Cowan Road Elementary's media center serves approximately 665 students and 45 faculty members. The current facility floor plan shows the layout of the media center, including areas for books, computers, reading, instruction, and work spaces. A teacher survey found that the guided reading area and book selection could use improvements. The media center policies cover accessibility, organization, selection, circulation, reconsideration of materials, copyright, internet use, instructional equipment, and funding.

1. Media Center Facility Plan
Cowan Road Elementary
Kim Hollingsworth
FRIT 7132
Fall 2010

2. Cowan Road Elementary
Media Center Profile
o There are approximately 665 students,
o Pre K – 5th grade
o There are approximately 45 faculty
members
o There is one full time media specialist
o There is one full time clerk
o This is a Title 1 school

3. Media Center Location
o The school has two major hallways. The media
center is located in the middle of the school, on a hall
that connects these two hallways.
o It is easily accessible to all students and visitors.

4. View From the Hall
oDisplay case is located
to the right of the doors
entering the library.
oThe library
entrance is
recessed from
the hallway.
oThe AR points board
is located on the wall to
the right of the library
entrance.

5. Current Facility Floor Plan •Non-Fiction
•Fiction
•Student Work
Tables
Classroom
•Easy Reader
NOT run by Media
Work Area
Computer Lab –
Section
Specialist
•Reference
Materials
•Computer Stations
•Classroom Area
Tables
•Conference Table
Read-aloud area
•Wall Shelves
Storage/Manipulatives, Videos
•Circulation Desk
Media Specialist •Doors
Office/Workroom
A/V Room –
News
Conference
Room/Teacher •Magazines &
Resources
Broadcast Room Biographies
•Guided Reading
1/24/2012 •Reading Loft
5
•AV Room

6. View as You Enter the Media
Center

7. Circulation Desk
Front View
Back View

8. Media Specialist Office
o The media center office is
located behind the circulation
desk, slightly to the left.
o Staff restroom is located in the
office.
o There are two doors that
lead into the office.
o There are two windows that
provide a view of the
activity taking place in the
media center.

9. Instructional Area
Contains:
o Activboard
o ELMO
o Research
materials (ex.
Encyclopedia
s)
o This area will seat a classroom of
approximately 36 students.

10. Newsroom
o The newsroom is located behind the
circulation desk.
o Fifth grade students conduct the
“morning news” program.
oThe newsroom also houses the library printer
and copier.

11. Conference Room
o The conference room is located to the left of the media specialist’s office.
o Teacher resource books are housed here.

12. Guided Reading Materials
o Located outside the
conference room in
the far right hand
corner of the library.
o Classroom book sets
are also located in
this area.
**Currently under construction

13. Fun Reading Areas
o Reading Loft
o Two Carpet
Areas
o Bean Bag
Chairs
o Bean Bag
Sofa

14. Wall of Windows
o The door leads out to a courtyard where teachers
may take students to read.
o This wall of windows provides natural light.

15. Storage
o The storage room is located on the right as
you enter the media center
o Videos, center resources, televisions, and
leap pad materials are stored in this room.

16. The Bookshelves
o Lower Level Reading
Section
o This section provides
books for Pre K -2nd grade
oThis is the “Magazine
and Biography Section
oThis is a view of the
“easy” or “everybody”
section of the media
center.

17. The Bookshelves Continued
oThis is a view of the fiction section of
the media center.
oThe non-fiction section
includes the 2nd bookcase and
the bookcases that are on the
back wall.
oThe 1st bookcase is part of the
fiction section.

18. Survey Results- Teacher
Response
Area Don’t Change Minor Change Completely Change
Student Computer 60% 40% 0%
Stations
Separate AR Testing 53% 33% 13%
Center
Layout of Book Areas 56% 35% 12%
Guided Reading Area 31% 62% 6%
Classroom Area 47% 53% 0%
Other 60% 20% 20%
Continued of next slide

19. Survey Results- Teacher Response
What is ONE area/feature you would most want to change?
- larger book selection/and reading area for lower level readers
- hand puppets that correspond with stories
- more books (non fiction) that are on, above, and just below grade level on specific
Science and S.S. standards
- the Guided Reading Area/ Teacher Resource area
-Activboard/class area is too compact.
- would also like to see more wall decorations
What is ONE area/feature you would not want to change?
- openness of the media center
- the kid-friendly atmosphere
- the easy section books
-checkout procedures for kindergarten
-reference section
What are some types of books/resources that we need more of?
-lower grade reading books
-math
-books on Tape
-we need more informational books that align with state standards.
-more leveled Guided Reading books that match our science and social studies
standards.
-Social Studies books aligned with GPS for early grades (K-2) Continued of next slide

20. Survey Results – Student
Response thing about the media center?
What is your favorite
-the book fair
-being able to check out a book
-can read and play with stuffed animals
-reading parties
-the people that work in there are nice and helpful
-the lessons that teach us how to use technology
What is ONE thing you would like to change?
-more Pre-K and K AR books
-more spaces to sit
-having to choose a book from a table and not a shelf
-having to sit on the carpet
-need more magazines
-more computers
-when I lose my book, I can’t get another one
What are some types of books/resources that you think we need?
-more movies on subjects and holidays for the lower grade levels
-comic books
-book fair could come more often
-3D books
-more character books

21. Improvements
Purchase the following items:
ocomputer stations
ocomfortable seating to sit in while reading
olower level reading books
o“magazine rack” style bookcase for the easy reader section
otable lamps to sit on the student work tables
oPuppets
oportable listening centers and books on tape
oleveled Science and Social Studies books
osubscribe to a larger variety of magazines
ofour bookcases to hold teacher resource materials
Make the following changes:
omove the guided reading section into the conference room
omove the classroom area to the far right hand corner of the media center so that
traffic does not disturb students
omove teacher resources to bookcases in the media center
omove the magazines and biographies to the middle of the back wall to separate non-
fiction and easy readers
omove the easy reader section to the far left hand corner of the media center so that
traffic does not disturb story time

22. Modified Facility Floor Plan
•Non-Fiction
•Fiction
Non-Fiction Section
Student •Student Work
Work Easy Reader
Computer Lab – NOT
/Reading Section/Reading Tables
Fiction Section Area Lounge
•Easy Reader
run by Media
Section
Specialist
•Chairs
•Reference
Reference Resources
Materials
Computer •Computer Stations
Stations
Classroom
Work Area
•Classroom Area
Tables
•Activboard
other Teacher Check-outs
Manipulatives, Video, and
•Conference Table
Media Specialist
Office/Workroom
Guided Reading/
Conference Room •Wall Shelves
Storage of
Newsroom
•Circulation Desk
•Doors
•Magazines &
Biographies
1/24/2012

23. The School Library Media
Program System 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

24. The School Library Media
Program System 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.

25. School Library Media Program
System Goals
oTo provide a facility that functions as the information
center of the school;
oTo 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
oTo 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.

26. Media Center Policy:
Accessibility -
Hours of operation:
For Students – 8:15am – 2:15pm
For Faculty – 7:30am – 3:30pm
oThe Media Center is open during the school day for
student use.
oFaculty may use the media center before and after
school.
oExceptions may be made on occasions when the
media center is needed other than regular school
hours.
oThe media center offers open/flexible scheduling.

27. 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:
oaddress media concerns at the school level
oprovide input to the system library media committee
odevelop procedures for implementing the system’s instructional media and
equipment policy
oestablish media program objectives based on instructional goals by
o developing immediate and long-range plans for the SLMP
orecommend priorities for the school library media budget
oassess, evaluate, and modify school library media resources and services
oidentify and plan media or technology related staff development activities
orespond to formal challenges regarding materials used in the school
oestablish and maintain cooperation with other agencies, such as the
o public library
There is one full time media specialist and one part time media clerk.

28. Media Center Policy:
Selection of Media Center Materials -
oDirect 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.
oSelection should be made from reputable, unbiased, professionally
prepared aids.
oOther selection methods include (but are not limited to):
oOther school media specialists
oExhibits at conferences
oTextbook bibliographies
oVisits to evaluation centers
oA list of appropriate selection tools is included. These are not the only
selection tools allowed.
oFaculty, parents, and student recommendations will be considered, but
the final decision rests with professional personnel.

29. Media Center Policy:
Circulation -
o Each patron is assigned a number in the Follett circulation system and uses this
number to check out books.
o Orientation takes place each fall and, as needed, throughout the year for new
students.
o All circulated books are due back in two weeks before the last student day of
school.
o All teacher items must be returned before the end of their
contract period, annually.
o PreK, Kindergarten, 1st – may check out one book at a
time
2nd - 5th - may check out two books at a time
o Books may be renewed as needed.
o Past due fees are NOT charged for elementary students
o In elementary school, only damage or lost fees may be
charged.
29
1/24/2012

30. 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.
a) They refrain from making any personal opinions
known.
a) Written documentation of the contact is filed.
b) The material in question remains in use unless
removed through the procedures below.
Continued on next slide -
1/24/2012 30

31. Media Center Policy:
Reconsideration of Materials -
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.
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.
Continued on next slide -
1/24/2012 31

32. Media Center Policy:
Reconsideration of Materials -
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 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.

33. Media Center Policy:
Copyright Law –
oThe responsibility of copyright management is an administrative as well
as a personal responsibility.
oPublic Law 95-553 provides clear-cut definitions of fair use of copies that
are now being produced through current technologies:
oThe system and individual schools will adhere to the current
copyright law.
oThe school Media Specialist shall keep teachers and students
appraised of current copyright information.
Employee and Computer Internet Use –
oComputers provided in the Griffin-Spalding County School System are to be
used by students and employees for educational purposes only.
oEach school should have procedures in place to assure that computers are
used solely for educational purposes.
oEmployees are expected to check email at least once each working day.
oEmployees and students are expected to use network etiquette (netiquette).

34. Media Center Policy:
Internet Safety –
oSecurity on any computer system is a high priority, especially when
the
system involves many users.
oStudents do not have permission to create personal home pages or
directories.
oStudent work may only be published under the direction of the
supervising teacher(s).
oIf 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.

35. Media Center Policy:
Instructional Media/Equipment -
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:
o Enrich and support all the curriculum while considering
diversity, interests, abilities, and maturity levels of the
students served
o Stimulate growth in knowledge, literacy appreciation,
aesthetic values, the desire to learn, and ethical standards
o Allow students to develop under guidance, the practice
of critical analysis of all media by giving opposing sides
of controversial issues

36. Media Center Policy:
Funding -
Criteria for allocation of funds are according to
need in the following areas:
o Increased pupil enrollment
o Addition of new curriculum areas
o Suitability of materials on hand
o Variety of materials on hand
o New instructional strategies implemented
o State, regional, and national standards

37. Media Center Policy:
Student Records -
The district complies with requirements of the Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act (FERPA) and Pupil Protection Act (PPRA).
Disposing of Gifts of Instructional Resources
oGifts of print and non-print materials must be accepted with the
-
understanding that those materials meet the standards set forth in the
selection policy.
oAny 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.
Use of 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.

38. 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

39. Media Center Policy:
Cooperative Planning-
o Cooperative planning includes joint determination by the school
library media specialist and teachers to ensure use of school library
media center resources and services that support on-going
classroom instruction.