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    SERVICES & FACILITIES

    CIRCULATION

    Circulation services are available from 7:45 AM to 3:30 PM. Students may check out books, graphing calculators, and chromebooks, as needed. There are also printing services available for students at the circulation desk.

    Staff may check out any number of materials for months at a time, including reference materials, mobile devices for classes, and audio/visual equipment

    For more information regarding circulation, see the circulation policies.

    FACILITIES

    The high school library consists of the main library, a conference room, the school librarian's office, a writing center, a copy room, two storage rooms, a workroom, and a teacher lounge/kitchen. The library has two sets of double doors, as well as a side door for staff use only. Fiction and Nonfiction books are located in the tall shelves on either side of the library. Assigned Reading, Graphic Novels, and Comics are located in the short shelves on both sides of the library. There are also two small shelving areas for Games, STEM kits, and Yearbooks. There are three group meeting tables in the middle of the library and on each side of the circulation desk. The circulation desk is located at the front of the library where patrons enter. There are club chairs in group seating in the middle of the library behind the circulation desk. Anyone looking for a specific book can use the iPad OPAC stations to see what is in our catalog or go to read.trussvillecityschools.com on a separate device.

    SCHEDULING

    Our library runs on a flexible schedule. Staff and students have access to the library and materials during our posted hours. Staff are encouraged to use the library often for instruction during class projects and research. When Mrs. Massey is not present at the circulation desk, please don’t hesitate to ask the library assistant or the student library aides for assistance. They have been trained to help locate and check out materials and assist with printing and copying. To schedule a space in the library, email the librarian.

    SELECTION

    The school librarian is in charge of selecting the materials for the library. She takes many things into account when choosing these materials and consults patrons such as students and staff, as well as professional resources. She takes the ideals of intellectual freedom seriously. She strives to select materials that represent as many different cultures, ideas, and values as possible. She believes this is a protection of the first amendment rights of her students and does not agree with censoring their natural curiosity. Rather, she strives to encourage students to learn all that they can to become informed, successful members of society.

    • Materials should be selected in diverse formats and levels to serve different kinds of learners.
    • Materials should be diverse in content to satisfy the interests of patrons and/or the curriculum needs.
    • Materials should be selected from the user’s point of view, not necessarily that of the school librarian.
    • Teachers should be consulted during the selection process for requests pertaining to curriculum needs.
    • Students should be consulted during the selection process for requests pertaining to leisure reading and subject interests.
    • Selection aids should be consulted when selecting materials for professional opinions.
    • Gifts or donations are accepted, but will be assessed by the school librarian before becoming part of the collection. The school librarian reserves the right to dispose of unused donations however she chooses. Please see the donation policy before sending donations to our library.
    • Materials should be up-to-date and relevant to the curriculum or student interest.
    • Materials should be selected based on the age and maturity level of students.

    SELECTION TOOLS

    Although the school librarian wishes she could read every book she orders for the library, there’s simply not enough time. Sometimes she has to consult professional review sources. Below is a list of professional selection tools she uses when selecting materials.

    • School Library Journal Reviews
    • Kirkus Reviews
    • VOYA Magazine
    • Edelweiss
    • YALSA Awards and Lists

    For information regarding book challenges, please see the challenge policy.

    FUNDING

    The high school library strives to provide all patrons with materials and access to information that will help them think critically and become successful information users. That is why the school librarian tries to purchase and update materials based on patron needs, such as curriculum-based and leisure reading materials.

    SCHOOL/SYSTEM FUNDING

    Trussville City Schools technology department currently allocates $1,000 to each library in the system for library enrichment. The library gains a small profit by collecting money for copies and printing. The library also sells assigned reading books to interested students for a small profit at the beginning of each school year.

    STATE FUNDING

    The state of Alabama currently allocates $157.72 per teacher unit to every school in the state for library enrichment. That translates to approximately $14,000 for Hewitt-Trussville's high school library. All state enrichment funds are spent on library supplies, print books, and digital books.

    INFORMATION ETHICS

    All patrons have a constitutional right to seek information. We strive to provide materials that demonstrate all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials are not limited by the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation, nor are they limited by the origins, background, or views of those involved in the selection process. These views are in conjunction with the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights.

    Any challenges regarding materials in our library must go through the process outlined in the Challenge and Appeals Policy.

    PRIVACY

    In compliance with the American Library Association Code of Ethics, we do not share information about our patrons regarding information sought or retrieved, or materials consulted or acquired. The only exception is parental requests.

    COPYRIGHT AND PLAGIARISM

    Information regarding copyright and plagiarism are built into many teacher’s curriculum throughout the school, but are normally reinforced during research projects. More information on copyright and creative commons can be found at http://www.copyright.gov/ and http://creativecommons.org/.