Library

Mississippi Department of Education Mission Statement

• The mission of Mississippi’s school library programs is to assist in providing a quality education for every child by:
  • Encouraging lifelong information literacy and learning through reading and inquiry.
  • Providing an inviting, dynamic environment in which students and staff become learners capable of accessing, evaluating, applying and sharing information independently.
  • Providing real and virtual access to appropriate, high-quality resources (print/non-print and digital formats) and services that support and enhance teaching, literacy, and learning during and outside the school day.
  • Participating in curriculum development and design of learning activities.
  • Facilitating professional development for the learning community.

Petal School District Mission Statement
The mission of the PSD is to empower all students with the attitudes, knowledge and lifelong learning skills essential to thrive as responsible citizens in an ever-changing global society.

Petal School Libraries Mission Statement
The mission of the Petal Schools Library programs is to provide an accessible, welcoming, student-centered environment for all patrons and the pursuit of books and resources needed to promote a love of reading and lifelong learning in the 21st century. Our libraries seek to create a more literate community of learners by providing the very best products for students to successfully seek ideas and information to meet their recreational, educational and informational needs.

Vision Statement
The Petal Library program’s vision is to be the very heart of education, with a well-established collection of print and non-print materials, available technology to support the needs of students, and fully staffed with leaders who are dedicated to building a culture of literacy within our community.

Statement of Philosophy
The school library supports and enriches the curriculum by providing current materials and technology to meet the information needs of students and teachers. Instruction is provided in locating, evaluating, and using information. The library media specialist promotes the value of the library as an accessible source of information for lifelong learning and stimulates interest in reading and literacy for a diverse population of students and teachers.

Demographics
*Numbers are approximate and may vary slightly from year to year.

• Total Students Free - 2081 (47.5%)
• Total students Reduced - 509 (11.6%)
• Total students full pay - 1790 (40.9%)
• White Male - 1621
• White Female - 1504
• Black Male - 441
• Black Female - 416
• Asian Male - 21
• Asian Female - 16
• American Indian Male - 5
• American Indian Female - 2
• Pacific Islander Male - 2
• Pacific Islander Female - 4
• Hispanic Male - 176
• Hispanic Female - 171

Goals and Objectives

1. Consult with teachers, administrators and the school library advocacy committee to create Student Learning Outcome and School Library Program SMART goals which plan for and provide necessary resources, technology, and instructional services aligned with the Mississippi Learning Standards for Libraries and support the Mississippi College-and Career-Reading Standards.
2. Plan instruction and provide print and digital resources that meet the diversity of students’ backgrounds, cultures, skills, learning levels, language proficiencies, interests, and special needs by working with teachers, administrators, and the school library advocacy committee.
3. Encourage reading of various forms of literature by developing and maintaining a balanced, comprehensive, diverse, and up-to-date collection of print and digital resources that support the school’s instructional program while maintaining an awareness of students’ reading interests and providing guidance in the selection of grade-appropriate materials.
4. Collaboratively plan and teach engaging inquiry-based informational and digital literacy activities and literacy lessons that incorporate multiple literacies and foster critical thinking as an integral part of the Mississippi Learning Standards for Libraries and the Mississippi College and Career-Readiness Standards.
5. Provide training and assistance to students and teachers in the use of print and digital library resources, equipment, copyright and fair use, and emerging technologies to support teachers and learning.
6. Organize the library resources and ensure equitable physical access to facilities while demonstrating high expectations and maintaining an environment that is inviting, safe, flexible, and conducive to teaching and learning.
7. Select resources according to the principles of the School Library Bill of Rights and Intellectual Freedom and provide access to information in consideration of students’ needs, abilities and diversity.

Budgeting Procedures
Petal School District libraries receive a budget from the school district set by the school administration for the purchase of books, materials, and supplies. The librarian uses student/teacher needs assessment, Titlewave analysis, and standards set by MDE to prioritize funds when ordering books and library supplies. Budget requests for each year are provided in February and completed by the librarian to be approved. Each library raises additional funds through fundraisers such as but not limited to book fairs, supply sales, coffee shops, and vending machines.

Needs Assessment
Each year, the Librarian will provide students and teachers with an interest and need inventory. The information collected from these inventories will be used by the LMS to purchase books and materials for the Library Collection.

Open/Flexible Scheduling for Library

Petal Primary
Petal Primary Library has a fixed schedule. Teachers who need special accommodation should email the librarian.

7-7:35 a.m.	Open Library	All students are allowed to use the library during this time.
7:35-8 a.m.	CLOSED	The library is closed during morning announcements. The LMS uses this as planning time.
8-10:40 a.m.	Scheduled Classes	The library is used for scheduled classes.
10:40-11:10 a.m.	CLOSED	Planning/PLC/Lunch
11:10 a.m.- 2 p.m.	Scheduled Classes	The library is used for scheduled classes.
2-3 p.m.	CLOSED	The library is used as a late bus station. The LMS is on duty.

 

Petal Elementary
Petal Elementary Library has a fixed schedule.

7-7:35 a.m.	Open Library	All students are allowed to use the library during this time.
7:35-7:50 a.m.	CLOSED	The library is closed during morning announcements.
7:50 a.m.-2 p.m.	Scheduled Classes	The library is used for scheduled classes.
10:15-11:35 a.m.	CLOSED	Planning time/PLC/Lunch
2:30-3 p.m.	CLOSED	Car Duty

 

Petal Upper Elementary

MON-THUR 7-7:35 a.m.	CLOSED	The library is closed, and the LMS is on bus duty.
7:35-9:53 a.m.	Scheduled Classes	The library is used for scheduled classes.
9:56-10:40 a.m.	Open Library	All students are allowed to use the library during this time to check out or return books.
10:43 a.m.-12:09 p.m.	CLOSED	Planning/PLC/Lunch
12:12-2:28 p.m.	Scheduled Classes	The library is used for scheduled classes.
FRIDAY	OPEN LIBRARY	Students are allowed to use the library to check out or return books.

 

Petal Middle
Our library works on a flexible/open schedule. We use Google Calendar or email for teachers to reserve the library to bring whole classes, send students for make-up work/tests, free reading, game time, etc.

8 a.m.-4 p.m.	Open Library	Classes may be scheduled at the request of teachers through Google Calendar or email.
11- 11:30 a.m.	Closed for Lunch

 

Petal High
The Den has a fixed schedule. Teachers and staff that need special accommodation should email the librarian no later than one week before the appointment.

8-8:30 a.m.	Coffee Shop and Study Hall	All students are allowed to use the library during this time to work quietly. No breakfasts will be allowed in the library.
8:30-9:23 a.m.	Tech Help Desk and Chromebook Checkout	Students with a Chromebook come during this time. Checked-out Chromebooks must be returned by the 6th period to avoid a $5 per night rental fee.
9:23 a.m.-3:55 p.m.	Open Library and Peer Tutoring	Appointments may be made to reserve the library for the following reasons: meetings, class checkout, and Library Media Specialist skill lessons. Appointments must be scheduled with the librarian at least one week in advance. Events will be published each Monday morning in The Den Weekly Newsletter.

 

Non-Traditional School Day Policy
The library schedule will be determined by the school administration.

Circulation Policy

• Petal Primary
  • Student Policy
    • Petal Primary students are allowed to check out one book at a time. All checked-out books are due on the student’s next scheduled library day. If a book is not returned, a parent notification is sent home in the student’s red folder. Students with lost or missing books cannot check out a new book.
  • Faculty Policy
    • Faculty may check out materials from the Teacher Resource Room for two weeks. A limit may be put on the number of books on any one topic.
  • Fine Policy
    • If a book is lost or damaged beyond repair, the student/parent must pay the full replacement fee. The fee will be printed on the parent notification letter and sent home in the student’s red folder.
• Petal Elementary 
  • Student Policy
    • Students are allowed to check out one book at a time and they are due on the student’s next scheduled library day. Students are allowed to recheck the books not completed. An overdue report will be given to the homeroom teachers at the end of each month. Students with lost or missing books cannot check out a new book until the overdue book is returned or fine paid.
  • Faculty Policy
    • Faculty may check out materials from the Teacher Resource Room. Faculty are allowed to check out 25 items at a time for two weeks. A limit may be put on the number of books on any one topic.
• Petal Upper Elementary
  • Student Policy
    • Students are allowed to check out two books at a time and are encouraged to select two different genres. The students are allowed to keep the books for two weeks. If they need longer, they may be rechecked out.
• Petal Middle
  • Student Policy
    • Students are allowed to check out two books at a time. They may choose any genre and keep the books for two weeks.
  • Faculty Policy
    • Faculty members may check out an unlimited number of books for classroom use. Faculty works with the LMS to agree on a due date for books/materials so that units and classroom topics are covered thoroughly.
  • Fine Policy
    • The LMS sends out reports twice every nine weeks to remind students and faculty that they have books due or overdue.
• Petal High 
  • Student and Faculty Policy
    • Petal High School students and teachers are allowed to check out two books at a time for two weeks. Before or on the due date, students may email the librarian to renew books for an additional two weeks. Failure to contact the librarian through email will result in an overdue fine.

Fine Policy
If a book is lost or damaged beyond repair, the student/parent must pay the full replacement fee for the PermaBound replacement. The overdue book fee is .05 per day after the due date. Students with fines must pay them by the end of each year. If a student has a fine at the time of graduation, their diploma will be held until the fine is paid.

Selection Policy
The primary objective of the district library material selection procedure is to provide students and teachers with a wide range of educational materials on levels of difficulty and a variety of formats, with a diversity of appeal, allowing for the presentation of many different points of view. To this end, the Board, in keeping with the ideas expressed in the School Library Bill of Rights, asserts that the responsibility of the district media specialist is: 

• To provide materials that will enrich and support the curriculum, taking into consideration the varied interests, abilities and maturity levels of the pupils served.
• To provide materials that will stimulate growth in factual knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values and ethical standards.
• To provide a background of information which will enable students to make intelligent judgments in their daily lives.
• To provide materials on opposing sides of controversial issues so that young citizens may develop under their guidance the practice of critical reading and thinking.
• To provide materials representative of many religious, ethnic, and cultural groups and their contribution to our American heritage, thereby enabling students to develop an intellectual integrity in forming judgments.
• To place principle above opinion and reason above prejudice in the selection of materials of the highest quality to ensure a comprehensive selection appropriate for students.

Responsibility for the Selection of Materials
The identification, selection and recommendation of library materials is primarily the function of the professional staff of the district. The selection of library materials will be guided by the instructional needs of the individual schools, the adequacy of recommended materials in meeting adopted curriculum goals and the strengths and weaknesses within the existing collection of materials. While professional staff will be encouraged and supported in applying the listed guides to select and recommend library materials, the Board retains sole authority for approving the library materials utilized.

Criteria for selection of Materials
The major criterion for the selection of resources is the educational suitability of the resource for its intended use. Media specialists will use educational criteria such as the Mississippi Department of Educations Equipped Evaluation Tool and professional judgment rather than opinions, values or beliefs in the selection of resources. All materials purchased or accepted as gifts will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Relevance to the curriculum
• Relevance to informational and recreational needs
• Suitability of subject
• Format and level for the intended audience
• Quality and variety of format
• Importance of subject matter to the collection
• Scarcity of materials of the subject
• Published and/or broadcast reviews or inclusion in special bibliographies and indices
• Authority and significance of the author, composer, filmmaker, etc.
• Reputation of the publisher or producer
• Timeliness and/or permanence
• Student interests
• Provision of alternate viewpoints
• Quality of writing, design, illustrations or production
• Relevance to school community standards
• Potential and/or known demand
• Cost
• Users of the library

Challenged Materials
Instructional materials, including library books, are selected to implement, enrich and support the educational program for the student. The main objective is to provide students with a range of educational materials on all levels of difficulty and in a variety of formats, with a diversity of appeal, allowing for the presentation of many different points of view. Library books are chosen by the media specialist based on the book’s educational significance; literary and or/artistic merit; contribution the subject matter makes to the curriculum and/or to the interests of the students; favorable recommendations based on preview and examination by professional personnel; reputation of the author or publisher; or high degree of potential user appeal. Resources will be selected for their strengths rather than rejected for their weaknesses and shall be appropriate for the subject area and for the age, emotional development, ability level, and social development of the students.

Any resident or employee of the school district may formally challenge books available in the school library or the classroom. People requesting the removal of a book should present their request in writing to the school principal. The principal will convene a committee of at least four to consider the complaint. The committee shall consist of, at least, the principal, the librarian/media specialist, a teacher and a PTO representative. The committee shall meet within two weeks to discuss the materials.

The principal will notify the complainant and the superintendent of the committee’s decision. If the committee decides to keep the work that caused the complaint, the complainant shall be given an explanation. If the complaint is valid, the principal will acknowledge it and make recommended changes. If the complainant is still not satisfied, he/she may ask the superintendent to present an appeal to the Board of Trustees, which shall make the final determination of the issue. However, no questioned materials shall be removed from the school pending a decision of the Reconsideration Committee. Recommendations of the American Library Association will be followed for the consideration of selecting or removing resources from the school library.

Evaluation and Weeding
Each media specialist will evaluate the collection continuously to identify materials in need of repair, replacement or withdrawal. 

The following criteria are considered when withdrawing materials:

• Physical condition
• Currency of information
• Availability
• Permanent value
• User demand
• Other coverage of subject material
• Available space

Replacement
Replacement of materials is not automatic but is considered concerning the school collection. Materials to be withdrawn from the district or school collection will be disposed of per state statute.

Donations and Gifts
Gifts of books or other materials may be accepted, but incorporation into the collection is based on need and the judgment of the media specialists. All gifts are subject to evaluation by the criteria for the selection of materials. Commercially prepared materials are accepted if they meet the selection standards, are intended to inform, do not promote sales and are free from excessive advertising.

Cataloging and Processing
The librarian will order, process and catalog all materials. They will make certain that books contain: the name of the school, a correctly labeled spine and a barcode. The librarian will add the MARC record or applicable information for each book/material to the Library Destiny Database.

Requests
The librarian will record requests made throughout the year to a wish list. These requests will be used for ordering books/materials.

Copyright/Fair Use
The librarians will follow the Copyright Act of 1976 including section 107, “fair use.” The LMS will offer guidance to the teachers, staff, and students on the topic of copyright and fair use. A copy of this document can be found here: ALA | Copyright & Fair Use

Storage/Maintenance of Equipment
The librarian has all the equipment marked with the school’s name. Any equipment that can be checked out to teachers/staff is marked with a barcode and recorded in the Library Destiny Database. Equipment is accounted for during inventory and stored in the library, library office or library closets.  

Job Descriptions/Responsibilities
School librarians work with both students and teachers to facilitate access to information in a wide variety of formats. They help instruct students and teachers how to acquire, evaluate and use the information and the technology needed in this process. Librarians also introduce students to literature and other resources to broaden their horizons.

School librarians are responsible for:

• the environment
  • providing a welcoming and respectful climate
  • arranging the library for a variety of uses
• the program
  • developing a vision, a mission and short- and long-term goals for the school library program with input from administrators, teachers and students.
  • providing orientation and instruction on the use of the library’s materials and equipment
  • encouraging reading by maintaining an awareness of students’ reading interests and by guiding the selection of appropriate materials
  • developing and implementing reading initiatives to motivate and engage students
  • collaborating with teachers to plan and implement instructional units integrating the resources of the library with the classroom curriculum
  • providing instruction and support to reach diverse student needs 
  • ensuring that students have access to the library for a wide range of needs
  • participating in school curriculum planning meetings 
  • knowing state and school-wide test results concerning proficiency in the library and information literacy skills 
• the technology
  • staying current on the latest teaching and learning technologies
  • collaborating with teachers to integrate inquiry, library and research skills, and technology skills into the curriculum
  • working with technical personnel to maintain working and up-to-date technology
  • implementing management and instruction in the use of technology
• the collection development
  • providing access to a balanced, up-to-date collection of both print, non-print and digital format materials, including technology, that meets the needs of the school
  • establishing, maintaining and updating an automated catalog and organizing the collection
• the budget
  • establishing budget priorities based on an assessment of needs, the status of the collection, technology needed, plan for improvement, the library advisory committee and industry trends
  • submitting a proposed annual budget promptly to the building administrator to ensure inclusion budget planning
  • maintaining budget and expenditure records
• policies
  • maintaining fair, consistent circulation and use policies
  • developing a scheduling policy that provides open and flexible access
  • developing a policies and procedures manual for the library approved by the local board of education
  • documenting, reporting and maintaining records showing the use of library resources such as budget requests/justification, collection statistics and short/long-time goals
  • managing the library staff and volunteers 
• professional development
  • providing professional development for teachers and administrators based on assessed needs
  • providing access to professional materials/information for faculty and staff
  • attending local, state and national professional development workshops and meetings geared to school librarians
  • reading professional library journals to stay abreast of trends and best practices 

Record/Reports Keeping
The librarians at each site will keep records and reports as requested by the school, district and state. A copy of records/reports may be found in the library office. A copy of some important records/reports may be held by the school bookkeepers and/or administrators.

Advocacy and Public Relations
The responsibilities of Petal School District’s librarians about advocacy are as follows:

• Communicate regularly with administrators, teachers, students and parents about library resources and programs in various forms
• Promote the use of the library to students, teachers and parents to ensure that the library is a vital and active center of learning for the entire school community
• Develop an ongoing advocacy program for the library

Opening and Closing Duties
At the beginning of each year, librarians will use predetermined time to train, organize, plan and inventory. At the end of the year, librarians will complete similar tasks to close out the year.

Inventory Procedure
The LMS conducts a library inventory in the spring semester of each school year before or after state testing.

Duties of Support Staff and Volunteers
Library volunteers will aid with reshelving books, making copies and other tasks needed. Volunteers may also assist with special activities such as a Book Fair.

Disaster Preparedness
Each library will follow the disaster plans outlined by the administration at each building site. Each library posts a disaster kit with these procedures and materials by the door or at the circulation desk.

Services/Activities Offered

• Petal Primary School
  • Students may participate in Accelerated Reader. The LMS provides lessons to assist students in learning how to use and be successful in AR.
  • The library holds two Book Fairs each year.
• Petal Elementary School
  • Each class participates in Accelerated Reader. The LMS sets points goals per nine weeks, and students who reach their will participate in an AR incentive. At the end of the school year, students who reach yearly goals will earn rewards.
  • The LMS organizes the Principal Break Book Club during two-week breaks.
• Petal Upper Elementary
  • The library holds two Book Fairs each year.
  • The LMS organizes “One School, One Book” by choosing a book to be read school-wide and plans/shares activities that support the book. 
• Petal Middle School
  • The library offers a space for students and teachers to read, research, collaborate and relax. Our space houses diverse seating options and workspaces. We also offer game time to foster social interaction and blue light breaks from devices. Classes meet to choose free reading material or read materials from ELA classes.
• Petal High School
  • The Den at PHS provides space for students and teachers to work, create, collaborate, and relax. At The Den, we truly are a HUB of support and engagement for all PHS students and faculty! Stop by and pick up a pamphlet to see all that we offer! Activities in The Den includes, but are not limited to, the following:
    • Panther Peer Tutoring
    • Elective PLC
    • Beta Club
    • Magnolia Breakfast Book Club
    • PHS Annual Reading Challenge
    • Fantastically Fun Fridays (hosted by the Elective PLC at PHS)
    • Morning Study Hall
    • Panther Brew Coffee Shop
    • Exam Quiet Week
    • Drop-off Tech Help Desk (first period only)

Library Bill of Rights

The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people in the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting the abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

VI. Libraries that make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

VII. All people, regardless of origin, age, background, or views, possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use. Libraries should advocate for, educate about, and protect people’s privacy, safeguarding all library use data, including personally identifiable information.