There are several things that you need to know about the Library Media Center (LMC). Parents and students need to read over these guidelines together. If you have any questions, please send us a note at school.
Library Media Center Expectations: All students are expected to abide by the school expectations in the LMC. You will find these expectations in the Student Handbook.
Students are expected to use all LMC resources properly. Any misuse of resources may result in a verbal reprimand, written reprimand, dismissal from the LMC, and/or revocation of library privileges. This includes books, computers and Internet access. In your student handbook is the BCPS Acceptable Use Policy which you will need to read and sign prior to being allowed to use our school computers and/or the Internet in any part of our school. Students who are assigned a Chromebook are expected to care for it responsibly. Charges may occur depending on the damage sustained. Students using the Internet will always be supervised by a staff member.
Care of Books: Students are expected to return their books on time, and to take good care of the books. There should not be any food or liquid near the books. Also, please watch out for very small children who do not yet understand that books are not to be torn or drawn in. Please remember that pets, especially dogs, like to chew books. The best thing to do is to pick one certain spot in the house to store the library books or to keep them in the student’s backpack when not in use. Keeping library books on a shelf with the child’s other books is not a good idea. The books tend to get mixed up and lost. If keeping the books in a backpack or desk, please take precautions to ensure that the books do not become bent, pages torn, or marked by stray pencils/pens. Please do not keep a water bottle in a backpack with a library book.
Book Checkout: In order for a student to check out any materials from our LMC, he or she must sign and return the Maryville Elementary School Library Media Center Book Checkout Permission Form. This form must also have the signature of the parent/guardian.
Kindergarteners are permitted to check out one book at a time, beginning after our fall book fair. 1st-5th grade students will be permitted to check out two books at a time, beginning after library orientation and mastery of checkout skills.
Students are able to keep books checked out for one week. The books may be returned at any time before they are due. All returning books are to be placed in the Book Return slot in the media center.
The student may renew (recheck) the same book for an additional week if necessary. The student may renew the book up to two times before needing to return it.
Overdue Books: Periodically, overdue lists will be sent to the homeroom teachers. The students will often find the books in their desks or on the shelves in their homerooms. If the books are not there, the teachers will usually have the student write a note in his or her agenda for parent notification. We do not charge late fines, but if the books are unable to be found, the replacement cost will need to be paid. Library books are specially bound to last a long time and can be rather expensive!
Chronic overdues and/or excessive loss of books may result in limitation and/or revocation of library checkout privileges.
Students will be given plenty of notice prior to the end of the school year regarding when all library books are due. Students who do not return all library materials by the due date at the end of the school year may lose privileges.
Replacement of Books: When a student checks out a book, the student takes on the responsibility that the book will be kept and returned in a good condition. If a book becomes lost or damaged beyond repair, the replacement cost of the book will need to be paid. The student will be given a notice stating the title of the book, the date the book was due, and the replacement cost. Library books are expensive, and the cost to replace may be as much as $15-$20 or more, depending on the book. If a barcode or other classification stickers are torn or missing from the book, or if there is repairable damage when a child returns a book, a cost will be incurred for the replacement or repair of that item. If for some reason a book does become torn, soiled, or damaged, please do not attempt to clean or repair it yourself. Library staff will clean or repair the book (if possible) using special equipment and supplies specifically made for this purpose.
Volunteers: We are always looking for people to become a LMC Volunteer! We would love to have you! There are several ways to assist, including reshelving books, repairing books, helping at a Book Fair, helping out with special events, and/or preparing books for circulation. If you are interested in helping in the Library Media Center, please contact Mrs. Pratt or Mrs. Alexander.