Syracuse High School Procedures and Operational Guidelines
Revised August 2023

MISSION STATEMENT:
Titan Library is a gathering place to promote access to information, materials, and services for all members of the school community. We exist to support the needs of the school community while also providing a space to seek knowledge, encourage creativity, and enhance the quality of teaching and learning. We believe that our library should be engaging, active, inquiry based, provide access to media technology, and promote literacy.

Titan Library follows the Davis District Library Policies and Guidelines which can be found on the DSD Library Media Webpage.

READING PHILOSOPHY: 
We strive to provide a balanced and diverse collection of books for a broad range of readers, ages, and interests. Not every book is appropriate for every reader.  It is up to patrons to choose books that are appropriate for them and to self-censor their own reading. We celebrate the rights of the reader to choose to read or not read a book and allow others the same rights.

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT:

• Books and library resources will be purchased on a monthly basis as determined by the yearly budget plan and in accordance with the District's Selection of Materials Procedures.
• The Library Media Specialist, in consultation with the School Committee, is responsible for the selection of new materials for the library. 
• Our collection includes picture books, audiobooks, high-interest books, books for curriculum needs, and nonfiction.  We also purchase fiction books selected from Middle Age, Young Adult, and Adult titles with teen appeal. 
• We serve students from 15-18 years of age and adults and will provide a diverse range of reading materials to fit all levels of student interests and developmental maturity.
• We follow the Davis School District Collection Development Policy: Policy: 41-202 Section 2 Collection Development

MATERIAL AND BOOK ACQUISITION:
In addition to the Davis District Selection of Materials Policy, new library materials will be selected in accordance with the following criteria:

• Materials will support curriculum, reading interest, school goals, and needs of the school and community.
• Materials are in compliance with Utah Code Ann. 53G-10-103.
• Materials are relevant, reliable, current, and of literary quality (determined by professional book reviews).
• Considered materials are award-winning titles, of high-interest to patrons, popular titles, or required to complete a series.
• Materials will represent diverse and multicultural perspectives to maintain balanced views in the collection.  The library is a safe place that allows patrons of all backgrounds to feel included and represented. 
• The library collection includes young adult (ages 12+) and adult titles. We serve students and adults ages 15+ and provide a range of reading material for all interest levels, demographics, and maturity levels. 
• New releases may be purchased in trade bindings. All other books will purchased in library binding when available.

DESELECTING/INVENTORY:

• The library collection will go through a weeding, deselecting, and inventory process at the end of each year. Inventory and weeding are necessary to keep the collection current and relevant.
• Informal weeding will take place continually throughout the year, as needed.
• Formal inventory will take place at the end of the school year.
• Materials may be removed from the collection with consultation from School Committee for being outdated, inaccurate, damaged, duplicate titles, unused, or no longer part of the curriculum.
• Items missing at the end of the school year will be marked as lost and then removed from the system after the summer. Patrons are charged the cost of lost materials, plus a processing fee.

DONATIONS: 

• The library accepts donations of new books (as long as they meet our acquisition guidelines). 
• Used books in good condition may be evaluated by the School Committee and accepted in accordance with our acquisition guidelines.
• Items that do not fit the library collection criteria or needs of the library may be used as prizes, donated, or given to a recycling vendor.
• Cash donations can be made in the school office.

BOOK REQUESTS:

• Library patrons and members of the school community may request books to be purchased for our library. 
• Book request forms are available on the library website (Microsoft Forms link) and should be submitted to the librarian and School Committee for consideration.
• Books will be considered as budget permits and in accordance with our acquisition guidelines.

PARENTAL RESTRICTION OF INDIVIDUAL STUDENT ACCESS:

Parents are encouraged to take an active interest in their child's reading selections. It is important to remember that our library serves a broad age range. Parents and students should realize that not every book in the library will be appropriate for each child in the school. If a title does not work for a particular student, they are encouraged to return it and find another book that will work.

If a parent wishes to restrict a student's access to specific materials, they will need to submit that request in writing to the library media teacher at that student's school (see Davis School District Policy).

DSD School Libraries for Parents FAQs

SCHOOL LIBRARY COMMITTEE:

Syracuse High School has a School Library Committee which consists of no less than 5 members and are under the direction of the school assistant principal and chaired by the Library Media Specialist.

Committee members represent an equitable cross-section of school community stakeholders that include the Library Media Specialist, an administrator, and three parent representatives. This committee provides input on book selection and deselection and promotes library programs (see Section 8 School Library Media Centers: Guidelines and Procedures).

PARENTAL RESTRICTION OF CHILD'S MATERIALS & SENSITIVE MATERIALS REVIEW PROCESS:

Parents are encouraged to take an active interest in their child's reading selections.

Occasionally the content of library media material may be questioned. All concerns should be brought directly to the librarian’s attention in a timely manner. Often parent concerns can be addressed by working with the librarian to restrict their own child’s access to specific library materials if needed.

We follow the district policy for formal reconsideration of library materials: if further action is desired, we will follow the district policy in place for formal reconsideration of library materials:

"The librarian and the School Committee strive to have a library collection that all students and parents consider appropriate. Nevertheless, the District recognizes the right of parents under state law and District Policy 11IR-107 Recognizing Constitutional Freedoms in Public Schools, to restrict their child’s access to materials the parent deems inappropriate. However, parents do not have the right to make that determination on behalf of other parents and students. A parent desiring to restrict their own child’s access to specific library materials shall submit the request in writing (or via email) to the Librarian at the school their child is currently attending. If the material is a required part of classroom curriculum activities, the parent must follow the procedures for waiver contained in 11IR-107 Section 14" (3.2.1 Parental Restriction of Individual Student Access).

If a parent, student, staff member, or board member feels that a specific library material contains sensitive material, they may request that the material be considered for removal. See SENSITIVE MATERIALS REVIEW PROCESS for requesting and processing sensitive materials reviews and communicating and implementing decisions from the review process.

DSD Library Media Webpage 
School Library Media Centers: Guidelines and Procedures 
Library Book Challenge Statement 2021

Titan Library Operational Guidelines & Programming
Revised August 2023

HOURS OF ACCESS:

The library is open and available for patrons to use and enjoy during the following hours:

• Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 7:15am – 2:45pm.
• Wednesday Hours (Late Start) 8:30-2:45 pm. Open during second hour of late start (8:30-9:30).
• The library is open before school and after school for book checkouts, computer use, or quiet study time.
• During lunch the library is open for activities, games, club meetings, and normal operations. Students should respect the library space and other students using it. Please maintain an appropriate noise level.
• The library is closed during class time for book checkout & computer use unless the student has a signed pass from their teacher.
• The library is NOT open during assemblies.
• Students on Home Release or Released Time should not be on campus and will not be allowed in the library.
• The library may be closed for meetings, trainings, or testing. A sign will be posted outside the library.

EXPECTATIONS OF LIBRARY BEHAVIOR:

All students have the right to use the library as long as the following as long as the following are met:

• Respect the library space, furniture, and materials. Theft or damage of materials will be referred to school administration and a replacement cost will be added to the student account.
• Use a calm and appropriate voice and energy level.
• Respect the rights of other patrons to have a quiet and safe environment.
• Inappropriate or offensive language will not be tolerated. You will be asked to leave.
• Respect the property, person, and space of other patrons using the library.
• Absolutely no food or drink allowed in the library (closed top water bottles only). This will be enforced.
• Pick up and throw away any trash you create in the library.
• Return furniture and materials/games back where you found them.
• Any student who does not maintain proper library behavior will be asked to leave.

CIRCULATION:

• All members of the school community may checkout library materials.
• The online Destiny Catalog may be accessed online through the district or library website or by using the library search computers located at the iPad stations.
• Patrons may check out up to 5 books at a time.
• Library materials are checkout for 3 weeks with a 7 day grace period.
• Books may be renewed or put on hold at the circulation desk.
• Students will be notified when holds arrive via email and holds will expire after 5 days if not picked up.
• eBooks & audiobooks are available through the library online Destiny catalog, through link on the library website, or through the Sora by Overdrive app.  Students log in using their Microsoft 365 credentials (school email and pin number). Faculty use their Encore login information.

OVERDUE MATERIALS (FEES):

• After the 7 day grace period, a late fee of $.10 per day, per item will accrue with a $5.00 max overdue fee per overdue book.
• Students may check out one book at a time if they have an unpaid library fee.
• Students may be given an alternate method of working off their fee if they are not able to pay.
• Overdue notices will be emailed to students and parents/guardians weekly until the fee is paid.
• Fees can be paid in the school office, or online through myDSD. 

LOST OR DAMAGED MATERIALS (FINES):

• Lost or damaged books should be reported to the librarian right away.
• Damaged or lost materials will be charged the cost of replacing the item, plus a $2.00 processing fine.
• Lost books that are returned within one month of payment may be reimbursed, if the book has not already been replaced.
• After 60 days a book will be marked lost and the student’s library account will be fined.
• At the end of the school year, all books not returned to the library will be marked as lost and student school accounts will be charged to replace the book, plus a processing fine.
• Students on a fee waiver will be assessed a library fine for lost/damaged items which are non-waivable.
• See the District School Fee Schedule document: https://www.davis.k12.ut.us/parents-family/school-fees

LIBRARY COMPUTERS:

• Students may use the library computer lab during open library time for research or other academic purposes.
• Online gaming is only allowed in designated areas of the computer lab during open library times and must be school appropriate, non-weapon games.
• Teachers may reserve the library computer lab for class use using the Teams lab reservation form.
• Students may visit the library during class to use the computers for up to 30 min. if they have a signed note from their teacher.
• Students may use their own devices while in the library.

STEAM RESOURCES:

• Titan library provides student access to hands-on STEAM activities and kits. 
• STEAM kits can be accessed during lunch and open library TIMES.
• Kits cannot be taken from the library by students but can be checked out and reserved for one student for up to 3 weeks.
• Teachers may checkout STEAM kits to use in their classroom.

LIBRARY RESERVATIONS:

• The library is a community space and the library stacks, computer lab, and conference rooms are available for the school community to use and enjoy.
• Reservations can be made for meetings, lessons, presentations, group activities etc.
• Please contact the librarian to reserve the library spaces.

LIBRARY INSTRUCTION:

• The teacher librarian is available for faculty or student instruction to help support literacy, technology, research, and curriculum needs.
• Students or teachers may schedule a small group or 1-1 mentoring time focused on book selection, reading engagement, writing, literature, study skills, research, multimedia presentations, or technology
• Teachers may schedule to bring their classes in for instruction on specific research skills, or in collaboration with classroom research
• Teachers may schedule a time to bring their classes in for book talks focusing on a specific theme, topic, or genre
• AP Directed Research in the library:
  Students with 2 or more AP or CE classes are eligible to sign up for a study time in the library as one of their elective classes. Students must maintain 80% attendance and 80% of points. Grade will be Pass/Fail.

LIBRARY CLUBS & ACTIVITIES:

Titan Library provides opportunities for students to get involved with the library and lead the clubs.  Parents and faculty are also welcome to join in any activity. 

• Titan Library Book Club: This club is a social gathering for students who love books and reading.  The club meets monthly to discuss great books, favorite authors, and what’s new and trending in the book world.  Book Club is open to any student.  Book club members enjoy extended book checkouts and library privileges.
• TLAB: (Teen Library Advisory Board):This is a leadership opportunity for students who want to help plan library activities and promotions.  TLAB will meet bimonthly or monthly during lunch.  
• Poetry Club: This club brings together students who love to read and write poetry.
• Writing Club: This is a club for students who love to write and share writing with others.
• Titan Titles: Students who would like help finding books can sign up to receive Titan Titles.  This is an individualized list of suggested book titles hand selected by the librarian to align with student’s individual interests. 

LIBRARY INCENTIVES & PROMOTIONS:

Titan Library strives to get the school community excited about books and reading using a variety of methods and as scheduled by the librarian and TLAB.     

• Rotating table displays focusing on different book genres, topics, and current events.
• Rotating monthly promotions to engage students and get them excited about the library.
• Student interactive contests and promotions based about literary, pop culture, and current events.
• Current and relevant book recommendations and displays around the library.
• Interactive monthly trivia, library challenges, and contests.
• Faculty contests and promotions.

LIBRARY COMMUNICATION:

Titan Library will communicate and promote the library through a variety of methods.

• Our website provides updates, information, and links to the online Destiny catalog and research sources (Utah's Online Library and Scrible)
• Weekly emails will be sent to patrons with library notifications.
• A newsletter will be distributed to faculty members with library news, research tips, and technology ideas.

The Library Media DESK focuses and prioritizes the reading and information literacy skills that students need to know and be able to use to help them read and research effectively in all subjects and with a variety of technologies.

Secondary DESK Standards
6-12 Secondary Library Media Standards  
Utah State Board of Education Library Media Standards

Titan Library runs weekly and monthly student activities, contests, and promotions as listed below.  See the library homepage for specific dates and information!

August Theme: Time to Get Back to Reading/Hot off the Press: New Books We have books for the time-conscious student--books that may take weeks, days, hours, and minutes are on display in the library.

September:  By Local We have several displays and themes this month: By Local (read a book by a local author) and Hispanic Heritage Month. We have new books and games! Come in and check them out. Games and activities are available during lunch. Sign up for clubs on the library website.

October: Chilling Tales and Spooky Reads. Join us this October to get in the Halloween Spirit. Each October Mrs. Baker reads Dracula by Bram Stoker. Find a spooky book from our displays.

November: NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). Read books from the display that were written during NaNoWriMo. With this program, authors write a book in just one month.

December:

January:

February:

March:

April:

May:

Meeting times TBD (Dates BELOW are from last year). 

A gathering of students who love to read.  No book is assigned- read what you want!  During meetings we discuss great books, favorites, authors, and what's trending in the book world.  Registration link is available on the Titan Library main page or on QR codes around the library.  

We will meet at 12:20 on the FIRST TUESDAY of each month during lunch time (please eat lunch before coming to the library):
October 5
November 2
December 7
January 4
February 1
March 1
April 12 (because of Spring Break, Writing Club and Book Club will be combined this day)
May (due to AP Testing in the library the May meeting will be considered at a later date.)

Meeting times BELOW.

This is a student led club focusing on building writing skills through student led discussions.  Opportunities for peer review and sharing individual writing pieces will be provided.  

We will meet at 12:20 on the SECOND and FOURTH TUESDAY of each month during lunch time (please eat lunch before coming to the library).
October 12 & 26
November 9 & 23
December 14
January 11 & 25
February 8 & 22
March 8 & 22
April 12 & 26 (because of Spring Break, Writing Club and Book Club will be combined April 12 ONLY)
May (due to AP Testing in the library the May meeting will be considered at a later date.)

This is a student led club for poetry lovers.  Meetings will alternate between poetry writing activities and student poetry readings.  

Poetry Club meets the THIRD and FOURTH TUESDAY of every month during lunch time, starting at 12:20. The 4th Tuesday is combined with the Writing Club.

October 19 and 26
November 16 and 23
December 14 (only one meeting this month due to Winter Break)
January 25 (only one meeting this month due to end of First Semester)
February 16 and 22
March 15 and 22
April 19 and 26
**Due to AP Testing in the library the May meetings will need to be considered later

T-Lab=Teen Library Advisory Board

Meeting times BELOW.

This is a student leadership position in the library.  TLAB members help plan engaging student activities in the library.   

We will meet at 12:50 on the SECOND and FOURTH WEDNESDAY of each month during lunch time (please eat lunch before coming to the library):
October 13 & 27
November 10 & 17 (due to Thanksgiving Break)
December 8 & 15 (due to Winter Break)
January 12 & 26
February 9 & 23
March 9 & 23
April 13 & 27
May (due to AP Testing in the library the May meeting will be considered at a later date.)