Related Objectives

· Identify strategies for modifying library environments to maximize accessibility

· Evaluate district library policy and procedure manuals in light of meaningful access for all

Why are Library Policies Important?

Think about your many responsibilities as a librarian. Over the course of the day you might select new materials for your collection, collaborate with your colleagues on a project, teach a class or conduct a program, or provide some spontaneous help to students doing research. At some level, your decisions and daily routines are likely influenced by the policies, philosophy, and procedures that are set for your library, institution, or library system.

The American Library Association (ALA) explains that library policies and procedures are created to protect library patrons' rights to freedom of information access and freedom of expression, as well as to direct those in the community how library services, resources, and facilities are organized. These documents are created with considerations for the mission and philosophies of the institution, applicable laws, and equitable access for all. It is also important to remember that these should be written with in a clear, communicative way for all to understand, should be reviewed regularly by those invested in the outcomes, should only provide restrictions when specific to library services, resources, or facilities, and must provide alternative methods of access to those who are restricted.

Analyzing Your Policies and Procedures

As a librarian, it is your responsibility to review and administer the library policies and procedures in order to uphold equitable access for all students to library resources, services, and facilities (see the ALA's interpretations of the Library Bill of Rights for more). As you've learned throughout this training, it is important to learn more about your students with disabilities, as well as determine how you can accommodate each student with a disability whom you serve.  Considering what you have learned, take a look at your library's policies and procedures.

Do your policies and procedures recognize the needs of students with disabilities? For example, when considering the purchasing of a database license, does your collection development policy mention the importance of web accessibility? Do your library procedures outline what to do in the event of a fire drill or real emergency; is there an accessible route mapped out for students with mobility impairments? Here are some possible answers to these questions.

It is important to have both library policies and procedures documented either physically or online. These policies and procedures will be useful for you to fall back on in the event of an issue, and can be used when justifying purchasing and instructional decisions to parents, students, and others outside of the library.  It could also be helpful to consult with students with disabilities when developing your library's policies and procedures in order to ensure that they have a voice in the process.

Think about the policies in your library.  Some more questions to ponder are:

·   Are there set policies or procedures regarding assistive technology?  For example, while many assistive technologies may be beneficial to all students, do students with disabilities get priority?

·  Should the library be following Universal Design principles? Is this outlined in library policy?

·  Are large print or Braille books separated into their own designated section, or are they integrated with the rest of the collection?  How is this decision made?

·  Is the library webpage accessible to students with disabilities?  Are web resources provided by the library accessible?

You might want to consider one or more of these issues, and type your answers here.

Examples of Policies and Procedures

Now that you've reviewed and thought about your own policies and procedures, take a look at these three excerpts from examples of school library policies included in the resources for this topic.

Excerpt 1

Walt Whitman Middle School Library Policy:

From "Time Spent with User: Ten minutes is a reasonable amount of time to spend with one person. Three to five minutes is appropriate when others are waiting. Additional time may be spent with users who have special difficulties in using library resources. [Examples: visually impaired, non-English speaking]."

From "Collection Development Policy: Materials are selected to serve the scope of the curriculum and to meet the needs of the students. The library provides a wide range of materials representing many levels of difficulty, a variety of formats presenting different points of view, and appealing to the diversity and ethnicity of our student body."

Excerpt 2

DeKalb County Public School System:

"The mission of the DeKalb County Public School System is to produce healthy, happy, well-adjusted graduates who are academically competent and who have the career and life skills necessary to become contributing and productive citizens and to provide services for all students, regardless of disabling condition, in order to enable them to take their place in society."

Excerpt 3

Bellingham Public Schools:

From "Instructional Materials Evaluation Form:

Instructional materials shall:

· Support and enrich the curriculum, taking into consideration the varied instructional needs, learning styles, abilities and developmental levels of the students served.

· Be of sufficient variety to meet the diverse needs/characteristics of students and present balanced but differing views of issues, controversial or otherwise, in order that students may develop analytical and decision-making skills.

· Contribute to the development of self-respect, pride and an appreciation of differences, and reflect respect for the worth and dignity of all people.

References

American Library Association. (2012). Guidelines for the Development and Implementation of Policies, Regulations and Procedures Affecting Access to Library Materials, Services and Facilities. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/statementspols/otherpolicies/guidelinesdevelopmentimplementation

American Library Association. (2012). Access to Resources and Services in the School Library Media Program: An interpretation of the library bill of rights. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/accessresources