Each school in the Tuscaloosa County School System has a library media center, which houses a comprehensive collection of books, audiovisual materials, and instructional equipment. These centers collectively contain more than 235,000 books (approximately 14 per student) with an annual circulation exceeding 780,000. Each library media center is staffed by a certified library media specialist. A variety of services is offered in the centers including the provision of materials to support the instructional program, activities designed to increase literature appreciation and a love of reading, instruction in accessing information through both print and technological sources, reader advisory services, and a wide range of enrichment activities. All 29 of the school system's library media centers have Athena computerized library media management system in operation. These management systems provide for catalog searching, circulation, and inventory of materials. The Alabama State Department of Education's Literacy Partners: Guide to an Effective Library Media Program for the 21st Century and Information Power, published by the American Library Association, serve as guides for library literacy instruction.

The Tuscaloosa County Board of Education believes that the school library media center is a fundamental part of the educational program. Since the library media program is an integral part of the total school program, the school's philosophy and goals help establish direction for library media services. Programs may vary somewhat based on different school characteristics; however, some functions will be common in all schools. Those functions include:

1. Equal access to information in the school collection.
2. Provision of supplementary materials to enhance the school curriculum.
3. Integration of information skills instruction with classroom activities.
4. Assistance to teachers in using a variety of media formats to improve instruction.
5. Motivation for students to enjoy good literature and other worthwhile resources.
6. Access to the use of current technologies to improve instructional effectiveness.

The library media specialist and teachers should collaborate to insure that all students have adequate and equal access to the library media center and its collection.

Library Media Center Selection of Materials

The collection of materials in each school shall support the curriculum, enrich the educational program and be consistent with the philosophy, goals and objectives of the Tuscaloosa County School System. We believe the purpose of education is to help all students acquire the skills, understanding, and attitudes which will promote sound character, responsible citizenship, intellectual proficiency, and fulfillment in an ever-changing society. Materials selected for our library media centers shall support this purpose and shall be appropriate to the developmental and maturity levels of the students served.

Materials Review Policy

The Board supports principles of intellectual freedom inherent in the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States; therefore, the Board recognizes the right of any member of the school community to express objection to instructional material which he/she deems inappropriate. Any request for review or reconsideration of particular instructional materials should be referred to an official (principal or library media specialist) at the local school level.

Tuscaloosa County School District Library Media Center contact person is:

Ms. Jane Smith (contact Jane by visiting her page)  

Phone: 205-342-2840
Fax: 205-553-3722

Brookwood Elementary School
16049 Highway 216
Brookwood, Alabama 35444