Shelby County Schools offers a comprehensive instructional
program for over 46,000 students enrolled in grades K-12.
The district is dedicated to the belief that each student
is a unique person. Success-oriented, standards-based,
and technology-driven learning experiences are utilized
to encourage each student to reach his or her maximum potential-intellectually,
socially, emotionally, physically, aesthetically, and morally.
From the foundation laid at the elementary level through
the basic level courses and the wide range of Advanced
Placement courses offered in the high schools, Shelby County
Schools meets the academic needs of today’s students.
Laurie Butler, Instructional
Specialist
Library Media Services
and Textbooks
901-321-2630
lbutler@scsk12.org
SCHOOL
LIBRARIES
MISSION STATEMENT
Each library in the Shelby County School
system supports the instructional program of its school
by providing materials to reinforce, enrich and extend
classroom learning experiences. The librarian functions
as a cooperative member of the teaching staff, a consultant
on the use of materials and a teacher of those library
skills which help students develop competency in the
independent use of resources.
Shelby County Schools libraries play a
vital role in developing a love of reading and in encouraging
good, lifelong reading habits. To this end, the librarian
seeks to balance curriculum with recreational needs by
selecting books of high appeal, as well as those which
will stretch students’ minds and stimulate them
to further inquiry.
Shelby County Schools libraries establish
an educational environment in which technology serves
a major role, not only in the daily routine of a school
library, but as an instructional part of the library
program. Students have access to a variety of media resources
to help them succeed in their learning and have opportunities
to develop and foster computer skills to prepare for
life’s experiences in a technological society.
Shelby County Schools libraries are also
committed to the ideal of free flow of information and
ideas and to a cooperative relationship with each other,
as well as with other libraries in their communities.
LIBRARY
MATERIALS
All Shelby County Schools Libraries meet state and Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools Standards.
Internet access is available in every library
as well as access to information through CD-ROMs, DVDs,
and laser discs.
Accelerated Reader is in all elementary
and middle school libraries.
An electronic periodical service is available
in all high school libraries.
Every library has an automated circulation
system with electronic catalogs.
Shelby County Schools provide funding on
a per pupil ratio. Separate budgets are available for
books, audiovisual software, encyclopedias, magazines,
newspapers, and bindery items.
Each summer, a committee of libraries works
to develop curriculum, process materials for the SCS
Central Library, and complete special library projects
for the upcoming school year.
MEDIA
LIBRARY
Shelby County Schools maintains a Centralized Media Collection
of approximately 7000 items. The majority are videos,
laser discs, audio tapes, CD-ROMs and DVDs are also available.
Access is through SCS Media Library, an
on-line catalog and booking service which allows teachers
and administrators to select materials, check availability,
and book the media themselves. The requests are processed,
and items are sent through the Shelby County Schools’ daily
delivery system.
Items for the Centralized Media Collection
are evaluated and recommended by teachers and administrators
who are given an opportunity each fall to volunteer,
specifying their subject and grade level preferences.
Items are sent to them throughout the school year to
preview and evaluate. In the spring, their evaluation
forms are used as a basis for purchase of new items.
PROFESSIONAL
LIBRARY
A library of professional materials is located at the
Central Office and available for teacher use. Holdings
include professional journals, an updated collection
of Phi Delta Kappan Fastbacks, and a limited number of
professional books. Each school is provided with a list
of the journals available so that teachers may request
these items to be delivered to their school.
