The document summarizes the evaluation of various policies in Barrow County's Information and Instructional Technology Handbook (IFBD) from 1975, 1999, and 2004. Many of the policies are outdated and need revisions to address new technologies and roles of media specialists. Several external links to other school districts' policy handbooks are provided as examples of comprehensive policies that cover current issues and technologies. All county media specialists are now working to update the IFBD using Google Docs.

1. Running Head: Policy Evaluation <br /> <br /> <br />Identification and Evaluation of Relevant Policies<br />Kellie Rutledge Ouzts<br />Georgia Southern University<br />Fall 2009<br />Barrow County originally published the IFBD document in 1975. The policy was updated in 1999 and then again in 2004. All county Media Specialist are now working on updating the document again using Google Docs.<br />PolicyNeededRelevant Barrow County PolicyDate AdoptedOr RevisedEvaluation forCurrency and CompletenessUpdates And LinksGoalsIFBD 7/1/19751999/2004Needs improvement.Policy does not address internet usage, internet filtering, blogs, wikis, or any Web 2.0 tools.http://www.clarke.k12.ga.us/webpages/aplemmons/handbook.cfm?subpage=4029 offers a complete set of goals ranging from district goals, and yearly school goals, to ongoing goals. This list is very detailed and concise. Media CommitteeIFBD 7/1/19751999/2004Satisfactory.Individuals from all departments are represented within the committee.None needed.Role of Media SpecialistIFBD 7/1/19751999/2004Needs Improvement.Policy is not updated. The new roles of Media Specialist as a collaborator are not included in the description. http://lms.mysdhc.org/handbook/administration#eWonderful itemized list for all Media Center employees. The link is very comprehensive and current and includes technology roles.AccessibilityIFBD 7/1/19751999/2004Hours need to be extended. Individual schools regulate their own hours. Media Centers are not open after school for teacher/student use.This site policy has extended hours from 7:20 to 3:20 for elementary schools.http://www.clarke.k12.ga.us/webpages/aplemmons/handbook.cfm?subpage=4121Cooperative PlanningIFBD 7/1/19751999/2004Needs Improvement.Collaboration between Media Specialist and teachers is very vague. Instructs Media Specialist to plan with teachers to discuss bringing classes to the Media Center, send small groups, or use instructional equipment. Barrow County policy does not foster true collaboration.The following link leads to Barrow Elementary Media Center’s home page and their mission Statement. The aspect of Media Specialist’s job as a collaborator is fully detailed. http://www.clarke.k12.ga.us/webpages/aplemmons/index.cfmCirculationIFBD 7/1/19751999/2004Up to dateNone needed.Lost or Damaged Materials/FinesIFBD 7/1/19751999/2004Up to dateNone neededDiscarding Materials/EquipmentDe-selection Policy (Weeding)IFBD 7/1/19751999/2004The policy explains the proper steps to remove items from the collection. However, no specific data is given about what actually needs weeding in regard to age and other criteria. Facts and data clearly identify materials to be weeded and the appropriate steps to do so.http://www.clarke.k12.ga.us/webpages/aplemmons/handbook.cfm?subpage=4117Copyright ComplianceIFBD 7/1/19751999/2004Needs updating to include all information in one place and needs to address internet copyright issues.http://lms.mysdhc.org/handbook/CopyrightContains links to Copyright law guidelines, fair use, and has links to all information needed by all Media Specialist.Off Air Recording for Educational Purposes/Off Air Control IFBD 7/1/19751999/2004Up to dateNone neededComputer Software Copyright Issues/Copyright(internet)IFBD 7/1/19751998/2004Up to dateNone neededReconsiderationOf MaterialsIFBD 7/1/19751999/2004Needs to include forms and links together for a specific set of steps to follow when being challenged.Site includes links and step by step instructions. All the forms are linked within the steps to take. Very concise and organized instructions to follow when dealing with a difficult situation.http://lms.mysdhc.org/handbook/material%20selectionsSelection ResponsibilityIFBD 7/1/19751999/2004Policy is clearly stated, it just needs to be updated to cover new items and technology. This link includes the district policy, general principles, major criteria, responsibilities, and objectives and thoroughly covers them all. http://lms.mysdhc.org/handbook/material%20selectionsGift and Non-School Owned MaterialsIFBD 7/1/19751999/2004Needs updating to include more detail for dealing with gifts.http://lms.mysdhc.org/handbook/material selsection#giftA lot of good information for Media Specialist. Media Ordering /MagazinesIFBD 7/1/19751999/2004Up to dateNone needed.Scheduling PolicyNoneNoneNone in handbook. All schools are expected to promote flex scheduling. Most used outlook calendar for Media Center sign up times.Barrow Elementary has a wonderful scheduling policy that reinforces the need for collaboration with between the Media Specialist and the teacher. http://www.clarke.k12.ga.us/webpages/aplemmons/handbook.cfm?subpage=4123Volunteer HandbookNoneNoneVolunteer handbook is needed so that volunteers know what to do. A written set of guidelines is needed.www.foxbay.k12.wi.us/Students/Stormonth/.../LMCVolunteers.pdf offers a document that guidesVolunteers in a friendly manner while providing written instructions for easy reference.Multimedia Production guidelinesNoneNoneNeeds to be included to cover student production of multimedia products.Guidelines for student use of Multi-media tools and production.http://www.clarke.k12.ga.us/webpages/aplemmons/handbook.cfm?subpage=4119Confidentiality PolicyNoneNoneConfidential records related to students needs to be addressed.The first two links are to public library confidentiality policies. The last link is a confidentiality policy in a middle school handbook written by graduate students. http://sherlib.wordpress.com/policies/privacy-and-confidentiality-policy/http://www.mppl.org/about/privacy.htmlwww.mppl.org/about/privacy.html<br /> <br />