Lair, Policy & Procedures Analysis

Sarah Lair | EDLI 6720 | November 2023

Table of Contents

Selection Policy and Procedures for Challenged Materials……………….……...……...……..2

Intellectual Freedom Statement/Freedom to Read…………………...……...………………….3

Acceptable Use of Technology/CIPA…………………………...………………………………3

Copyright/Ethical Use of Information…………………………………….…………………….4

District Equity Policy…………………………………………………………………………...6

Vision and Mission Statement…………………….…………………………...………………..6

Circulation Procedures…………………………………………………………..……………...7

Scheduling Information…………………………………………………………….…………...8

Library Behavior Expectations………...……………………………………………………..…8

Digital Resources and Technology Support…………………..………………………………...9

Lair, Policy & Procedures Analysis

The Selecting Library Materials policy of the Windham Northeast Supervisory Union is
very brief and has 3 implementations: staff and families can recommend materials, the selection
process includes the removal of materials that are no longer appropriate and replacing worn/lost
materials, and any complaints will be handled through the policy on Procedure for Handling
Complaints (Selecting Library Materials, 2009). There is not much mentioned about this being
strictly for challenged materials, just overall materials for the library.
Since this policy is outdated and from an old model policy from the Vermont School
Board Association, I would like to update this policy and include some selecting objectives and
goals I found helpful from the Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union. This policy included ideas
surrounding how needs are rapidly changing with a diverse population, materials are to be
provided that will enrich and support curriculums, said materials will stimulate factual
knowledge and growth, materials would represent a diversity in experience, opinions and
social/cultural perspectives that support the concept of freedom and access to information, and
most importantly, that the selection of materials is ultimately left up to the library professional
(Library Media Materials Selection Policy, 2023).
The policy I would put into place would include the following:
1. The library collection has the purpose to include a wide range of learning
resources that ensures equity by social, cultural, economic views and diversity of
experiences, opinions and perspectives.
2. Administrators, staff, students, families and community members may
recommend materials but final selection is left ultimately up to the library
professional.
3. Administrators, staff, students, families and community members may put in a
request for reconsideration which will be handled by the library professional and
other librarians in the district.
3.1. A challenge on a material must meet certain requirements, such as:
material was read in full and was understood and the challenger is coming
from their own perspective and not from an outside idea.
3.2. A reconsideration form can be found on the school website and may be
filled out once per material item. Once the form is submitted, the librarian
will proceed to discuss it with other librarians in the district and come to a
decision using tools from the ALA Challenge Support (Challenge Support,
2016). Please allow time for this process.
4. Selection is an ongoing process which shall include the removal of materials no
longer appropriate and the replacement of lost and worn materials still of
educational value (Selecting Library Materials, 2009).
Lair, Policy & Procedures Analysis

The WNESU does not have an Intellectual Freedom Statement or a Freedom to Read
policy currently in place. This policy is connected to the Selection Policy and Procedures for
Challenged materials. While censorship suppresses ideas and information that could be found
objectionable or dangerous, intellectual freedom allows freedom to hold, receive and disseminate
ideas. I found that Shafter High School in California had a solid foundation for an Intellectual
Freedom statement since it supports the Bill of Rights from the ALA and AASL as well as the
National Council of Teachers of English and the Young Adult "Right to Read" statement
(Intellectual Freedom, n.d.). The Intellectual Freedom and Freedom to Read are principles
inherent to the First Amendment and "must be protected and preserved to assist the growth of
informed and responsible citizens" (Intellectual Freedom, n.d.). This policy supports the
Selection Policy and Procedures for Challenged Materials policy as well. It emphasizes that the
school supports materials that provide information which will encourage students to critically
think and read to make intelligent judgments and ethical decisions.
The policy I would put in place would look like such:
1. Bellows Falls Middle School believes that free communication is essential to the
preservation of a free society and a creative culture (The Freedom to Read
Statement, 2004).
1.1. We support the rights of parents or guardians to monitor the reading and
viewing and listening activities of their own children (Intellectual
Freedom, n.d.).
2. It is up to the library professional to determine if a material chosen by a student is
too mature for their age.
2.1. If a student chooses a material that is too mature for their age, they will
not be allowed to check out the material and can when they turn an
appropriate age.
2.1.1. If the guardian of said student would like to rebuttal this decision,
they are welcome to contact the library professional to discuss any
exceptions.
3. It is in the student and schools interest to have a wide diversity of views and
expressions, including those that are unorthodox, unpopular, or considered
dangerous by the majority (The Freedom to Read Statement, 2006).

The WNESU has a Use of Copyrighted Work policy (2009) that is a bit outdated and no
ethical use of information policy. I would still use the current WNESU policy but include some
ethical language I found in the Cedar Rapids Community School District's Legal and Ethical Use
Lair, Policy & Procedures Analysis

of Information Resources policy (2022). I value the difference in staff and student language used
for copyright infringement in the WNESU policy and would keep that included. The background
information also found in the WNESU policy is helpful for staff and parents so they are aware
this is not just a district/school policy but also a federal law; this is also found in the Cedar
Rapids policy. I would go more in depth on my policy on the ways you can use copyright
material under the fair uses.
The policy I would put into place would include the current WNESU Use of a
Copyrighted Work policy (2009), how something qualifies as fair use as found in the U.S.
Copyright Office Fair Use Index (2023), and ethical language found in the Cedar Rapids policy
(2022). It would also include the following: Bellows Falls Middle School is committed to
fostering a culture of respect for intellectual property and the ethical usage of information. In
accordance with copyright laws, the school library follows the principle that all materials are
subject to copyright protection. Staff and students are encouraged to be mindful of copyright
restrictions when reproducing, distributing, or displaying works found in the library. We will
advocate for the responsible and ethical use of information, promoting proper citation and
acknowledgment of sources.

The current WNESU Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources and the Internet (2012)
includes a purpose, definitions, policy, administrative responsibilities, user responsibilities,
limitation/disclaimer of liability, and enforcement. I would like to integrate some statements
found in the Greenville County Schools Data Security and Use of Technology policy (2020) such
as the legal requirements which could fit with the background information provided by the
WNESU policy, prohibited use of the resources, email maintenance, consequences, and safety
and privacy.
I would create my policy by fusing together the WNESU policy with the Greenville
County example:
1. Introduction and Purpose
1.1. Benefits of having electronic resources that will support and enrich the
curriculum allowing students access to information and opportunities. The
policy will comply with federal and state laws that regulate the provision
of access to the internet and other resources. Each staff and student are
expected to be familiar with the policy and ensure that individuals are
aware of their responsibilities regarding internet usage.
2. Definitions
2.1. Including but not limited to: child pornography, “harmful to minors”,
minor, computer, internet, FERPA, CIPA, IDEA, COPPA, HIPAA.
3. Policy
3.1. Access to electronic resources are available when students and staff agree
to the release form provided by the district.
Lair, Policy & Procedures Analysis

3.2. Resources are a privilege not a right. The district is not responsible for any
information that may be lost, damaged or unavailable when using the
network.
3.3. The district reserves the right to monitor, track, and log network access
and use or deny access to prevent unauthorized, inappropriate or illegal
activity and may revoke access privileged and/or administer appropriate
disciplinary action for misuse of its electronic resources (Acceptable Use
of Electronic Resources and the Internet, 2012)
3.4.
4. Prohibited use of the resources and Limitation/Disclaimer of Liability
4.1. The use of obscene, bullying, profane, lewd, threatening, disrespectful, or
gang related language or symbols (Data Security and Use of Technology,
2020).
4.2. Commercial or for-profit use
4.3. Bullying, harassment, offensive or obscene and profane language,
inflammatory communication including hate mail and "sexting",
threatening or disrespectful language.
4.4. Adding, modifying, repairing, reconfiguring or otherwise tampering with
any device on the network infrastructure including, but not limited to:
wireless network devices, computers, printers, servers, cabling,
switches/hubs, routers, etc. Including disabling or bypassing any
blocking/filtering software without authorization. (Data Security and Use
of Technology, 2020).
4.5. Impersonation of another user. Accessing another's property with or
without consent. (Data Security and Use of Technology, 2020).
4.6. Destroying or tampering with any computer equipment or software.
5. Safety and Privacy
5.1. Precautions to take to ensure the safety of students: Students will not share
or post personal and private contact information about themselves or
others. Students agree to disclose with a trusted staff member if they
witness or are a victim of any of the prohibited uses. (Acceptable Use of
Electronic Resources and the Internet, 2012)
5.2. There are no expectations of privacy for students or staff when using the
resources provided by the district. These include: email, systems and/or
equipment.
6. Administrative and Staff Responsibilities
6.1. Control of access to students' computers. Safety and security of minors
when using electronic communication. Prevention of unauthorized online
access to unlawful activities. (Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources
and the Internet, 2012)
7. Student and User Responsibilities
7.1. Electronic resources are available for classroom activities that are
approved by the staff member. Students will not post any personal contact
information or private information about themselves or others.
8. Enforcement and Consequences
Lair, Policy & Procedures Analysis

8.1. If this policy is violated, the violator will be provided with notice and an
opportunity to be heard by administrators and the school board.
Allegations of a staff member violating the policy, they will be processed
in accord with contractual agreements and legal requirements (Acceptable
Use of Electronic Resources and the Internet, 2012).

I was surprised to see that my district does not have an Equity Policy in place. With
nothing to go off of, I was pleased to find a great updated policy from the Washington County
School District (2021). I would also include a definition in my policy of what equity means. My
policy would look like such:
1. Definition
1.1. Equity: the means that each individual is provided the same resources,
opportunities, fairness and impartiality as any other person regardless of
circumstances.
2. Purpose
2.1. To provide educational equality and access to every learning student.
3. Policy
3.1. Bellows Falls Middle School will ensure that all students are supported
with resources that provide a safe environment for learning in the school.
We will cultivate a safe and respectful learning and working environment
for all students. No staff member or administrator shall press their own
beliefs on another, including: sex, race, ethnicity, religion, color,
nationality. No distinction or classification of students shall be made on
account of sex, race, ethnicity, religion, color, or nationality (Educational
Equity, 2021).
3.1.1. Failure to comply with the provisions of this policy may result in
disciplinary action (Educational Equity, 2021).

Mission Statement

As a middle school librarian, my mission is to inspire, educate, and empower young minds on
their journey of intellectual and personal growth. I am committed to providing a dynamic,
inclusive, and resource-rich environment where every student can explore, learn, and discover.
Through collaboration with educators and a focus on fostering a love for reading, information
literacy, and critical thinking, I aim to prepare students for a future of lifelong learning and
responsible digital citizenship.
Lair, Policy & Procedures Analysis

Vision Statement
My vision is to empower those to become ethical users, critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers,
and skillful researchers. To ensure equality and freedom to access all information for all
population.​My goal is to ensure that our students acquire information literacy skills. To develop
and maintain a balanced, extensive and accessible collection of print and non-print material for
all our patrons. To use the relevance of materials that support and enrich the curriculum. To
prompt curiosity, which leads to individual learning, creativity, and research. To promote literacy
and the enjoyment of reading.

The following is the circulation procedure in the Bellows Falls Middle School library during the
2023-2024 school year:
Checking out-
The library professional will check out materials at the circulation desk. Students are not allowed
to check out materials without supervision from a staff member, preferably the school librarian.
Staff holds the right to debar certain material if the maturity level is too advanced.
Students may borrow up to 4 books at a time from the general collection. The staff reserves the
right to limit the number of materials borrowed.
Loan periods are as follows-
Students: 14 days. Materials may be renewed up to 2 times with a total of 42 days.
Reference materials may only be checked out by staff members for classroom instruction.
Returning books-
There are 2 different ways to return a book at the BFMS library. You may leave the book in the
book drop near the library door or you may return the book directly to the library professional.
Students are expected to return items borrowed by the due date. Students with overdue materials
may not check out new material until the overdue item is returned.
Materials are expected to be treated with care and respect. Any damaged materials returned may
result in a small fee for damage. If a material is lost, the student is responsible for locating or
replacing the material.
Lair, Policy & Procedures Analysis

6th graders have Library Study Skills built into their schedules from 1:17-2:04.
5th graders have Library Study Skills built into their schedules from 2:06-2:53.
Availability to schedule collaboration with the school librarian are shown above.
8th and 7th grade core teachers are encouraged to reach out to the school librarian to schedule
class time in the library. This time can be used to check-in and out and renew materials and also
collaborate with inter-curriculum lessons.

The expectations for the Bellows Falls Middle School library are as follows:
● Be kind and respectful
● Be safe and supportive
● Have positive effort and attitude

In the library, we expect staff and students to use good judgment in terms of noise, language and
physical space. There is no food or drinks allowed in the library with the exception of water.
According to the Bellows Falls Middle School Student Handbook (2023), cell phone usage is not
allowed in the school. Cell phones are not allowed out in the library unless it is under the
discretion of a staff member for educational purposes only. Students are expected to follow all
rules established in the handbook when they are in the library. If students are in the library for a
scheduled class, they are expected to come to class prepared (Chromebook with them) and ready
to learn. Students are expected to leave the room as it was when they entered, not leaving behind
any trash, putting things away they took out and tucking their chairs in under the table. If there is
an emergency drill, students in the library at the time will follow the teachers directions.
Lair, Policy & Procedures Analysis

Digital resources are available and provide different learning activities in different
mediums. There are many digital resources available from the school library. Some of these
resources include: Gale, World Book Online, Vermont Online Library, WorldCat, Open Library,
W3 Schools, Interland, Hour of Code, Common Sense, National Geographic Kids, Newspapers,
Khan Academy, Nasa Kids, Time for Kids, Typing.com, Nitro Type, Sora, Swank, and many
more.
There are 10 loaner Chromebooks available in the library for students who have lost or
damaged Chromebooks that are being fixed by the Technology Department. The school librarian
or staff member may use the shared Google Sheet to check in and out a loaner Chromebook.
These loaners are to be returned by the end of the day each day. If a loaner is not returned, that
student will not be able to get another loaner or their fixed Chromebook until it is returned.
Students have access to reach out to the Technology Department if there is an issue with their
assigned Chromebook.
Lair, Policy & Procedures Analysis
Lair, Policy & Procedures Analysis

References

Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources and the Internet. (2012). Windham Northeast
Supervisory Union.
https://4.files.edl.io/e6be/06/13/22/200532-30109243-eb40-4bc2-b939-ba746e51d54e.pdf

Challenge Support. (2016). American Library Association.

http://www.ala.org/tools/challengesupport

Data Security and Use of Technology. (2020). Greenville County Schools.

https://go.boarddocs.com/sc/greenville/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BTPH5H46D22C

Educational Equity. (2021). Washington County School District.

https://procedure.washk12.org/policy/4000/4225

Intellectual Freedom. (n.d.) Shafter High School.

https://shafter.kernhigh.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=612433&type=d&pREC_ID
=1088623

Legal and Ethical Use of Information Resources. (2022). Cedar Rapids Community School
District.
https://crschools.us/policy/policy-402-library-and-instructional-materials/regulation-402-
legal-and-ethical-use-of-information-resources/

Library Media Materials Selection Policy. (2023). Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7gJgbuGsJ5MM2VrR041MFprajA/view?resourcekey=
0-5mlbTj2iYeWRZDGwclJPiQ

Selecting Library Materials. (2009). VSBA 2001 Vermont Model Policy Manual.
https://4.files.edl.io/3e06/06/13/22/200534-6f1c50d9-a72c-458c-9db1-160187bea0a6.pdf

Student/Parent Handbook 2023-2024. (2023). Bellows Falls Middle School.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Wi6PDXjqHadLeayf-9h3A69IhwMneTwXanvwB
MDcDgQ/edit

The Freedom to Read Statement. (2004). Unite Against Book Bans.

https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/freedomtoread/#statement

The Freedom to Read Statement. (2006). American Library Association.

https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/freedomreadstatement

U.S. Copyright Office Fair Use Index. (2023). U.S. Copyright Office.
https://www.copyright.gov/fair-use/index.html

Use of Copyrighted Work. (2009). Windham Northeast Supervisory Union.

https://4.files.edl.io/44e8/06/13/22/200534-8b0fa55f-51e6-4329-9014-381f95a78b03.pdf
Lair, Policy & Procedures Analysis

Reflection:
This may have been one of my favorite assignments in my undergraduate/graduate career.
Although it was a lot of work, it was necessary. Since I came into this school library position,
there was nothing left behind for me to go off of. The preceding librarian was here for 40 years
and retired without notice and so I was sort of “thrown to the wolves” as other staff members
have told me. This may have been a required assignment for the class but it’s also a much needed
requirement in reality. I would love to use this as a template and further on it by using the
policies and procedures I didn’t include and bring it to the school board in my district to
hopefully have it approved.