NORTHFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION FILE CODE: 6163.1
Northfield, New Jersey Monitored
Mandated
Policy X Other Reasons
MEDIA CENTER/LIBRARY
The Northfield School District’s media centers shall contain a wide range of materials on all levels of difficulty, appealing to diverse tastes, and presenting different points of view. Every student shall have access to a media collection containing materials appropriate to age level, interests and courses of study. Library/media services connected to classroom studies shall be provided in each school. These services shall include access to computers, approved instructional software, appropriate books including novels, anthologies and other reference materials, and supplemental materials that motivate students to read in and out of school and to conduct research. Library/media services shall be provided under the direction of a certified school library media specialist.
The Superintendent has final responsibility for the selection of media center materials by professionally trained personnelmedia specialists, teachers, principals and supervisors. Requests from faculty and students shall be given consideration.
In selecting materials to recommend for purchase, the media specialist shall evaluate the existing collection and consult reputable, unbiased, professionally prepared selection aids, and specialists from all departments and/or all grade levels.
In addition to standard book materials, the board shall provide for the use of a wide variety of audiovisual materials and equipment to enhance the curriculum.
The media centers shall offer a continuous program of instruction in library and study skills, preparing students for independent use of learning resources and for development of reading, listening and viewing abilities and tastes.
The Superintendent shall develop and present for board approval a media center/library program to provide necessary space, personnel and material to implement this policy.
The Northfield Board of Education reaffirms the objectives of the “Standards of School Media Programs,” prepared jointly by the American Association of School Librarians and the National Education Association Department of Audio Visual Instruction.
NJSBA Review/Update: December 2009; May 2017
Adopted: October 24, 2011
Key Words
Library, Media Center, Audiovisual Materials
Legal References: N.J.A.C. 6A:9B-14. 14 School library media specialist
N.J.A.C. 6A:9B-14. 15 Associate school library media specialist
N.J.A.C. 6A:13-2.1 Standard-based instructional priorities
47 U.S.C. 254(h) Children’s Internet Protection Act
Board of Education Island Trees U.F.S.D. v. Pico, 457 U.S. 853 (1982)
Possible
Cross References: *1312 Community complaints and inquiries
*6161.1 Guidelines for evaluation and selection of instructional materials
*6161.2 Complaints regarding instructional materials
*Indicates policy is included in the Critical Policy Reference Manual