Cowan Road Elementary School Media Center Facility Plan

Allison Baker FRIT 7132

CRES Media Center Profile

 Serves approximately 665 students, PreK to Fifth Grade  Serves approximately 45 faculty members Serves approximately 35 additional staff members  One full-time media clerk  One full-time media specialist

2/17/2012

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 an 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.

The School Library Media Program Mission

The mission of the school library media programs of the GriffinSpalding 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 Policy

Accessibility: Hours of operation:
8:15 am 2:15 pm for student use; 7:30 am 3:30 pm for teacher use 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 Policy

Organization 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 systems 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/services identify and plan media and technology related staff development respond to formal challenges regarding materials used in the school establish and maintain cooperation with other agencies There is one full time media specialist and one part time media clerk.

Media Center Policy:

Selection 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.

2/17/2012

Media Center Policy:

Circulation
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 time 2nd-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
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Media Center Policy:

Reconsideration 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. a) The principal listens to the objection and makes efforts to resolve the issue. b) The principal (or other staff member appointed) explains the selection process and offers alternate assignments if appropriate. c) They refrain from making any personal opinions known. d) Written documentation of the contact is filed. e) 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. a) The media specialist alerts the media committee and sets a meeting date, within 30 days. Continued on next slide 2/17/2012 10

Reconsideration of Materials continued

Media Center Policy:

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 superintendant 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. 4. If the complainant remains unsatisfied with the system committees 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.
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Media Center Policy:

Copyright 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 understanding 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.

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Media Center Policy:

Employee/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 the system 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.
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Media Center Policy

Instructional 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.

Media Center Policy

Funding
Criteria 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

Student Records
The district complies with requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Pupil Protection Act (PPRA).

Media Center Policy

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

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.

School Media Policy

Media Center Handbook
The Griffin Spalding County School System has a designated handbook for school Media Specialists. It serves as a guide with information related to the following: Philosophy The Mission and Goals of the School Library Media Program Roles and responsibilities of the School Library Media Specialist and support staff Media Policy Scheduling Selection Gifts Circulation Reconsideration of Materials Copyright Law Disposing of Gifts Employee/Student Internet Usage Internet Safety

Personal Reflections on the System/School Media Center Policy

We have no existing school Media Center policy. The only policy available is the system Media Center policy which is available in hard copy only. It is not online or even available in a digital format on the schools share drive. While looking for specific sections to include, I noticed that several sections were either very vague OR were not identified and, therefore, were difficult to find within the large print out copy. Specifically, the school facilities and student records sections are very vague, neither giving any real detail. Other sections, like Reconsideration of Materials, are very thorough and detailed. This section totaled 6 pages in the handbook. I see that as Media Specialist, there are sections I would suggest be considered by the System Media Committee to have more information provided.
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Media Center Location

Media Center is in the center of the school on the connecting hall between the front and back wings. It is easily accessible to all classrooms. The media center is easily located by visitors.
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View from the Main Hall:

The AR Recognition wall is before you reach the Media Center coming from the Front hall. After reaching 25 AR points, students pictures go up on the wall with shapes that follow for each level of points after.

The doors and windowed display are recessed from the hallway. The display is used for seasonal displays about reading. The doors are covered with yellow paper, a Welcome to the Media Center banner and the word welcome in different languages.
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Current Facility Floor Plan

Nonfiction Books Nonfiction Books Fiction Books Fiction Books Fiction Books Fiction Books Nonfiction Books

KEY
Loft w/computer station reading area underneath Door 2-sided bookshelves 1-sided bookshelves

Nonfiction Books

Computer Lab NOT run by Media Specialist

Fiction Books

Everyone Books Easy books in all AR levels

Student tables 2 seats/side Student tables -round, seat 4 Computer tables Teacher Table Maintenance Closets (electrical,

Guided Reading Books

Guided Reading Books

Class Sets of Books For Teacher Check-out

Entrance
Read-aloud area

Materials for Teacher Check-out

Black Dot Books Lowest Level (1.9 and under)

Media Specialist Office/Workroom

Teacher Conference Room and Workroom

Built-in shelves Cabinet units Media Specialist Desk/work area Circulation Desk

A/V News Broadcast

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Entry into the Media Center

As you enter the Media Center, this is what you see. The door on the left goes to the computer lab that is NOT operated under the Media Center. There is a separate door from the main hall that is used by staff and students for the computer lab.
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The Read-aloud Area

This is the rocking chair (on the right) that you see from the picture at the entry. The carpet is where classes sit for read-aloud times. You can see the circulation desk to the left of the rug. If classes come to the media center every week, they receive story time one week and the next week, they receive a lesson on research, finding books, etc. Story time takes place on this map rug. Lessons take place in the classroom area.
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The Circulation Desk

The media room (for news show) is directly behind the circulation desk. The windows seen to the left look into the Media Specialists office. From here, you can see most of the media center.

View from behind the Circulation Desk: Looks to the computer station and the class area with ACTIVboard. The clerk can look to the left at the entrance and to the far right at the reading loft and fiction shelves.
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Computer Station

The computer station houses six laptops for student use of AR, OPAC, and research. There is a laptop lab that can be checked out and used in classrooms or scheduled for use in the media center in the classroom area. There is one additional desktop for student use located under the reading loft.
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The Classroom Area

The classroom area, where the media specialist teaches lessons, is located directly across from the circulation desk. On the wall is an ACTIVboard and ELMO (document camera). There are six tables for students, seating up to 36 students in a tight fit! Located on the left wall and shelves directly surrounding the ACTIVboard and the shelf to the right are shelves for nonfiction books (makes a U shape if viewed from above). On the walls in this corner, are separated areas with different call numbers and the type of book found in each. Faculty meetings occur in this area. Teachers also use the tables at the computer station and pull over round tables.

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The Fiction/Student Study and Reading Corner

The 2nd two-sided shelf is fiction along with the shelves against the back wall and through the corner to the windows (makes a U from above). Notice that there are at least two entire shelves empty of books. There are three round tables for students to read quietly or study at. The large rug and bean bags can be used by students. The windows were decorated by students and the door goes out to an open courtyard.
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Guided Reading and Class Book Sets -still under construction(at left)From the Student study corner, you can see the Teacher Resource area.

(above) The back wall houses Guided Reading book sets to be checked out by teachers. This area is still in the process of organization. (at right) Bins with class sets of books sit on the middle set of bookshelves. These are organized and ready for check-out.
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Each bin holds guided reading ets by level.

Fiction books and Reading/Research Loft

Fiction books, with an AR level above 1.9, are located on these long shelves.

The reading/research loft is used by students. Students can read under or on the loft. Rules: 1. Only three students at a time. 2. You must be reading quietly. The end desk part of the loft houses one student computer for OPAC use to locate books. This side faces the circulation desk.

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Work and Storage Areas

The media specialists office can be accessed from the conference room or directly from the Media Center. There is also a doorway to the A/V Broadcast Room. A wall of built-in cabinets gives lots of storage in this area.

This conference room is used by teacher and also for testing by the system psychologist. The books on the shelves are teacher resources books.

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Work and Storage Areas continued

The AV room is used for the news show each morning. It is operated and anchored by fifth graders. Two walls have built-in closets and cabinets.

The A/V Storage Room is located across the Read-aloud area from the circulation desk. It houses VHS, DVDs, and various other resources for classroom use like LeapPads, LeapMats, and computer software.

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Student and Teacher Surveys

Surveys were conducted on zoomerang.com. Teacher and student surveys were separate. Each survey included questions about the grade-level of the person/class answering the questions. Each survey asked about the best areas in the Media Center and the areas that needed the most improvements.
Don't change it! Some minor changes needed 6 40% 3 20% 4 25% 5 31% 5 33% 1 10% Changes needed - but parts of this work 0 0% 2 13% 1 6% 5 31% 3 20% 1 10% Needs to be completely re-done 0 0% 2 13% 2 12% 1 6% 0 0% 2 20%

Student computer station Separate AR testing center Layout of book areas (nonfiction/fiction/easy) Guided Reading area ACTIVboard/class area Other

9 60% 8 53% 9 56% 5 31% 7 47% 6 60%

This table represents data from the Teacher Survey. In each box, the Top # shows how many respondents selected that answer; Bottom # - % that selected that particular answer. 2/17/2012 32

Positive Feedback from Surveys:

Teacher/Staff Feedback:
Love the AR testing nook; just needs more stations. Flip chart lessons already on the server. I like the way the media center is set up--- the "openness" is nice! The kid-friendly atmosphere I love the window display I like the easy section books. checkout procedures for kindergarten The overall atmosphere is eye-appealing and calm for students who want to enjoy a library. I enjoy the entire library. The arrangement is really easy to follow. The students are doing well accessing all areas. For the most part, teachers seem to be able to access all items/resources well, too. I like the open areas.
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Positive Feedback from Surveys:

Student Feedback:
Checking out a book, reading books 31 similar There are a lot of stuffed animals to look at there. It is very pretty in the media center. I like the computers and books. That I get to check out 2 books. I like hearing the stories the librarian reads. you can read in the loft 3 other named the loft they help us out (3 similar comments: nice people, helpful, sweet) bean bags, big dog, reading parties, computers Lessons that teach the students about how to use technology (such as PowerPoint and Photo Story) cheerleading books The Book Fair 2 similar

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Negative Feedback from Surveys:

Teacher/Staff Feedback:
More books and reading area for lower readers prek - 1st grade. Student computer station...I think its too much to implement all the different stations at one time. I just want to teach my students! The music (style/type) needs to completely change. Quiet relaxing classical music seems more appropriate. The Guided Reading Area/ Teacher Resource area I would like to change my ability to find time to sign up for media classes. I find it difficult to get to the media center. Could a network schedule be set up so that we could sign up from a computer? ACTIVboard/class area is too compact. More assistance for teachers There isn't anything that I would most want to change at this time, but the AR testing station in the library might be better more isolated, (two computers?). The guided reading area. It is very untidy. I would also like to see more wall decorations. It is very plain looking right now.
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Negative Feedback from Surveys:

Student Feedback:
fish books, also dirt bike books, 3 similar for more books more spaces to sit, more computers, when I lose my book and I can't check out another one, having to pick a book off the table signing in 2 others mentioned not liking having to sign in/out Nothing 3 other responses newer books and magazines the bunk bed 2 other responses Organization It looks boring 2 similar The way the books are set up The books that just have words with no pictures It is sometimes hard to find the book that I want - 2 similar They don't have enough computers 4 similar Check out should be 5 books at a time 3 similar
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Media Center Improvements:

Move reading area to back wall away from the entrance with all traffic entering and exiting the Media Center Move free-standing shelves over to enlarge classroom area Bring in 2 sofas for sitting Move guided reading to conference room Move black dot books to new read-aloud area Move class sets just beyond new black dot books area (teacher could look through/select while monitoring class in read-aloud area with MS). Create a research area (additional computer table, add round table) teacher could have up to 24-26 students in this area working on computers and using books at tables) Move circulation desk to immediately inside door Improve entrance add some painting or student artwork to liven up the entrance Purchase some additional books for upper level and very lower level students, including current series of popular books (like Rick Riordan books).
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2/17/2012

Media Center Improvements:

Fleetwood Library 29" H Round Table -82.00x Sale Price:$430.00

Bretford 84" Wide Quattro Computer Table - Three Grommet Holes List Price:$556.00
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Media Center Improvements:

KARLSTAD Sofa $499.00 purchase two

I would select this sofa to add some color to the Media Center. Key features: A range of coordinated covers makes it easy for you to give your furniture a new look (and replace as needed if stained!) Easy to keep clean with removable, dry clean only cover.

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Improved Facilities Floor Plan:

Nonfiction Books Nonfiction Books Fiction Books Fiction Books Fiction Books Fiction Books Nonfiction Books
Read-aloud area

KEY
Loft w/computer station reading area underneath Door 2-sided bookshelves 1-sided bookshelves Student tables 2 seats/side Student tables -round, seat 4 Computer tables Teacher Table

Nonfiction Books

Computer Lab NOT run by Media Specialist

Fiction Books

Black Dot Books Lowest Level (1.9 and under)

Class Sets of Books For Teacher Check-out

Maintenance Closets (electrical, Built-in shelves Cabinet units Media Specialist Desk/work area Circulation Desk

Entrance

Everyone Books Easy books in all AR levels

N
Materials for Teacher Check-out

Guided Reading Books

Media Specialist Office/Workroom

Teacher Conference Room and Workroom

NEW ITEMS:

2/17/2012

Guided Reading Books

A/V News Broadcast

N N N

Sofa Extra Round Student table, seats 4 Extra Computer table

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Final Facilities Plan Comments

Moving the guided reading/teacher resource books to the conference room will open up space in the Media Center for student activity, reading spaces, and even additional books. The addition of books for upper level and extreme lower level readers will increase traffic in the Media Center by these students who often struggle to find books in their abilities (or interests). Increasing the space of the classroom area will bring more classes in to the Media Center to use this area. The current arrangement prohibits some of the upper grades from being able to use this area productively due to space. Transferring the Read-Aloud area to the back corner will take a often used part of the Media Center away from the front entrance and repeated interruptions.

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Final Comments - continued

The addition of the reading spaces (sofas and additional round table) will encourage students to read for enjoyment. Finally, the additional computer table allows for a full research area that could be in addition to a class in the class area. All of these changes are designed with the idea of more student and teacher use of the Media Center. With the Media Center goals including those of providing access to resources/services to information and technology, and to implement, enrich, and support education programs, then the Media Center needs to be a facility that implores students and staff to come in and use it to its full capacity!

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Cowan Road Elementary School Media Center Facility Plan

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