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Board hears updates to MPS library media specialist handbook, rubrics and volunteer guidelines
Summary
District staff presented proposed updates to the library media specialist handbook to align to state guidance, add learner outcomes, rubrics for specialist expectations, equal access principles, and volunteer guidelines including secondary student library aides.
District library and media staff presented proposed updates to the Montgomery Public Schools library media specialist handbook at the June 8 meeting.
What staff proposed: The revised handbook adds learner outcomes across grade levels, rubrics that define library media specialist roles and expectations, provisions to prioritize instruction time in school media centers, and clear statements on equal and maximum access to information resources. The handbook also promotes integration of digital and print media, encourages research and independent learning, and emphasizes professional collaboration between library media specialists and classroom teachers.
Staff noted the handbook is being updated to reflect current accreditation standards and state guidance. The presentation included a procedural outline for reconsideration (challenge) of library instructional materials and clarified that a formal reconsideration process would be available rather than informal review.
Volunteer and student participation: The handbook includes volunteer guidelines that allow opportunities for secondary students to serve as library aides/tech aides; staff said middle and high schools already have library-aid roles and the handbook would formalize and expand those opportunities.
Staffing notes: Board members asked whether vacancies listed (for example at JAG and at some elementary schools) had been filled; library staff confirmed some positions had been filled and others were still open.
Why this matters: Updated library-media policy governs access to instructional materials, aligns school libraries to accreditation expectations and clarifies a process for challenges to materials. The volunteer guidance also offers a pathway for student engagement and early exposure to library and instruction roles.
Attribution: Presentation and answers were provided by district library/media staff (Miss Huntley). The board asked clarifying questions about positions and reconsideration language.
Next steps: Staff said the updated handbook will be provided to administrators and will be aligned to the state handbook and accreditation requirements; staff will report back to the board as they finalize outstanding position fills and handbook edits.
