Cowan Road Elementary School Cowan Road Elementary School Media Center Facilities PlanMedia Center Facilities Plan

Cowan Road Elementary School

Griffin-Spalding County School System

Media Center Facility PlanMedia Center Facility PlanLibrary Mission StatementOur media center does not currentlyhave a library mission statement inplace.If I were media specialist it wouldbe:Rising to a higher standard of achievement by ensuring all students and staff are effective users of ideas and information.

• Serves approximately 665 students, Pre K – 5th grade• Serves approximately 45 faculty members• Title 1 school• One full time media specialist• One full time clerk

Cowan Road Elementary Cowan Road Elementary Media Center ProfileMedia Center Profile

Media Specialist Office/Workroom

Teacher Conference Room and Workroom

A/V Room – News

Broadcast Room

Read-aloud area w/Rocking chair

KEY Loft w/computer station reading area underneath Door

2-sided bookshelves Student tables 2 seats/side

Student tables round, seat 4

Computer tables

Teacher Table

Maintenance Closets (electrical,

Built-in shelves Cabinet units

Media Specialist Desk/work area

Circulation Desk

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•The Media Center is located in the center of the school.•It features a recessed entrance way with a display case to the right of the door.•The library is easily accessible to all students.

Photo Tour of Cowan Road Elementary LibraryPhoto Tour of Cowan Road Elementary Library

•Our recognition board is located on the wall preceding the library entrance door. •The recognition board is displayed to recognize student achievement for AR points.

Recognition BoardRecognition Board

Entrance View of Media CenterEntrance View of Media CenterWhen entering the media center you will see:•Circulation desk•Computer stations•Student leveled books on the back book shelves.

Inside view of the Media Specialist’s Office with desk and work area

Outside view of media specialist’s office. There are two entrances that lead to the office and window view to see out into the media center from inside the office.

Circulation Desk

Front view of the circulation desk

Rear view of the circulation desk

Computer Stations

•Computer stations are located directly across from the circulation desk.•Currently, the media center has nine laptops set up for student use, but a total of twelve can be used.

Computer Lab

•The computer lab is located to the left of the library entrance.•It houses twenty-five student computers.•Teachers are allowed to sign up for times to use the computer lab.

Instructional AreaThe instructional area has the following features:•Located to the left of the entrance and across from the circulation desk•Six student tables with seating for thirty-six students.•A rolling ActivBoard•An Elmo projector.•Reference materials.

Newsroom•The Newsroom is the information hub of our school.•Anchored by 4th and 5th grade students, who broadcast our CRE morning news.•Located behind the circulation desk.•Houses the media center copier and printer.

Conference Room

•Located to the left of the media specialist’s office.•Meeting place at times for grade level meetings.•Location for teacher resource books.

Guided Reading Teacher Resource Area

Area is located in the very back right hand corner of the media center upon entrance. Available for teacher check out are:•Leveled sets of guided reading books.•Classroom sets of chapter books.**Area is still under construction due to renovations **

Reading Areas

Reading areas include:•Two big rug carpet area•Reading loft•Sofa bean bag chair•Individual bean bag chair.

Natural Lighting from Windows

This area provides natural lighting and the doorway leads to a courtyard where teachers may take students outside for reading to extend the story or learning experience.

StorageThe storage area houses the following materials:•Carts•Video resources•Manipulatives•Televisions•Center resources

Book Areas

This book area is for periodicals and biographies

This area is for lower level readers. It provides books for K-2nd grade students

More Book Areas

Fiction chapter books are in this section of books.

Fiction picture books are located here in this area of books.

Survey Results- Teacher Results

Positive• Love the kid-friendly

atmosphere • Media Center is very

inviting• Reference section is very

organized • The arrangement is easy

to follow• Love the window display

Negative• Can’t think of one thing I like

about the media center• Not enough book selections

for Pre-K thru 2nd grade• The library is plain looking and

needs more wall decorations• More computers are needed

for AR/research within the media center.

• More non-fiction books are needed.

Survey Results – Student Results

Positive• The librarian helps us out• I enjoy looking for and

checking out books.• I enjoy the book fair• I look forward to reading in

the reading loft• Getting to help out in the

library• Listening to stories the

librarian reads

Negative• Do not like sitting on the

carpet• We need more computers• We need more magazines• We need comfy chairs or a

sofa to sit on when reading• Need more books for boys• Need more mystery books• We don’t have comic books

Improvements

Guided Reading

Gui

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Resource Resource

Media Specialist Office/Workroom

Teacher Conference Room and Workroom

A/V Room – News Broadcast Room

Resource

Read Aloud Area

Fiction/Pic bks

Fiction/Pic. Bks.

Fiction/Chp.bks.

Reference

ActiveBoard is Mounted

Added additional reading loft

Two reading chairs

Reading Sofa

added

Magazine Racks Added

Non-FictionSection

Modified Facilities Plan

Student Reading Area & Table•In order to accommodate more group seating for research work, I would add two more round tables for students to use for reading or research activities.

•Students requested an additional reading loft from the survey results. I would purchase this loft and use the bottom area for a reading nook.

Based upon survey results, I would purchase one sofa for the library and two comfy chairs. I believe this would accommodate the comfy seating requests by students and alleviate the need for students to sit on the floor during story time.

Five additional laptop computers would be purchased in addition to one computer table. The laptops would be also be available for mobile use around the library for students to have the freedom to move from group to individual work as necessary. Wi-Fi capability would also be in place to allow students to research reference materials through the internet.

New magazine racks would be installed as housing for our latest kid editions of magazine subscriptions in the new and improved media center facility at Cowan Road Elementary School.

In addition to magazine subscriptions, new books are purchased that are geared toward s the interests of students. For example, comic books, graphic novels, non-fiction books, mysteries, and books for boys.

To add more appeal to the library interior décor, I would accent the walls with murals such as the examples provided. These murals would be splashed all around the upper interior walls and create an atmosphere for reading and learning.

The School Library Media Program PhilosophyThe school library media centers of the Griffin-Spalding CountySchool System are instructional resource centers that function as integral part of the learning process. All resources and programs must align to meet challenges and opportunities that are encountered in school, post-high school experiences, the workplace and the community. The purpose of the school library media center is to provide services to students, faculty, staff and administration based on the instructional needs and objectives enumerated in their school improvement plan.

Media Center PolicyInstructional Media/Equipment

Definition:

Library media materials are the print, non-print, audio-visual materials

and equipment used in support of the instructional process.

Instructional media incorporates hardbound books, softbound books,

magazines, and newspapers, audiovisual equipment and materials,

laboratory equipment and materials, computer hardware ad software,

instructional television, comprehensive learning systems, self

instructional materials, teacher-made materials, and any other materials

that can be utilized in the delivery of instruction.

These materials shall:• Enrich and support all the curriculum while considering diversity, interests, abilities, and

maturity levels of the students served.• Stimulate growth in knowledge, literacy appreciation, aesthetic values, the desire to learn,

and ethical standards.• Allow students to develop under guidance, the practice of critical analysis of all media by

giving opposing sides of controversial issues.• Portray the contributions to our American heritage of the many religious, ethnic, and

cultural groups.

The School Library Media Program Mission

The mission of the school library media programs of the Griffin-Spalding County School System reflects the philosophy of the school and the school system. They believe that the school library media center helps to prepare students with the skill, knowledge, and the character necessary to become lifelong learners and productive citizens.

School Library Media Program Goals

• To provide a facility that functions as the information center of the school;

• To provide ALL students and teachers maximum intellectual access to the resources and services necessary to become lifelong learners and effective users of information, ideas, and technology; and

• To implement, enrich, and support the educational programs of the school and community as well as troubleshooting techniques to keep computers and other electronic equipment operational.

Current Media Center PolicyAccessibility:Hours of operation:

• The Media Center is open during the school day for student use. • Faculty may use the media center before and after school. • Exceptions may be made on occasions when the media center is

needed other than regular school hours. • The media center offers open/flexible scheduling.

Current Media Center PolicyOrganization and Staffing:• System library committee members are appointed by the superintendent or

assistant superintendent.• Each elementary school will form a school library media committee.• The school library media committee will:• address media concerns at the school level• provide input to the system library media committee• develop procedures for implementing the system’s instructional media and

equipment policy• establish media program objectives based on instructional goals by developing

immediate and long-range plans for the SLMP• recommend priorities for the school library media budget• assess, evaluate, and modify school library media resources and services• identify and plan media or technology related staff development activities• respond to formal challenges regarding materials used in the school• establish and maintain cooperation with other agencies, such as the public library• There is one full time media specialist and one part time media clerk.

The School Library Media Program Philosophy

The school library media centers of the Griffin-Spalding County School System are instructional resource centers that function as integral part of the learning process. All resources and programs must align to meet challenges and opportunities that are encountered in school, post-high school experiences, the workplace and the community. The purpose of the school library media center is to provide services to students, faculty, staff and administration based on the instructional needs and objectives enumerated in their school improvement plan.

Current Media Center PolicyFundingCriteria for allocation of funds are according to need in the following areas:•Increased pupil enrollment•Addition of new curriculum areas•Suitability of materials on hand•Variety of materials on hand•New instructional strategies implemented•State, regional, and national standards

Current Media Center PolicyCirculation• Each patron is assigned a number in the Follett circulation system and uses this

number to check out books.• Orientation takes place each fall and, as needed, throughout the year for new

students.• All circulated books are due back in two weeks before the last student day of

school.• All teacher items must be returned before the end of their contract period

annually.• Circulation time lengths:

preK, Kindergarten, 1st – one book at a time2nd-5th grade (also middle and high school students) – two books at a time

• Books may be renewed as needed.• Past due fees are NOT charged for elementary students (but are for middle and

high school students). • In elementary school, only damage or lost fees may be charged

Current Media Center PolicyReconsideration of Materials:• Only citizens of Spalding County can initiate a complaint or objection• to a material in the school Media Center.• The process for reconsideration is as follows:1. A person raises a question concerning the content of a material.

– The principal listens to the objection and makes efforts to resolve the issue.

– The principal (or other staff member appointed) explains the selection process and offers alternate assignments if appropriate.

– They refrain from making any personal opinions known.– Written documentation of the contact is filed.– The material in question remains in use unless removed through the

procedures below.2. If not satisfied with the outcome of step 1, the complainant files a Request for

Reconsideration of Educational Media form.– The media specialist alerts the media committee and sets a meeting date,

within 30 days.- Continued on next slide -

Current Media Center PolicyReconsideration of Materials -continued

– b) The item in question is pulled from circulation to allow the committee time to review it.

– c) All pertinent information regarding purchase, reviews, etc will be pulled by the Media Specialist.

– d) The complainant is notified in writing of the meeting date and time.– e) The committee holds the meeting and decides a finding on the

material.– f) Should the complainant desire to file an appeal, it must be filed within

ten days of their receipt of notice. If no appeal is filed, the challenge is over.

3. If an appeal is filed, the form is sent to the superintendent and the system Media committee sets a meeting date within 30 days. This committee follows the same procedure as the school committee, but on a system level.

If the complainant remains unsatisfied with the system committee’s decision, the Board of Education reviews the materials, reviews, and makes a decision. The Board will notify the complainant, system library media committee chairperson, and the school principal of the appeal and the action taken by the Board.

Current Media Center PolicyCopyright Law:• The responsibility of copyright management is an administrative as well• as a personal responsibility.• Public Law 95-553 provides clear-cut definitions of fair use of copies that• are now being produced through current technologies:

– The system and individual schools will adhere to the current copyright law.

– The school Media Specialist shall keep teachers and students appraised of current copyright information.

Disposing of Gifts:• Gifts of print and non-print materials must be accepted with the under-• standing that those materials meet the standards set forth in the selection • policy. Any gifts that are inappropriate for use, in poor condition, or • duplicates of items in the collection, will be disposed of in whatever• manner is the most suitable.

Current Media Center PolicyEmployee/Computer Internet use:• Computers provided in the Griffin-Spalding County School System are

to be used by students and employees for educational purposes only.• Each school should have procedures in place to assure that computers

are used solely for educational purposes. • Employees are expected to check email at least once each working

day.• Employees and students are expected to use network etiquette

(netiquette).Internet Safety:•Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when thesystem involves many users.•Students do not have permission to create personal home pages or directories.•Student work may only be published under the direction of the supervising teacher(s).•If an employee finds (or is made aware of) a security problem on the Internet, they must notify the building administrator. They should NOT demonstrate the problem to others.

Current Media Center PolicySelection of Media Center Materials:• Direct examination provides the most accurate evaluation of materials

for purchase. However, time and publishers may not allow for this. When direct evaluation is NOT possible, reviews and selection tools must be used in order to provide guidance in case materials are challenged.

• Selection should be made from reputable, unbiased, professionally prepared aids.

• Other selection methods include (but are not limited to):– Other school media specialists– Exhibits at conferences– Textbook bibliographies– Visits to evaluation centers

• A list of appropriate selection tools is included. These are not the only selection tools allowed.

• Faculty, parents, and student recommendations will be considered, but the final decision rests with professional personnel.

Current Media Center Policy

Student RecordsThe district complies with requirements of theFamily Educational Rights and Privacy Act(FERPA) and Pupil Protection Act (PPRA).

Current Media Center Policy

School Facilities: School facilities may be used under certainconditions by legitimate civic groups, organizations and individuals in our community for purposes related to or directly connected with community welfare.

Current Media Center Policy

Cooperative Planning:• Cooperative planning includes joint

determination by the school library media specialist ad teachers to ensure use of school library media center resources and services that support on-going classroom instruction.

Revisions to Media Center Policy

Our current District media center policies are in line with the AALS standards. The only revisions I would make would be to simply make those policies that are in place more accessible and spelled out more clearly in the SLMS Handbook.

On a school level, our school follows the policies implemented by the district. However, I believe our lack of a mission and goal statement allows our media center to be viewed as one that lacks a focus and purpose. Therefore, I propose the following mission statement for our school: Rising to a higher standard of achievement by ensuring all students and staff are effective users of ideas and information. In order to have a successful media program, the mission statement should be relevant and current to our students needs. This declaration puts it all together in one meaningful statement.

By: Lesley MettsFall 2010Dr. GreenFRIT 7132