Policies+and+Procedures

= Rome City Schools Mission = All students will graduate from Rome High School prepared for college or work.

= RMS Media Center Mission = It is the mission of the Rome Middle School media program to provide opportunities for students and staff to become effective users of ideas and information.

= Goals = The mission will be accomplished: = =
 * by creating a program that functions as the resource and communication "hub" of the school.
 * by providing access to materials in a variety of formats.
 * by fostering a lifelong love of reading where students select materials for personal enjoyment.
 * by stimulating an interest in viewing and utilizing a wide range of information and ideas.
 * by collaborating with teachers to design instruction that meets the needs of individual students.
 * by providing instruction which not only promotes information literacy but also helps learners become discriminating users and skilled creators of content. **Source**: //Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning// (AASL & AECT 1998).

= = = = = Access to the Media Center = The Rome Middle School Media Center operates on a flexible schedule, therefore is open for check out and to classes each day of the school year between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Teachers are encouraged to schedule time in the media center regularly so students may check out books or work on projects. Teachers are also invited to collaborate on instructional activities with the media specialist. We are here to help in any way.

= Internet Access = The Internet may be used for school-related purposes only! Each student and guardian must sign an before they will be allowed to access the Internet at school. Rome City Schools also has an Acceptable Use Policy. All teachers, parents, and students are to comply with this policy as well as the guidelines of.

= Overdue Books = Students are allowed to check out **__three__** books over a two-week period. Students are required to return books when they are due so that other students may enjoy them. Students are responsible for **__any__** materials they check out. Books may be renewed if there are no holds. However, if books are not returned by their due date, students may **__not__** check out any further materials until they return what they have checked out or pay for it.

= Lost and Damaged Books = Students are responsible for the materials they check out. From time to time, materials get lost or damaged. If a student notices that a book on the shelf is damaged, he or she should bring it to our attention immediately. If a book is damaged upon return, the student may be asked to pay a fine or full replacement cost depending on the extent of the damage. If a book cannot be located, the student will be asked to pay for it before checking out any other books.

= Fines = When a book is damaged, students may be assessed a fine based on the extent of damage and whether or not the book can be repaired. Fines will **__not__** be charged for overdue books.

= Selection of Material and Equipment = The purchase of new materials and equipment will be made as funds are available. The selection process is guided by the needs of the learning community. Teachers and students are welcome to make suggestions for purchase, but no guarantee can be made that the request will be honored. Factors such as content appropriateness, relevancy, and availability of funds will be considered. Although selection of materials is left to the media specialist's discretion, purchases must ultimately be approved by the principal.

= = = = = = = Donations = Gifts to the RMS media center will be accepted or rejected using the same criteria used for purchases. Acceptance of donated materials will be left up to the media specialist's discretion, and items will be screened prior to processing. Instructional materials will be assessed for curricular value, currency, and relevancy before becoming part of the collection. Any material that promotes a particular business or product cannot be accepted.

= = = Reconsideration of Materials = Any time the content of a book is challenged, there are certain procedures that must be followed before a book is removed permanently from the shelf. If you would like an item to be considered for removal, please see the media specialist. The book will then be presented to the media and technology committee for review, and a decision will be made.

Additional Resources:

 * Rome City Schools Board Policy for Media Programs**

Search LexisNexis for up-to-date O.C.G.A. information or click the links below for an alternate source O.C.G.A. § 20-2-167 O.C.G.A. § 20-2-168 O.C.G.A. § 20-2-184 O.C.G.A. § 20-2-305 Rule 160-4-4-.01 Rule 160-5-1-.22
 * Georgia Code**

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