

Materials are selected to implement the following objectives:

Support the Core Knowledge Sequence.
Support all curriculum areas with a collection that is appropriate and current.
Provide students with free in unfettered access to credible sources of information.
Support the school's literacy and reading goals.
Provide a balanced collection reflecting various points of view.
Aid students in research, study and investigation.
Promote critical thinking skills.
Provide materials on a wide range of reading ability levels, chosen to reflect the variety of reading levels in a K-8 school
Provide instructional and professional support for teachers, administrators, and staff.
Support a variety of learning and teaching styles.
Encourage leisure reading among students.

Materials selected for inclusion in the library collection shall satisfy the following criteria:

PRINT MATERIALS

Print or “classic” library materials selected for inclusion in the library collection will meet high standards of quality in:

physical format (durability, aesthetic appeal)
treatment of subject matter (clearly presented, well organized, balanced)
appropriate depth of coverage for students in the school
authority (qualification and credentials of those responsible for creating the material)
authenticity, accuracy and recency of information
arrangement and organization or subject matter
Materials shall be appropriate for the subject area and for the age, emotional development, ability level, learning styles, and social development of patrons.
Materials shall represent differing viewpoints on topics and issues so that patrons can engage in critical analysis of issues, explore their own beliefs, attitudes, and behavior, and make informed conclusions and decisions

Any questions or challenges of materials in the library should be first brought to the attention of the librarian. An open dialogue about intent and purpose of the materials is key in understanding the role of the librarian in our collection development.

DONATION POLICY

The librarian must approve all donations. Donated materials are treated as new purchases and are evaluated by the same criteria applied to new acquisitions to ensure appropriateness, quality, consistency and relevancy to the Core Knowledge Sequence.

Avoid donating the following items

severely damaged, heavily underlined, or books that have been drawn in or colored
books with cataloging stickers or tape on the spine or cover that when removed will damage the book
encyclopedias
current newspapers
inspirational literature
old textbooks or old instructional materials
old laboratory manuals
flashcards and playing cards
DVDs, VHS and cassette tapes
used workbooks and study guides
magazines & newspaper collections (e.g., old National Geographic collections)
books from other libraries that have excessive wear, marks, stickers, or other markings
toys including stuffed animals, or games that do not have a high educational value

Donated items that do not meet library selection criteria will be taken to a donation center or recycled.

As the library collection grows and space expands policies will be updated to reflect these changes. If you have any questions about these policies please don’t hesitate to email Denise von Minden or call 303.651.7900 ext. 230.