Washington Irving Middle School Library/Media Center "Frequently Asked Questions"

Each student may check-out up to five books at a time.

2. How long may I keep the books I borrow?

The check-out time for books is three weeks, but we ask that if you are finished with the books sooner to please return them so that others might check them out. Books may also be renewed if no one has placed a "Hold" on the book.

3. Are there fines for overdue materials?

No, we do not charge fines on overdue items, but you must pay the replacement cost for lost or damaged books.

4. What if I keep something late?

If a student has an overdue book or other library item, they will receive an overdue notice from their English teacher. If the student fails to return the book, the student will continue to receive overdue notices each week and a phone call may be made to notify the student's parents. The student is expected to either return the book or pay the replacement cost for it if it is lost or damaged. Once an item is overdue, the student may not check-out additional materials from the library until their obligation is resolved. In other words, a student is blocked from further check-out until all overdue items are cleared from their record.

5. What if my dog chews my library book or my friend borrows it from me and doesn't return it?

Each student is responsible for the library materials he or she borrows. If an item is lost or damaged while it is checked-out to a student, they are expected to pay the replacement cost of the item. Student are not permitted to checkout library books or other library items in a friend's name.

6. May I borrow currect magazines?

No, current issues of magazines may not be checked-out. Current issues are kept in the library magazine rack and made available for all patrons to access during library hours. However, students may check-out back issues of magazines.

7. When may I come to the library/media center?

Teachers may bring students to the Library/Media Center as a class for research or to check-out books by scheduling a time with the librarians. Students may also come individually by getting permission from one of their teachers and by having the teacher sign their student agenda book. Students may also come during their study hall time or after school on the late bus days when the library is open (usually on Monday and Thursday) in order to study, do research, or complete an assignment. Students should inform their parents before leaving home in the morning if they plan to stay after school and use the libray.
   
General Information: Irving's Library/Media Center is open during school hours (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m) on regular school days and 8:00 a.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m. on certain late bus days (usually Monday and Thursday). The library is staffed with two library/media specialists and a library office assistant. Students are encouraged to use the library resources and to ask for help when they have questions.

Students being sent to the library from a class or study hall usually use their agenda book as their hall pass. Students should come promptly to the library from their classroom unless given permission from their teacher to detour first to another location in the building. Upon completing their work in the library, students return directly to their classroom.

To use the library after school on the days that the library is open late, students sign-in at the circulation desk, giving their name and arrival time. Students should arrive in the library no later than 3:05 p.m. and must stay until they are dismissed by the library staff to catch the late bus -- unless arrangements have been made with their teacher to return to their classroom prior to dismissal or they are being picked up early by their parents..

Library Resources:

Irving's Library/Media Center subscribes to periodicals and newspapers for students and staff use. The current issues of these periodicals are located on a rack near the front of the library. Current issues are for use in the library and back issues are available for check-out.

Irving's Library/Media Center also includes a TV studio with closed-circuit production capabilities to all classrooms. The W.I.N.N. News Team (which stands for Washington Irving Network News) produces a news show which is shown to students over channel 6. The program keeps both student and staff informed of current school announcements, and often includes highlights of school and club activities. Students interested in video production are encouraged to try-out for the news team or to enter their own video creations in such video competitions as "Video Fairfax" and the "MHz Shortie Film Competition".

Library Policies/Procedures:

Students who have overdue books are not allowed to check-out any additional library materials until they return the books they have overdue. Overdue notices are sent to English teachers the first school day of each week. No fines are charged for overdue books, but students are required to pay for lost or damaged library books. If a student has paid for a lost book and later finds the book and returns it to the library in good condition, the payment will be refunded to their parents.

Students may not check out books or other library materials for another student.

Students may renew library books or other library items by bringing these items to the circulation desk in the front of the library.

When returning library books and other library items, students and staff should place them in either the book return slot at the circulation desk or in the book return mailbox located in the hallway just outside the library doors. Please do not return books by leaving them on top of the circulation desk or on a book cart or library shelf since these books might get mixed up with items which have already been checked-in.

Library patrons are to work quietly and be respectful of others using the library. Students may talk quietly as long as you do not disturb others around them. Students who are disruptive or are just "visiting with friends"may be asked to return to class or be referred to their counselor or administrator.

Eating, drinking, and chewing gum are not allowed in the library.

Students and staff should return all library items to their proper place before leaving the library and dispose of any trash in the wastebaskets. Chairs should be pushed in, and computers signed off.

Students are encouraged to use the library/media center computers for research or other library purposes. Students are expected to follow Washington Irving's computer use guidelines. Since no fees are charged for computer printouts, students are asked to print no more than 5 pages during their library visit unless they discuss the reason for printing more with the library staff. Students are instructed to ask for assistance if they need help with printing or other computer problems. Students should not save files to the computer's hard drive or to discs they have brought from outside school unless they discuss this with the library staff first. Students are expected to be aware of the FCPS and Irving Middle School's computer use policies.