The Board of Trustees recognizes that school libraries support the educational program by providing access to a variety of informational and supplemental resources that can help raise the academic achievement of all students. The Board desires that the school library be stocked with up-to-date books, reference materials, and electronic resources that promote literacy, support academic standards, and prepare students to become lifelong learners.
(cf. 0440 - District Technology Plan)
(cf. 1330.1 - Joint Use Agreements)
(cf. 6011 - Academic Standards)
(cf. 6163.4 - Student Use of Technology)
(cf. 7110 - Facilities Master Plan)
Staffing
To staff the school library, the district may employ one or more teacher librarians who possess appropriate credentials issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. (Education Code 18120, 44868; 5 CCR 80024.6, 80053)
(cf. 4112.2 - Certification)
(cf. 4113 - Assignment)
The Superintendent or designee may assign teacher librarians to perform the following duties in accordance with the authorizations of their credential: (5 CCR 80053, 80053.1)
1. Instruct students in accessing, evaluating, using, and integrating information and resources in the library program and/or provide departmentalized instruction in information literacy, digital literacy, and digital citizenship
2. Plan and coordinate the school library program with the district's instructional programs through collaboration with teachers
3. Select materials for the library
4. Develop and deliver staff development programs for school library services
5. Coordinate or supervise library programs at the school
6. Plan and conduct a course of instruction for students who assist in the operation of the school library
7. Supervise classified personnel assigned school library duties
8. Develop procedures for and management of the school library
The Board also may appoint classified paraprofessionals to serve as library aides or library technicians. Volunteers may assist with school library services in accordance with law, Board policy, and administrative regulation.
(cf. 1240 - Volunteer Assistance)
(cf. 4222 - Teachers Aides/Paraprofessionals)
Hours of Operation
The school library shall be open for use by students and teachers during the school day. (Education Code 18103)
Selection and Evaluation of School Library Materials
All gifts and donations of school library materials shall be subject to the same criteria as materials selected for purchase by the district.
(cf. 1260 - Educational Foundation)
(cf. 3290 - Gifts, Grants and Bequests)
Complaints regarding the appropriateness of library materials shall be addressed using the district's procedures for complaints regarding instructional materials.
(cf. 1312.2 - Complaints Concerning Instructional Materials)
Fees
Students shall be allowed to borrow school library materials at no charge for use in the library and classrooms as well as out of school. (5 CCR 16042)
(cf. 3260 - Fees and Charges)
Students shall be encouraged to return library materials in a timely manner, but no charge shall be assessed for the late return of materials.
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
1703 Coordination of district library services by county superintendent
1770-1775 Provision of library services by county superintendent
18100-18203 School libraries
18300-18571 Union high school district/unified school district library district
19335-19336 Reading Initiative Program; recommended books
35021 Volunteer aides
44868-44869 Qualifications and employment of library media teachers
45340-45349 Instructional aides
CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5
16040-16043 School libraries
80023-80023.2 Emergency permits, general requirements
80024.6 Emergency teacher librarian services permit
80026-80026.6 Emergency permits
80053-80053.1 Teacher librarian services credential
Management Resources:
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION PUBLICATIONS
Examples of Model School Library Standards for California Public Schools Supporting Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects, rev. February 2012
Model School Library Standards for California Public Schools: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve, 2010 (includes standards for student instruction as well as program standards)
Looking at the School Library: An Evaluation Tool, 2003
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve
CALIFORNIA SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION PUBLICATIONS
Standards and Guidelines for Strong School Libraries, 2004
WEB SITES
American Association of School Libraries: http://www.ala.org/aasl
California Department of Education, School Libraries: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/lb
California School Library Association: http://www.csla.net
Policy FORESTHILL UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: August 14, 2017 Foresthill, California