State of the art Library State of the art Library State of the art Library
State of the art Library Inauguration in Feb. 2011 Equipped with latest technology

SECTION 1: BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND OBJECTIVES

Everest Zaitoon Library has been named after Mrs. Zaitoon Cochinwala, in appreciation for the family’s generous contributions to the school and community. The 1500 square feet library is attached to Everest Academy and formally started in January 2011.

The primary objective of Everest Zaitoon Library is to enrich and support the educational program of Everest Academy; and to provide students and teachers with an organized collection of books and materials in order to stimulate education, advance knowledge, enhance recreation and serve as a core of reliable reference information. A section of the library consisting of material on Islamic theology shall be open to the general community.

 

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SECTION 2: MATERIAL SELECTION POLICY

The purpose of the material selection policy is to guide the library staff in the selection of books and resources and to inform the community about principles upon which selections are made. School administration in collaboration with the library selection committee, evaluates and selects books and material.

General Criteria for Selection

The library attempts to acquire readers, reference books, textbooks or other curriculum-related materials useful for school students. While it is the library’s aim to provide only books of quality and merit, final responsibility for children’s reading matter must rest with their parents or legal guardians. The following principles help to condition selection:

  • Usefulness for a wide range of abilities, interests, and learning styles
  • Provision for informational and recreational needs
  • Accuracy of information
  • Attractive and appropriate format
  • Appropriate depth and scope to meet intended purpose
  • Durability of material (printed and non printed)
  • Interest and appeal to students and staff
  • Price, format and ease of use
  • Consistency with the purposes of the school library and relate to school program needs

Specific Criteria for Selection

Materials for adults are selected on the basis of accuracy, interest and usefulness. Legal, medical, and technical works are acquired only to the extent that they are useful to the layman.

Adult Non-Fiction

  • Chief points considered are readability of material, authenticity of factual matter presented, quality of writing, cost, format, existing library holdings and suitability of material to the community. Non-fictional works may be excluded for inaccurate information, lack of integrity, sensationalism, intent to indicate hatred or intolerance, and text material too limited or specialized in nature.
  • Titles are selected on the basis of the content as a whole and without regard to the personal history of the author. In no case is any book included or excluded based on race, nationality, or the political or religious views of the writer. In the case of controversial questions, variety and balance of opinion are sought whenever available.

    • Adult Fiction

  • Selection of adult fiction is made with reference to one or more of the following criteria:
  • It should contribute positively to the individual's awareness of self, community and social heritage.
  • It should contribute to the value of the library's collection as a whole by representing all types and styles of literature.
  • It should provide pleasant reading for recreational and creative use of leisure time.
  • Serious works which present an honest aspect of life are not excluded for frankness of expression.

Young Adult Materials

  • The teen collection consists of material considered to be of particular interest to adolescents, particularly in grades 6-12. Materials are selected for this collection to broaden the horizons of teens, help them to cope with the problems of adolescence, and encourage leisure reading. To fulfill these needs, the collection will inevitably include materials on controversial or sensitive topics. Because of the wide range of maturity and reading levels among individual teens, the suitability of any particular item must be determined on an individual basis by the teen’s parent or guardian. It is not intended to be a comprehensive collection serving all the needs and interests of teens, nor is it the library's intention that teens should be confined to the use of material available in the library.

Children's Materials

  • The first objective in selecting children's materials is to encourage the child's joy in reading and being read to. Books are selected which offer adventure of mind and spirit to the growing child, cultivating an appreciation of literature both oral and written and encouraging the creative use of leisure time by inquiring minds. Special attention is given to books of use and value to parents and teachers, or other adults working with children.
  • The library does not provide basic texts or materials needed in quantity for school work. It accepts as its responsibility the providing of supplemental materials of varied kinds to enrich the resources available to the individual student and teacher.

Reference Materials

Factors considered in the selection of reference materials are authority, reliability, scope, treatment, arrangement, format, cost, and existing holdings.

Documents/Special Collections

  • The library collects and preserves documents primarily of local importance or historical value.
  • Magazines and Newspapers

    • Basic popular, general, informational, and scholarly magazines are selected to supplement the book collection, bring book information up to date, and fill in those areas where book resources are weak, inferior, or non-existent.

    Newspapers are selected to meet reference and research needs of patrons, to provide current information, and to satisfy casual interest in current events. Local and national newspapers are supplied upon sufficient demand and within budget and space limitations.

  • Non-Book Materials

    • The library recognizes the importance of non-book materials both as a supplement to its book collection and to its concept of service. Within budget limitations CDs, videos, internet services and other materials will be purchased in accordance with criteria outlined for adult and children's materials.

  • Gifts/ Book Donations

    • Gifts accepted by the Everest Library are judged upon the same basis as purchased materials. They are considered with the explicit understanding that such factors as duplication, lack of school interest, processing costs, or inadequate shelf space may prevent their addition to the collection or permanent retention on the shelves. Gifts are accepted with the understanding that the library retains the right to dispose of items that cannot be used in any way it deems fit. Any conditions proposed to a gift must be formally accepted by the school administration and library book selection committee. No conditions may be imposed relating to any gift after its acceptance by the library.

Weeding

  • Weeding is a continuous project and is an integral part of the selection process. The same care, thought and judgment is exercised in weeding as in the original selection. Recommendation for weeding the collection (print and non book) is 3% - 5% annually. Decision for discard will be made by those responsible for selection.
  • Materials selected for discarding will be first offered to library patrons via a sale table. A reasonable price will be charged. Any remaining materials will be discarded.

Intellectual Freedom and Procedures for Complaint

This library subscribes to the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read statement, both of which have been adopted by the American Library Association. Any patron who objects to material in the library may register a complaint by filling out a special form available in the library. The material will then be reviewed by the responsible staff members and a decision will be made on its retention in the collection.

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SECTION 3: LIBRARY ELECTRONIC RESOURCES

Electronic Reference Material:

Country Studies - Library of Congress (lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/cshome.html)

Fact Monster (from Information Please) (www.factmonster.com)

Infoplease (www.infoplease.com)

World Almanac for Kids (www.worldalmanacforkids.com)

Fact Monster (from Information Please) (www.factmonster.com)

Infoplease (www.infoplease.com)

Presidents (www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/)

World Almanac for Kids (www.worldalmanacforkids.com)

States (www.ipl.org/youth/stateknow/)

U.S. Flag (www.usflag.org)

International Children's Digital Library (www.icdlbooks.org/)

Project Gutenberg (electronic books) (http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page)

 

Online Magazines & Newspapers:

National Geographic World (www.nationalgeographic.com/media/world/index.html)

Ranger Rick (www.nwf.org/rangerrick/)

Sports Illustrated for Kids (www.sikids.com/)

Time for Kids(www.timeforkids.com/TFK/)

Your Big Backyard (www.nwf.org/yourbigbackyard/)

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SECTION 4: BORROWING PRIVILEGES

Everest Zaitoon Library collections primarily support the educational program at Everest Academy. Current students and staff members may borrow materials with a current validated library account. If a community member needs to check out materials, a Community Borrower Card that is valid for the current year may be obtained. Cards shall be issued to those who can show proof of residence in Greater Houston and are 18 years of age or older.

School students from Grades Kindergarten and up may borrow one book each Wednesday, which should be returned by the following Wednesday.

Policy for overdue Books

  • Books will not be issued to those who have overdue books.
  • The library shall charge a fine 10 cents per day per overdue book.
  • If a book is not returned 10 days after the due date, parents will be notified, and fine for overdue items along with the price of the book must be paid in full.

Policy for damaged Books

In case an issued book is damaged; the following procedures should be followed:

  • Librarian must be notified if a book is damaged.
  • The librarian will be responsible for repairing damaged book.
  • In case a damaged book cannot be repaired, the borrower shall be required to pay the cost of the replacement.
  • In case a borrowed item is mutilated e.g.. pages torn/ cut or full of markings, pages/ sections missing, and the overall condition being such that the book cannot be used anymore), the students will bear the same charges as that of a book reported lost

Policy for lost/ unreturned Books

  • Librarian must be notified if a book is lost.
  • In case a lost book cannot be found till two weeks of book return due date, the borrower shall be required to pay the cost of the replacement. Daily fines @ 10 cents per day for overdue books must also be paid.
  • Students have the option of replacing the same book or provide another book on the same subject.

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SECTION 5: LIBRARY CODE OF CONDUCT

  • Library users are expected to respect the building and equipment, staff, and other patrons. This includes lowering voice when entering the building, using study areas and books appropriately, as well as helping to keep the facilities in good condition for the benefit of all. Please put paper and trash in the appropriate wastebaskets and recycling baskets and leave the area clean for others.
  • Cell Phones: To preserve a quiet study environment, the library requires library users to set cell phones and pagers on inaudible signals.
  • Use of Library Computers: Library computers are provided for uses that support education and learning at Everest Academy. This includes doing research for class work, preparing and printing class papers, reports and projects, using class web pages and discussion forums, and related activities. It is prohibited to use the computers for business or commercial use, and to tamper with computer settings. Computer use is limited to one hour if others are waiting.
  • Defacing the Library and its Materials, Equipment, and Furniture: Cutting, tearing, or defacing materials such as books, periodicals, microforms and compact discs or tampering with computers or computer software or defacing equipment, furniture or the building itself is prohibited.
  • Disruptive Behavior: Behavior that interferes with the appropriate use of the library is not permitted. This includes excessive noise, altercations, theft, vandalism, inappropriate behavior, and harassment of any kind. All such activities should be reported immediately to the Circulation Desk staff, who may contact law enforcement agencies.
  • Fire Alarms: All patrons and staff should respond to all fire and emergency alarms by immediately exiting the building via the nearest emergency exit.
  • Food and Drink: In order to preserve a clean and pleasant study environment, library users are requested to refrain from bringing food and drink to the library. Please dispose of any food wrappers or drink containers in the appropriate trash/recycling bins before entering the library; alert library staff to any spills; and take particular care around library collections and equipment.
  • Children in the Library: The library may be visited by general public after school hours. For their own safety, children may never be left unattended in the library, and they must be under the continuous supervision of the adult responsible for them. Library and school staff members are not able to supervise children or monitor their internet viewing while parents are elsewhere in the school and Masjid facility.

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