Cheryl Bell                                                                                                         Phyllis Ricco

Library Media Specialist                                                                         Library Media Aide

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the library media program is to ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information.

BASIC OPERATION - Teachers

1.                  The Library Media Center operates on a flexible schedule during the hours of 7:30 A.M. until 2:45 P.M.

2.                  All students who wish to check out books should return a signed copy of the STUDENT MEDIA CENTER RULES.  These forms are kept on file in the library media center.

3.                  Kindergarten classes are scheduled bi-monthly for a thirty-minute story time.  They are allowed to check out books at this time and other times as determined by the classroom teacher.  Kindergarten students may take their books home.  Story times are planned using the Alabama Course of Study, Shelby County Course of Study and Literacy Partners Information Standards. 

4.                  First grade students are scheduled bi-monthly for a thirty-minute library media lesson.  These lessons include information skills, literature extension/appreciation, and the use of technology.  Each lesson is planned using the Alabama Course of Study, Shelby County Course of Study, Literacy Partners Information Standards, and the National Educational Technology Standards for Students.  The Library Media Specialist and the classroom teacher plan collaboratively to ensure that lessons are relevant to classroom units of study and individual student needs are met.

5.                  Students in grades one and two may check out books during OPEN times in the library media schedule.  Their teacher will determine the frequency of their visits.

6.                  Small group and class activities that require the use of the Library Media Center should be coordinated with the Library Media Specialist.

7.                  All students coming to the Library Media Center for activities other than scheduled classes should bring a media center pass. 

8.                  InfoCentre is the Library Media Center’s electronic catalog, your guide to all Library Media Center resources.  InfoCentre is on the local network and can be accessed from any networked computer.  The Library Media Specialist is available to instruct faculty members on the use of the electronic catalog.

9.                  REQUEST FOR MATERIALS forms will be provided.  Using these will ensure that you get materials when you need them.  These forms should be turned in prior to the date and time items are needed so that the Library Media staff can better coordinate the fair use of resources. 

10.             Videos should be requested in writing and usage documented in lesson plans.  Videos should be rewound and returned at the completion of viewing.

Student Media Center Rules

1.                  All books are the property of Helena Elementary School.

2.                  Any student in good standing may check out books.

3.                  Reference books and audiovisual materials may be used only in the Media Center.

4.                  Books may be checked out for one week and renewed once.

5.                  Kindergarten students may have one book at a time.  Students in grades one and two may have two books at a time unless special permission is obtained from the Library Media Specialist.

6.                  Students must pay full price for any book lost or damaged.

7.                  A student may not check out additional books until reimbursement has been made for lost or damaged items.  Overdue fines will not be collected.

8.                  Students must handle print and non-print media and equipment with care and exhibit self-controlled conduct in the Library Media Center.

9.                  Any student who consistently abuses these rules may lose his/her privilege to check out books or use the Library Media Center for a period of time determined by the Library Media Specialist.

Parents

Our Library Media Center plays a significant role in your child’s education, but we need your help.  The Library Media Center is not only a place to borrow books, it also provides training in information-gathering skills, supports the curriculum, and maintains the audio-visual equipment and materials.

We are always in need of help in the following areas:

            Special Events – help plan, promote and staff book fairs and other events that might arise during the school year

            Special Projects – Materials repair, book checkout and return, book sorting and shelving, bulletin boards, copying, volunteer coordinating

What’s in it for you?  You’ll be working in a pleasant setting with the people who are educating your children.  By giving of your time and talents, you will enhance the achievements of Helena Elementary students and provide a positive role model for them.  You will also be rewarded with that great feeling that comes from knowing you are making a difference in your school and community.

If you are able to commit, we would like you to join our group of volunteers.  No previous experience necessary and the work is easy to learn.