Wetumpka High School
Library Media Center Program
2012-2013

Lori McKenzie, Library Media Specialist

Monica Tindol, Library Media Specialist

Cindy Fink, Library Assistant

Wetumpka High School
Library Media Center Program
2012-2013

Library Media Specialists:Lori McKenzieMonica Tindol

Library Assistant:Cindy Fink

Grade Level: 9th-12th

Section I: Vision, Mission Statement, Philosophy, Standards, Expectations

1.1 Vision

In collaboration with the school’s entire learning community, the Wetumpka High School Library Media Program will be the center of teachers and learning by providing access to quality collections and technologies and by extending services beyond the library’s four walls and the school day.

1.2 Mission Statement

To ensure that students and staff are effective users of information. If students and faculty are to be effective users of information, they must be able to access, analyze, assimilate, and present it. Equipping them with the skills and information they need is the primary purpose of a school library media program. Implicit in this mission is the charge to ensure students learn these skills and to provide inservice for teachers as needed.

1.3AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner

Program Goals and Objectives

When establishing long and short-range goals for the library media center, the media specialists refer to various sources. Information Power: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs, by the American Library Association, is used to make sure that the program adheres to the national standards.The Alabama State Department of has a new publication for this purpose: Alabama’s School Library Media Handbook for the 21st Century Learner. In addition to the previously mentioned sources, the ElmoreCounty Policy and Procedure Manual, collaboration with other Library Media Specialists and School Technology Coordinators in the county, and Internet research are all used to help develop a program to meet the needs of WetumpkaHigh School.

Objectives are selected to meet the needs of the library media program, school curricula, students and staff. By examining the State Courses of Study for each subject and grade, a collection that relates to the curriculum can be built. Also encouraging the use of technology in the school is a very important objective.

Program Goals

  • Promote and encourage children to love and appreciate reading and good literature.
  • Develop capable critical users of information and technology.
  • Develop life long learners.
  • Encourage each child to develop to his/her fullest potential.

Program Objectives

  • Provide users with a variety of library media resources and technologies to locate,
  • Organize, and present information relevant to a specific need or problem.
  • Evaluate, interpret, and select information that meets the needs of the school.
  • LibraryMediaCenter is accessible to all students during the regular school day.
  • Give individual assistance to students with reading guidance and with research as needed.
  • The LibraryMediaCenter is inviting, attractive, and maintained in usable order.
  • Students and teacher are assisted in retrieving a vast array of sources, whether they are in the LibraryMediaCenter collection, from the public library, interlibrary loan, or from on-line sources.
  • Motivational projects and activities are integrated into the curriculum.
  • Collaborate with teachers to determine objectives and type of media needed.

The philosophy of the Wetumpka High School Library Media Center reflects the foundational beliefs of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Standards for the 21st Century Learnerand the ISTE National Educational Technology Standards. The program’s goals and objectives are aligned with national standards and guidelines. As stated in the standards, students will use resources and tools to:

  • Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge
  • Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge
  • Share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society
  • Pursue personal and aesthetic growth
  • School libraries are essential to the development of learning skills
  • Ethical behavior in the use of information must be taught
  • Students should have access to information which covers a wide range of viewpoints and issues.
  • Reading is the window to the world.
  • The continuing expansion of information demands that all individuals acquire the thinking skills that will enable them to learn on their own.
  • Students are able to demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology
  • Students can apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information
  • Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources

1.4 Intellectual Freedom

The WetumpkaHigh School library media center is committed to the right of intellectual freedom. By providing access to information essential to the 21st Century learner, we encourage learners who acquire skills to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and lifelong learners. We strive to provide resources on various view points for all users, regardless of age, background, or views.

1.5 Freedom to Read

The library media specialists at WetumpkaHigh School ensure students have access to information covering a wide range of issues and viewpoints.

Section II: Administrator’s View

2.1Characteristics of a 21st Century Library Media Program

The library media center (LMC) is a place where individual students or student groups can use information and resources that support the curriculum, encourage research, pleasure reading, and personal interests and needs. The center operates on a flexible schedule, and accommodates students through a comfortable, inviting, organized environment where students feel like they can ask questions and gain assistance.

The Wetumpka High School Library Media Center has two certified library media specialists. Each is evaluated annually based on the Alabama Educate Alabama, which includes an individual professional development plan. Both media specialists collaborate with the school faculty, students, and community to determine collection needs and follow the local school system policies for its development.

The facility is located in the center of the school and is physically accessible to all students. Adequate lighting and furnishings are in the media center, yet the area is not large enough for the school’s population. The library has infrastructure needed to sustain existing technologies, but not what will be needed in the near future.

2.2Administrator’s Responsibility

The LMC has administrative support and backing to have a successful library program at WetumpkaHigh School. There is an understanding as to the competencies and role of a library media specialist. Funds are handled for the LMC according to the Alabama Code. All areas in this portion of the state handbook are supported through by the school administration.

2.3 Teacher Responsibilities

Teachers are a very important part of the library program at WetumpkaHigh School. Collaboration is encouraged to plan and schedule library research and lessons that correlate with the curriculum. Teachers help ensure that students have resources needed and that they participate in the program and its activities.

2.4Library Media Specialists’ Responsibilities

Both media specialists share the responsibilities for the program. Each takes an active role in meeting the diverse needs of students and in collaboration with teachers to incorporate resources.

2.5 Professional Development
Both of the media specialists are dedicated to ensuring that students obtain information literacy skills needed for the 21st century. They are constantly learning and incorporating ever-changing information into the curriculum. In order to do this, they connect and share programs and expertise with other library media and technology professionals. For the 2012-2013 school year, the media specialists plan to do the following:

  • Attend CountyLibrary Media Meetings
  • Attend CountyTechnology Coordinator Meetings
  • First Friday Webinars provided by the ASDE
  • Attend area technology conferences.
  • Attend Alabama Library EXPO (if scheduled)
  • Read Professional Journals
  • Continue AIMA memberships.
  • Continue IRA memberships.
  • Participate in LM_Net listserve.

2.6 National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Neither LMS are in this program at the current time.

Section III: LibraryMediaCenterLearning Environment

3.1 Understanding the Library Media Specialists Role in Core Curriculum
Both LMS work as part of the team to implement reading development across the curriculum, cooperating to offer students an integrated approach to learning. They are not core teachers, but play and integral role in the reading program. Through the flexible schedule, teachers and students have unlimited access to the resources in the LMC. They also assist in the selection of materials for the media center. Through continuous collaboration between the LMS and teachers, the school will have an effective reading program.

3.2 Creating a Reading Environment
The LMC is the heart of the school’s reading program. Students are encouraged to read for pleasure, and plans are being made to acquire books of interest. A comfortable sitting area has been established, along with plans to expand the area.

3.3 National Reading Programs

Various activities are also planned each year in conjunction with national organizations. WHS LMC will participate in the following this school year:

  • ALA’s Banned Book Week (September 30-October 6)
  • ALA’s Teen Read Week (October 14-20)
  • ALA’s School Library Month (March)
  • NEA’s Read Across America (March 2)
  • YALSA’s Teen Tech Week (March 10-16)
  • ALA’s National Library Week (April 15-19)
  • ALA’s Teen Library Day (April 18)
  • ALSC’s Children’s Day/Book Day-El dia de los niños (April 30)

3.4 Understanding Collaboration

Collaboration within the school is very important to the LMC program. This is an area of continuous improvement and needs to be focused on this school year. The WE-2 Nation, freshman academy, will be the first area of concentration. Then focus will spread to other grades and subject areas.

Special activities are planned throughout the year to involve the students and faculty with the library and its various programs. Book fairs may be held twice during the year, along with monthly book displays for faculty and staff. Also the Book Club will continue to promote reading throughout the school.

3.5 Promoting Flexible, Open Access

The LibraryMediaCenter operates on a flexible schedule. Students in the school are provided the opportunity to checkout books as needed each day. During this time they obtain one-on-one assistance in locating books and reference information pertaining to topics of interest and/or of study in the classroom. Teachers are allowed to send up to three students at any given time to visit the media center. If the teacher wishes to bring an entire class to use the media center or computer lab, he/she is asked to reserve scheduled time at the circulation desk. During this time students may checkout books with their teacher’s guidance, conduct research, create presentations for a particular project, or collaborative teaching may occur. Collaboration is encouraged and teachers are asked to complete a short questionnaire about what will be needed in the media center and supply a copy of the lesson plan. Various library activities maybe scheduled simultaneously. Teachers are encouraged to use collaborative planning with the Library Media Specialists to help integrate the resources into the curriculum. These activities are usually conducted in the LMC, yet lessons may be taken to the classroom setting when necessary.

3.6 Encouraging Advocacy

The media specialists at WHS have an important role as leaders in the school. This is done through:

  • Workshops are conducted for teachers on how to use technology effectively in their classroom instruction.
  • The LMC’s page on the school website is updated continuously to share important information and what all is happening in the center.
  • We can be followed on “Twitter.”
  • Our Book Club has a blog and is on Facebook.
  • Participation in The American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) advocacy toolkit.

3.7 Library Promotional Events
Various activities are also planned each year in conjunction with national organizations. WHS LMC will participate in the following this school year:

  • ALA’s Banned Book Week (September 30-October 6)
  • ALA’s Teen Read Week (October 14-20)
  • ALA’s School Library Month (March)
  • NEA’s Read Across America (March 2)
  • YALSA’s Teen Tech Week (March 10-16)
  • ALA’s National Library Week (April 15-19)
  • ALA’s Teen Library Day (April 18)
  • ALSC’s Children’s Day/Book Day-El dia de los niños (April 30)

3.8Collaborating with Public and Academic Libraries

Connection will be made with the Wetumpka Public Library this year to enhance and supplement the school curriculum.

3.9Establishing a LibraryMediaCenter Environment

The Wetumpka High School Library Media Center was evaluated using the five resource types listed in Alabama’s School Library Media Handbook for the 21st Century Learner on pp. 17-19. All areas meet the advanced standards, with a few reaching the exemplary level.

Section IV: Collection Development

4.1 Understanding Collection Development

Goals and procedures are established for acquisition of library resources, and collection development is a very important part of the program. Alabama’s School Library Media Handbook for the 21st Century Learner contains guidelines on the number of books needed based on student population. Also it provides information on what sources are required in the reference collection, along with guidelines for video, software, periodical, and professional collections. Literacy Partners provides a checklist for determining the strengths and weaknesses of the library collection. Attending the annual Alabama Library EXPO each September, if scheduled, allows information from various vendors to be gathered on new materials that are available to meet the needs of our school and community. Also this provides a chance to share our needs with them.

Teacher, student, and community input are encouraged when making selections. The Library Committee consists of teachers from each grade level and varied fields. This group makes recommendations on what resources should be added to the collection and thus benefit in classroom instruction. A concentrated effort to find materials for newly adopted curriculum is made each year. Also there is a suggestion box for faculty, staff, students, and the community to make recommendations for particular items to be purchased. Periodically students are surveyed to find their topics of interest. The Library Media Specialist uses all recommendations and selects items in accordance to the ElmoreCounty Selection Policy. An item is acquired based on purpose, timeliness, writing/production quality, reputation of publisher/author, format, price, and appropriateness. Book reviews are considered and thus books are not ordered without some background knowledge of the material.

Last year, the Library Media Specialist conducted an analysisto evaluate the collection. This aided in determining where our strengths, weaknesses, and needs. From here, books were ordered to fill in where they were most needed.

4.2Selection Tools

When selecting new materials for the library, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the School Libraries/Media Centers Selection of Materials in the Elmore County Board of Education Policy Manual. The following resources are used to assist in the process:

  • Library Committee
  • Faculty/Students/Community Requests
  • Magazines and Journals
  • School Library Journal
  • Booklinks
  • Kirkus Reviews
  • Online Sources
  • Perma-Bound
  • Amazon.com
  • Suggestions from other media specialists

4.3 Honor and Award Books

Current honor and award books are purchased yearly. Funding is limited this year, but plans are made to acquire these books and also to check and make sure the previous years are available in our collection.

4.4Collection Guidelines

According to the guidelines in the Alabama’s School Library Media Handbook for the 21st Century Learner, the Wetumpka High School LMC collection rates as follows:

  • Automated Management System-Advanced (No online access to Destiny is keeping us from Exemplary status.)
  • General Collection: Fiction/Nonfiction- Basic
  • Reference- Appropriate quantities available.
  • Internet Resources- Exemplary
  • Electronic Resources- Exemplary
  • Professional Collection-Basic (will move to Advanced once professional magazines are purchased).

4.5 Deselection of Resources

Criteria similar to the MUSTIE guidelines are used for weeding the collection.

Any material will be weeded when:

  • It is too worn to be mended or rebound; it becomes brittle; it is no longer useful, interesting, or appropriate; or it is affected by mold and mildew.
  • New encyclopedias must be purchased every 5 years. Two new sets were purchased in 2006-2007.
  • Almanacs and yearbooks are superseded by each new volume.
  • Timely and topical materials are discarded after 5 years.
  • Books on government should be replaced after 10 years.
  • Pure science, except for botany and natural history, are out-of-date within 5 years.
  • Applied science is dated within 5 years.
  • Radio and television materials are dated in less than 5 years.
  • Business information is dated in 10 years.
  • Chemical and food product materials should be removed in 5 to 10 years.
  • Building and manufacturing should be removed after 10 years.
  • Remove equipment when repairs cost more than replacement.

The weeding process used follows that as approved by the Elmore County Board of Education.

4.6 Challenged Materials

When dealing with challenged materials, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the School Libraries/Media Centers Selection of Materials in the Elmore County Board of Education Policy Manual.These guidelines follow those set by the American Association of School Librarians.

Section V: Technology

5.1 The Role of the LMS in the Local Technology Program