Procedure+Manual

=The School Library Procedure Manual =

Having a school library procedure manual helps standardize performance tasks that are part of the major operations and is an excellent resource for those covering for the teacher-librarian during absences, new staff, paraprofessionals, and community and student volunteers. The manual is also a great starting place for training new staff, students and volunteers while providing uniform practice. The manual should be published both as a digital document as well as in print and placed in a prominent area for easy access.

The manual should clearly state the library, school and district mission statements. The goals and objectives of the school library should be included as well as information resources such as collection development policies, interlibrary loans and lending policies. Standards, such as those found in the AASL //Standards for the 21st Century Learner in Action// and CASL 's //Achieving Information Literacy: Standards for School Library Programs in Canada,// for the school library program should be outlined. Job descriptions and responsibilities for library personnel and volunteers should be clearly stated, as well as a description of the library space and emergency procedures. Information on using electronic equipment, accessing databases and logins and passwords are necessary additions.

The links below provide more information on specifics to include in your school library handbook as well as examples.

The Alaska School Library Handbook is an excellent resource to help run a school library efficiently and effectively. There is an entire section dedicated to how to create a procedure manual and the information to be included.

The Georgetown Independent School District's library procedure manual includes sections on the roles of teacher-librarians, library assistants/clerks as well as community and student volunteers.

Designed for students at the Indiana University, this site has links to various school library procedure manuals. Simply scroll down to the bottom of the web page.