1) Mission & Values

The Al Huda Islamic School Library nurtures a love of reading, information literacy, and lifelong learning within an Islamic ethical framework. We support coursework across KG1–12, character education (adab), and community engagement. We promote:

• Amanah (trust): Responsible use of shared materials and spaces.
• Adab (character): Respect, kindness, and academic honesty.
• Ilm (knowledge): Access to quality, age‑appropriate resources in print and digital formats.

2) Scope of Services

• Print Collection: Picture books, early readers, fiction/nonfiction, reference, Islamic studies, Arabic, STEM, and teacher resources.
• Electronic Resources: eBooks, audiobooks, research databases, encyclopedias, and curated websites/OPAC.
• Technology & Equipment: Laptops/tablets, headphones, calculators, chargers, document cameras (as available); makerspace basics (paper circuits, LEGOs, craft tools) where offered.
• Instruction & Programs: Library orientations, research skills, digital citizenship, author visits, reading challenges, book clubs.
• Reader’s Advisory: Personalized book recommendations, classroom support lists.

3) Access & Eligibility

• Students (KG1–12) and staff may borrow materials with an active school account. Parents/guardians may visit during posted family hours (check‑in at the office).
• Equity of Access: Reasonable accommodations are available; alternative formats can be provided upon request. The library observes prayer times and ensures schedule alignment with school worship breaks.

4) Collection Development

• Selection Criteria: Age/level suitability, curriculum relevance, accuracy, quality of writing/illustration, diversity of perspectives, alignment with school values, and demand.
• Islamic Resources: Qur’an translations/tafāsīr, sīrah, fiqh for youth, Muslim biographies—selected for age appropriateness and reputable scholarship.
• Review Process: Librarian (chair), two teachers (rotating), and administrator review new categories/controversial topics. Vendor lists and reputable review journals are consulted.
• Weeding (Deselection): Outdated, worn, duplicated, or low‑use items are removed per CREW‑style guidelines; records updated and items disposed of per school procedures.

5) Gifts & Donations

• Acceptance: Donations are reviewed using the same selection criteria as purchases. The library may decline items not meeting needs/condition standards.
• Disposition: Accepted items may be added, offered at school book sales, or recycled. Acknowledgment letters are available upon request (no monetary valuation).

6) Cataloging & Classification

• Materials are cataloged in the school’s OPAC with age/grade levels and subject headings. Dewey Decimal (or simplified) is used for nonfiction; fiction by author; Arabic titles labeled with language codes.

7) Circulation Policy

Loan Periods (Standard)

Reference/Reserve: Library‑use only unless approved by librarian.
Holds: Available through OPAC; holds expire after 5 school days.

Overdues, Lost, & Damaged

• Fine‑Free for Students: No daily late fines. Borrowing may pause if items are 14+ days overdue.
• Lost/Damaged Fee: Replacement cost + $2 processing. Family may provide identical replacement (new/like‑new) with librarian approval.
• Notifications: Email reminders at 7 and 14 days; final notice at 21 days.

Special Items

• Equipment/Devices: Daily checkout for class use; some items require signed Equipment Agreement. Late return may incur usage block and device‑specific fee schedule.

8) Electronic Resources & Devices

• Access: Students log in with school credentials; off‑campus access may require SSO/VPN as provided.
• Filtering & Safety: Internet filters per school IT/AUP settings; educator‑approved platforms prioritized. The library complies with applicable laws (e.g., CIPA) and school policies.
• Use Guidelines: Research first, entertainment last; headphones for audio; respect battery/charging stations. Staff may limit session length during peak times.

9) Acceptable Use & Academic Integrity

• Respectful Conduct: Quiet voices, care for materials, and kindness toward peers and staff.
• Academic Honesty: Cite sources; avoid plagiarism; follow teacher citation style (MLA/APA) as assigned.
• Privacy: The library protects the confidentiality of circulation and search records consistent with school policy and applicable laws (e.g., FERPA). Parents/guardians may access their child’s records upon verified request.

10) Space Use & Supervision

• Elementary Classes: Visit with teacher/aid; small groups with passes.
• Middle/High School: Pass required during class hours; independent study allowed when space permits.
• Events: Book fairs, author talks, and clubs scheduled through the librarian; room reservations via Library Event Request.

11) Behavior & Safety

• Expected: Mindful movement, food‑free stacks, capped drinks at tables, clean work areas, and adherence to dress/modesty rules.
• Prohibited: Disruptive behavior, vandalism, unsafe play, and bypassing internet filters. Staff may redirect, document, and notify administration.
• Emergency: Follow school emergency procedures; exits and muster points posted.

12) Instruction & Collaboration

• Teacher Requests: Submit Instruction Request Form (at least 5 school days prior) for research lessons, database demos, or book tubs.
• Curricular Support: Co‑plan units (inquiry, STEM, Islamic studies, ELA, social studies); align with Arizona academic standards and school goals.

13) Inclusion & Accessibility

• Multiple reading levels, high‑interest/low‑readability options, large print, audiobooks, and bilingual/Arabic materials available where possible. The library strives for culturally responsive titles and representation.

14) Challenged Materials Procedure

1. Share concerns with the librarian for informal review.
2. If unresolved, submit a Reconsideration Request.
3. A review committee (librarian, administrator, teacher, and parent rep) evaluates the item using selection criteria.
4. Principal issues a written decision; appeals go to the Head of School/Board designee.

15) Data & Records

• Circulation Data: Retained minimally for operations, then anonymized/cleared per IT policy.
• Inventory: Conducted annually; discrepancies reported to administration.

16) Volunteers

• Roles: Shelving, displays, book fairs, read‑alouds, processing.
• Requirements: Orientation, confidentiality agreement, and background clearance per school policy.

17) Communication

• Updates via school newsletter, announcements, and library homepage/OPAC. Families may opt into reading challenge emails.

18) Review Cycle & Amendments

This policy is reviewed every 2 years or as needed by changes in curriculum, enrollment, technology, or law. Revisions are approved by the Principal.

Appendices (Templates)

• A. Student/Parent Library Account Agreement
• B. Equipment Checkout Agreement
• C. Instruction Request Form
• D. Event/Room Request Form
• E. Reconsideration Request (Challenged Materials)
• F. Volunteer Agreement & Confidentiality Statement

Notes for Implementation

• Publish OPAC link and quick‑action buttons: Search Catalog, Place a Hold, Request a Title, Pay Replacement Online (if enabled).
• Add Ramadan/Exam‑week hours banner as needed.
• Keep a visible “New & Noteworthy” shelf and an Islamic Studies spotlight display.