The Governing Board recognizes that school library media centers support the educational program by providing access to a variety of informational resources. The Board desires to provide school libraries with up-to-date books, reference materials, and electronic information resources necessary to promote literacy, support students in achieving academic standards, and prepare students to become lifelong learners.
(cf. 0440 - District Technology Plan)
(cf. 6011 - Academic Standards)
(cf. 6163.4 - Student Use of Technology)
(cf. 7110 - Facilities Master Plan)
School libraries shall be open for use by students and teachers during the school day. (Education Code 18103)
Staffing
To staff school libraries, 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 school library programs with the district's instructional programs through collaboration with teachers
3. Select materials for school and district libraries
4. Develop and deliver staff development programs for school library services
5. Coordinate or supervise library programs at the school or district level
6. Plan and conduct a course of instruction for students who assist in the operation of school libraries
7. Supervise classified personnel assigned school library duties
8. Develop procedures for and management of the school and district libraries
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)
Library Plan
Whenever a school receives state funding for school and library improvement pursuant to Education Code 41570-41573, the school site council shall develop a single plan for student achievement which incorporates a districtwide plan for school libraries. (Education Code 41572)
(cf. 0420 - School Plans/Site Councils)
In developing the districtwide plan, the Superintendent or designee is encouraged to consult with teacher librarians, classroom teachers, administrators, parents/guardians, and students as appropriate.
The districtwide library plan shall describe the district's vision and goals for district libraries. As appropriate, the plan may also address staffing, facilities, selection and evaluation of materials, prioritization of needs, and other related matters.
(cf. 0000 - Vision)
(cf. 0200 - Goals for the School District)
Classroom Libraries for Grades K-4
When state funding is available for classroom library materials in grades K-4, the Superintendent or designee shall develop, for certification by the Board, a districtwide classroom library plan for grades K-4. The plan shall include a means of preventing loss, damage, or destruction of the materials. (Education Code 60242, 60422)
(cf. 5125.2 - Withholding Grades, Diploma or Transcripts)
(cf. 6161.2 - Damaged or Lost Instructional Materials)
The districtwide library plan developed pursuant to Education Code 41572 may fulfill this requirement provided the plan meets the criteria of Education Code 60242.
The Superintendent or designee is encouraged to consult with primary grade teachers and teacher librarians employed by the district and/or county office of education in the development of the K-4 classroom library plan and to consider selections from the list of books recommended by the California Department of Education (CDE).
Selection and Evaluation of School Library Materials
Library materials shall include print and electronic resources that align with the curriculum and are accessible to students with varying cognitive or language needs.
District Instructional Resource Specialist and/or teacher librarians shall evaluate and select materials in accordance with law, Board policy, and administrative regulation and shall use professional selection aids and standards. The selection process shall invite recommendations from administrators, teachers, other staff, parents/guardians, and students as appropriate.
(cf. 6144 - Controversial Issues)
(cf. 6161.1 - Selection and Evaluation of Instructional Materials)
(cf. 6161.11 - Supplementary Instructional Materials)
Library materials should be continually evaluated in relation to evolving curricula, new formats of materials, new instructional methods, and the needs of students and teachers. Materials that contain outdated subject matter or are no longer appropriate shall be removed, and lost or worn materials may be replaced.
(cf. 3270 - Sale and Disposal of Books, Equipment and Supplies)
All gifts and donations of school library materials shall be subject to the same criteria as materials selected for purchase by the district.
(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)
In grades Pre-K through 5, no charge shall be assessed for the late return of materials.
In grades 6-12, to encourage students to return materials in a timely manner, a nominal fee shall be charged for the late return of materials.
(cf. 5125.2 - Withholding Grades, Diploma or Transcripts)
Library Instruction
Teacher librarians and/or classroom teachers shall provide library instruction to develop students' information literacy skills. Such instruction shall be aligned with state academic standards for library instruction and shall prepare students to:
1. Access information by applying knowledge of the organization of libraries, print materials, digital media, and other sources
2. Evaluate and analyze information to determine appropriateness in addressing the scope of inquiry
3. Organize, synthesize, create, and communicate information
4. Integrate information literacy skills into all areas of learning and pursue information independently to become life-long learners
Teacher librarians also may provide support to teachers, administrators, and other staff by identifying instructional materials that will aid in the development of curriculum and instructional activities and by providing information about effective and ethical uses of school library services and equipment.
(cf. 4131 - Staff Development)
(cf. 4231 - Staff Development)
(cf. 4331 - Staff Development)
(cf. 6141 - Curriculum Development and Evaluation)
Reports
The district shall, on or before August 31 each year, report to the California Department of Education on the condition of its school libraries for the preceding year ending June 30. (Education Code 18122)
Legal Reference:
EDUCATION CODE
1703 Coordination of district library services by county superintendent
1770-1775 Provision of library services by county superintendent
18300-18571 Union high school district/unified school district library district
19335-19336 Reading Initiative Program; recommended books
35021 Volunteer aides
41570-41573 School and Library Improvement Block Grant
42605 Tier 3 categorical flexibility
44868-44869 Qualifications and employment of library media teachers
45340-45349 Instructional aides
60240-60251.5 State Instructional Materials Fund, purchase of classroom library materials
REPEALED EDUCATION CODE FOR CATEGORICAL PROGRAMS
18181 Districtwide library plan
52012 Establishment of school site council
CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 5
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
School Library Program Standards, September 2010
School Library Standards for Students, September 2010
Check It Out! Assessing School Library Media Programs, 1998
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve
CALIFORNIA SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION PUBLICATIONS
Standards and Guidelines for Strong School Libraries, 2004
WEB SITES
American Library Association: http://www.ala.org
California Department of Education, School Libraries: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/lb
California Library Association: http://www.cla-net.org
California School Library Association: http://www.csla.net
Policy SANTA CLARA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: April 10, 2014 Santa Clara, California