Purpose:

The school library media program is an integral part of the total educational program of Stafford Municipal School District. Therefore, the Library Media Services Department has developed these policies and procedures in order to ensure fair and equal access to information, equipment, and services for all patrons.

Hours of Operation:

Stafford Primary and Elementary Library is open from 7:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Stafford Intermediate Library is open from 7:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
The Stafford Secondary Library is open from 7:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Special Notice: The library schedule at each school varies, be sure to check with the campus library for changes to this schedule.

Student Expectations:

Students are expected to display acceptable behavior while using the library. If a student misbehaves, he/she may be prohibited from using the library. Chronic disregard for the rules may result in restriction of library privledges.

Students should be sent to the library from the classroom to check out books or work on assignments only. Each student should have a written assignment, a list of approved Internet sites, textbook, and sny other materials needed to complete their assignment. Teachers should have the written assignment and list of sites on file in the library before sending students, or they may send this information with the student. Only Internet sites that have been approved by both the librarian and the teacher may be accessed using the library computers. “netTrekker” is the only Internet Search Engine that students are allowed to use in the library. Please speak with any member of the library staff if you have questions regarding this policy.

• When arriving to the library, students will give their library pass to the library staff member on duty and sign in on the appropriate sign-in sheet at the counter. Students are to legibily write first and last name, name of the teacher who worte the permit, and the time they enter the library.
• Each student must have an individual library pass from a teacher, unless accompained by the teacher. All passes must be written by the regular classroom teacher. Substitute teachers may not send students to the library.
• No more than four students at a time may be sent to the library from an individual teacher’s class. Students should have a written set of direction for the assignment he/she will be working on in the library.
• Food, drink, or chewing gum is not permitted.
• Students will provide their own school and project supplies.
• Students will use headphones if listening to any type of sound recording.
• No games, computer or internet based, on library computers.
• When leaving the library, students will sign the sign-out sheet and the time they leave the library. The library staff member on duty will give the permit back to the student as they leave the library.

Loan Periods:

The Stafford Primary/Elementary Library has established the following loan periods for materials. Students are allowed to check out a maximum of two (2) items (books and/or audiovisual) a week, provided that they have returned all materials checked-out previously. Students may check out fiction and non fiction books for two (2) weeks and audiovisual materials for three (3) days at a time. Periodicals and reference materials may not be checked out at any time; these materials may only be used in the library.

The Stafford Intermediate Library has established the following loan periods for materials. Students are allowed to check out a maximum of three (3) items (books and/or audiovisual) a week, provided that they have returned all materials checked-out previously. Students may check out fiction and non fiction books for two (2) weeks and audiovisual materials for three (3) days at a time. Periodicals and reference materials may not be checked out at any time; these materials may only be used in the library.

The Stafford Secondary Library has established the following loan periods for materials. Students are allowed to check out a maximum of four (4) items (books and/or audiovisual) a week, provided that they have returned all materials checked-out previously. Students may check out fiction and non fiction books for two (2) weeks and audiovisual materials for three (3) days at a time. Periodicals and reference materials may not be checked out at any time; these materials may only be used in the library.

Interlibrary Loan:

If an item is not available at this library, users may request materials through the Interlibrary Loan Service (ILL); forms for this service are available at the circulation desk and also attached to this policy.

Renewal of Material

Students must come into the library to renew any items checked on or before the due date. Students are allowed one (1) renewal before items must be returned to the library. Books and magazines must be brought into the library in order to be renewed.

Overdue and Lost/Damaged Materials

Returning materials on time ensures that material remains in circulation and will be available for the use of others. Therefore, prompt return of library materials is strongly encouraged. However, if materials are not returned in a timely manner the patron will be charged a late fee. The student will be charged for the cost of replacement of any lost and/or damaged materials.

Refunds

It is strongly encouraged that students make every attempt to find their library books before paying for them as there are NO REFUNDS for lost library books or overdue library fines.

Home Access to SMSD Library Resources:

All SMSD students and their parents have access to educational research databases from any computer with internet access. To access these resources the student or parent can go to the SMSD Library homepage at classroom.stafford.msd.esc4.net/webs/library/home.htm and choose “Library Databases.” Students can pick up a copy of the login information from the library. For additional help using online resources, contact you campus library staff member.

Restriction of Library Privileges

Stafford Library Media Services reserves the right to restrict, suspend, or revoke library privileges of any student who violates the rules or commits the following offences: numerous lost or damaged materials, chronic overdue materials, theft or attempted theft of materials, and/or other extreme cases.

Acceptable Use Policy

Any student wishing to use the library computers must have an AUP on file, according to district policy.

Other

This policy is in the process of being developed; therefore, it may change periodically to better meet the needs of the students. This policy does not supersede any campus/district policies already in place. Where there is a conflict between this policy and campus/district policy, campus/district policy will be followed.