District Libraries
District Library FAQ
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District Library FAQ
Questions
1) How many books can my child check out?
2) How long can my child keep a book?
3) How can my child renew a book?
4) How can I find out what my child is reading?
5) What happens if my child loses or damages a book?
6) What happens when my child’s class goes to the library?
7) What resources are available online for my child?
8) How are materials selected for the libraries?
9) How do I access the district library website?
10) How can I find out what books are in my child’s school library?
11) How does interlibrary loan work?
12) Would my 4th grader be able to check out a book from the junior high or high school?
13) Are parents allowed to check out books from the library?
14) Is it possible to restrict what my child checks out from the school library?
16) How can I read reviews of books?
17) How can I contact my child’s school librarian?
18) Are students allowed to check out books from the Parent Library section?
Answers
1) How many books can my child check out?
It varies among schools. Generally, it is one to two books at a time. Librarians often make exceptions for students who are working on academic projects. At the high school students may check out as many as seven books at one time. Contact your child’s school librarian for more specific information.
2) How long can my child keep a book?
In most schools books are checked out for a two week period. However, in some elementary schools, books are checked out for only a week. Books may be renewed for a second one or two week period.
3) How can my child renew a book?
The librarian can renew a book for your child. However, if you renew it before its due date, renewal can be done online. From the online catalog (put link here), click on the Your Checkouts link. You will need to enter your child’s name and 9-digit student ID number. When you click on submit, it will take you to your child’s record where you can see what your child has checked out, what your child has requested and when books are due. That is also where a book can be renewed.
4) How can I find out what my child is reading?
The best way is to ask your child. This is a great opportunity for you to have a conversation about what he or she is reading, and to answer any questions that may arise from that reading. You can also go to FALCON, our online catalog, www.fayar.net/library/index.htm , and click on the Your Checkouts link. You will need to enter your child’s name and 9-digit student ID number. When you click on submit, it will take you to your child’s record where you can see what your child has checked out, what your child has requested and when books are due.
5) What happens if my child loses or damages a book?
It is the responsibility of all library patrons to keep resources in good condition and available for use. If a book is lost, replacement costs will be charged. Charges for damaged materials are determined based on certain guidelines. If the item is usable, there is no charge. If the item needs repair, repair costs will be charged. If the item must be replaced, then replacement costs will be charged. Your child’s librarian can give you exact cost information.
6) What happens when my child’s class goes to the library?
Scheduling classes into the library differs among schools. Some elementary schools schedule weekly classes and other elementary schools have flexible access. The middle schools, junior highs and high school schedule classes into the library at the point of need. In all schools, librarians focus on teaching information literacy skills. These skills help students:
1) determine information needs
2) locate, evaluate and use information effectively
3) Share information in a variety of formats.
In addition to classes scheduled for research, there are special programs, checkout times and free flow for students checking out or working on research.
7) What resources are available online for my child?
Our students have access to a number of subscription databases which include encyclopedias, full text periodical indexes, and subject area databases. These databases can be accessed by going to the District’s Library Website at http://www.fayar.net/library/index.htm and can be viewed from school or home. To use the databases from home, enter your name and library barcode (Student ID number) when asked. Databases with a "special home access help" link require additional special instructions which you receive after choosing the "special home access help" link. In addition, the district’s online catalog, individual school library websites, recommended reading lists, library-related district policies, and library curriculum can be accessed from the district Library Website.
8) How are materials selected for the libraries?
Librarians follow the selection policy and procedures of Fayetteville Public Schools. First a consideration file (list of materials to be considered for purchase) is built based upon:
· Positive reviews
· Teacher and student request
· Annual needs survey
· Curriculum needs
· Special projects
· Annual replacement of lost or worn out materials still appropriate
· Record of materials borrowed from other schools
· Gifts must meet the same criteria as books purchased
When it is time to place an order, using the consideration file, we take into account student and teacher needs, the existing collection, the quality of each book as indicated in reviews, and cost.
9) How do I access the district library website?
Fayetteville Public Schools’ website address is www.fayar.net. In the Parent Drop Down Box in the top right corner of the screen, choose "District Libraries".
10) How can I find out what books are in my child’s school library?
Parents are welcome to browse the library collections when they visit the schools. The complete catalog for all Fayetteville school libraries is online and may be accessed from www.fayar.net/library/index.htm.
11) How does interlibrary loan work?
If it is necessary to borrow from another library, a request is made. If the item is not available at another school in the district, we look to the Fayetteville Public Library and the University of Arkansas Libraries. If we cannot meet the need at that level, we move out to the county, then state, and sometimes even to another state. In turn, we lend items out to other libraries around the United States. This cooperative effort among libraries provides our students and faculty with access to resources they might not otherwise have.
12) Would my 4th grader be able to check out a book from the junior high or high school?
Students and teachers may not request items directly from the lending library. The request must first go through the librarian of their school. That librarian determines if the need can be met by another item from the home library. If it is necessary to borrow from another library, a request is made. The lending librarian then determines if the item can be loaned. There are a number of reasons why a librarian might not be able to loan the material: the need is too great at the loaning library, the item is irreplaceable or the item might not be age-appropriate. In those instances, the lending librarian emails or calls the requesting librarian, and at that point, a decision is made as to whether or not the item should be loaned. Once it has been determined that an item will be loaned, it is sent to the borrowing library. The item is checked to make sure it is appropriate for the person requesting the item, and the patron is notified that the item has arrived. If there is some question about the appropriateness of the item, one of several things will happen. The request for the book will be denied, a permission note may be requested from a parent, or it will be determined that for this particular child the request can be honored. If a parent is concerned about their elementary or middle school child checking books out from a junior high or high school library, the child’s librarian should be notified. A note can be attached to the child’s library records indicating that they are not allowed to check out materials from another school without parental permission. Any action that parents want a librarian to take on behalf of their children should be made in writing using the Library Action Request Form.
13) Are parents allowed to check out books from the library?
Yes. Arkansas Act 603 of 2003 requires all schools to provide books, materials and other informative material regarding responsible parenting through the school library. Books in the general collection are also available to parents.
14) Is it possible to restrict what my child checks out from the school library?
Yes. Your building librarian will be glad to assist you with individual needs pertaining to your child.
15) How can I find out what materials are being considered for purchase for my child’s school library?
Every librarian maintains consideration files in either the district’s acquisition system or online “carts” from book jobbers. Contact your individual librarian to discuss what method he or she uses.
16) How can I read reviews of books?
Amazon.com is a quick site to check for editorial reviews from several professional reviewing sources. The online subscription databases NoveList and NoveList K-8 include summaries and reviews of fiction titles. These databases may be accessed from www.fayar.net/library/index.htm. You will need your child’s 9-digit student ID number to use the databases. Contact your individual school librarian if you need help finding book reviews.
17) How can I contact my child’s school librarian?
You may speak to the librarian by telephone, email or in person. Ask the receptionist to connect you to the library when you phone the school or select the contact button on every librarian’s school website. Parents are welcome to visit the library anytime, but it is recommended that you schedule an appointment if you would like to speak with the librarian about your individual child.
18) Are students allowed to check out books from the Parent Library section?
Yes. The Parent Library is a result of Arkansas’ Parental Involvement Act 603 of 2003. One part of this law mandates the “purchase of parenting books, magazines and other information material regarding responsible parenting through the school library, advertisement of the current selection, and to give parents an opportunity to borrow the materials”. This law does not limit this collection to only parents nor does it designate the Parent Library as a place to put restricted materials.