The following rules for the payment structure involved in replacement of lost or damaged materials which are the property of the Goodwin School Library Media Center.

 

            When students check out materials from the Goodwin School Library Media Center, their names are entered into the computer system via the barcode on their library cards. The barcode which is in the material they have selected is also entered. When that occurs, the person whose name appears in the computer associated with that book or other material is assumed to be the person responsible for those materials stored with his/her name. Materials which may be checked out include books (fiction, non-fiction, easy-to-read, and some reference), read-along packets, and other similar materials.

 

            Unless the Library Media Center teacher, para-professional, or volunteer is notified of prior damage (or such damage is noted on the materials) at the time the materials are checked out, the materials are assumed to be in reasonable, usable condition.   Therefore, any materials which are returned in a damaged, soiled, damp, written-on, etc. condition will be assumed to have been damaged by the person whose name is in the computer as the last person to have checked out that material.

 

            Similarly, if a book is not returned by the “due date” indicated by the numbered card in the pocket of the book, the person whose name appears in the computer associated with that book will be assumed to be the holder of those materials and will be placed on a list of materials which are overdue. The names of those people with overdue materials will be placed on a printed list on the day following the indicated “due date.” Once a week students with overdue materials receive a computer generated list of the materials they are responsible for that have not been returned by the date they were due. The list of all students who have materials that are overdue is kept at the desk in the Library Media Center. Except under unusual circumstances (during book fair weeks or other events taking place in the Library Media Center), the “Overdue List” is compiled daily at approximately 11:30 A.M. If a book is overdue for four (4) weeks or more, a letter requesting either payment for materials or their immediate return is mailed to the student’s home. 

 

            When a student has overdue Library Media Center Materials, his/her name is listed on one of two chalkboards used for that purpose. She/He may not use the Library Media Center (except during regularly scheduled class times) nor check out any more materials, until the overdue materials have been returned and checked in by the volunteer or library staff. At the end of the school year, if a student does not return material or pay for them before the scheduled end-of-the-year class picnic, that student may not participate in his/her class picnic and must spend that time in the Library Media Center.

 

            If a student cannot find the materials he/she has checked out of the Library Media Center, it will be considered “lost” and the student is responsible for the cost of replacing the materials. The charges for materials arte figured in several ways because of the differences in age, condition, and content of various items. The most recent purchases made by the Library Media Center have had their prices noted when they were entered into the computer system’s inventory listing. Older materials which may easily be replaced be ordering them from one of the many library book catalogs will be priced according to the lowest possible price listed in the most recent edition of a catalog wich carries that item. Those materials (most notably the oldest books on the shelves) which are not listed in either the computer inventory or a catalog will be assessed a value of:

 

                        $10.00 for hardbound books

                        $5.00 for paperback books

                        $5.00 for read-alongs (bag, book, & cassette tape)

 

            Any student who has paid for materials which are subsequently found and returned will receive a refund in the amount paid, if the materials are returned in good condition within one year of payment.

 

            Damages to materials will be assessed according to the severity of the damages. If the materials are damaged to the extent that they cannot be circulated any longer, the assessment will be as for lost materials. If the damages are repairable, such as torn or detached pages which are returned with the materials, damaged bindings which may be glued or taped, erasable marks, or marks which do not hamper the use of the materials, a warning will be given to the student. A second occurrence of such damage will result in a letter being sent home with a portion to be signed by the student’s parent and returned to the library. Signing the note indicates that the damages have been discussed with the student and that attempts will be made to prevent any such damages in the future.

 

            The Library Media Center Teacher reserves the right to limit the number of materials any student checks out if they prove to be irresponsible with things they have used (e.g.: having repeatedly returned materials in a damaged condition or failing to return materials on time). Students may also be placed on “special check-out” restriction: checking out only with the LMC teacher and/or keeping library materials in their classroom and not taking them home.

 

            We regret having to make any restrictions on any student wishing to read and use materials from the Library Media Center because we recognize that when children have things to read, they do read and learn to appreciate reading and improve their skills in reading. However, the costs of continually replacing lost and damaged materials cut heavily into the ability of the Library Media Center to purchase new materials for the children to use.

LAS:aom 9/1994

Rev. 5/2008