The document summarizes the current state of the Cowan Road Elementary School media center and plans for improvements. It includes a mission statement, profiles the number of students and staff served, and provides photos of the existing space layout and resources. Surveys of teachers and students found that they enjoy the space but want more books, seating options, and computers. Planned improvements include adding a sofa, magazine racks, and expanding the reading and reference sections.

1. Cowan Road Elementary School
Media Center Facilities Plan
Cowan Road
Elementary School
Griffin-Spalding County
School System

2. Media Center Facility Plan
Library Mission Statement
Our media center does not currently
have a library mission statement in
place.
If I were media specialist it would
be:
Rising to a higher standard of
achievement by ensuring all students
and staff are effective users of
ideas and information.

3. Cowan Road Elementary
Media Center Profile
• 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

4. 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
y b de n a n a M
t sl a ce p S a de M
Storage of Teacher t o N ba L r e up m C
Closets (electrical,
o
i t i
i
Built-in shelves
Cabinet units
t
Media Specialist
i i
Read-aloud area Desk/work area
Audio/Visual Materials
w/Rocking chair
Circulation Desk
Manipulatives and
A/V Room – Teacher
Check outs of
Media Specialist
News Conference Room
Office/Workroom
Broadcast Room and Workroom

5. Photo Tour of Cowan Road Elementary Library
•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.

6. Recognition Board
•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.

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

8. Outside view of media
specialist’s office. There
Inside view of the
are two entrances that
Media Specialist’s lead to the office and
Office with desk window view to see out
and work area into the media center
from inside the office.

9. Circulation Desk
Front view of the Rear view of the
circulation desk circulation desk

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Instructional Area
The 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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 **

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

17. 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.

18. Storage
The storage area houses
the following materials:
•Carts
•Video resources
•Manipulatives
•Televisions
•Center resources

19. Book Areas
This book area is for This area is for lower level
periodicals and readers. It provides books
biographies for K-2nd grade students

20. More Book Areas
Fiction chapter books Fiction picture books are
are in this section of located here in this area
books. of books.

21. Survey Results- Teacher Results
Positive Negative
• Love the kid-friendly • Can’t think of one thing I like
atmosphere about the media center
• Media Center is very • Not enough book selections
inviting for Pre-K thru 2nd grade
• Reference section is very • The library is plain looking and
organized needs more wall decorations
• The arrangement is easy • More computers are needed
to follow for AR/research within the
• Love the window display media center.
• More non-fiction books are
needed.

22. Survey Results – Student Results
Positive Negative
• The librarian helps us out • Do not like sitting on the
• I enjoy looking for and carpet
checking out books. • We need more computers
• I enjoy the book fair • We need more magazines
• I look forward to reading in • We need comfy chairs or a
the reading loft sofa to sit on when reading
• Getting to help out in the • Need more books for boys
library • Need more mystery books
• Listening to stories the • We don’t have comic books
librarian reads

23. Reading Magazine
Added additional
Improvements
Non-
Sofa
added
Racks
Added reading loft
Fiction
Section
Fiction/Chp.bks.
Fiction/Pic. Bks. Read Aloud Two
Area reading
Fiction/Pic bks chairs
Reference
ActiveBoard
is Mounted
Resource Resource Resource
A/V Room – News Teacher Conference
Broadcast Room Media Specialist Room and
Reading
Office/Workroom
Guided
Workroom
Guided Reading

24. Student Reading Area & Table
•In order to accommodate
Modified Facilities Plan
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.

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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.

28. 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.

29. 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.

30. 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.

31. 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.

32. 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.

33. Current Media Center Policy
Accessibility:
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.

34. 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 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.

35. 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.

36. Current 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

37. Current 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

38. Current 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.
– 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 -

39. Current Media Center Policy
Reconsideration 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.

40. Current 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 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.

41. Current 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.

42. Current 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.

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

44. Current 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.

45. 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.

46. 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.

47. By: Lesley Metts
Fall 2010
Dr. Green
FRIT 7132