Here are some commonly asked questions by parents.
 • Mrs. Bailey's answer...
We have two staff members in the media full time. I am the certified media specialist and my primary responsibilities focus on the major functions of the media center both academically and administratively. I consult with teachers and plan instruction formally and informally as needed. I also provide services for technology within the school. Mrs. Brown is our Library Media Assistant. She supervises much or our circulation system, manages our office and works with students and staff as needed. We are very thankful for Mrs. Brown's talents in the media. She helps make our media a wonderful place to work and visit. We also have many parent volunteers who generously volunteer their time in the media center. They help shelve books, take inventory, and update our materials. We also have some student helpers who also help in the same kind of tasks. If you are interested in volunteering, please give us a call for more details.
 • Mrs. Bailey's answer...
When making purchases for our media center, I select materials that support the curriculum and give depth to the collection. When I preview materials I look to see if it:
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Is produced at an appropriate grade level,
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Qualifies within our approval sources,
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Has positive reviews and awards from reputable sources,
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Whether it meets a variety of student needs,
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Whether it reflects our society as a whole,
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Whether it supports literary and intellectual growth.
All of our materials meet or exceed the standards set by Howard County Schools. It is my goal to continually evaluate and select materials to enhance our collection. Recommendations are always welcome by our community members.
 • Mrs. Bailey's answer...
We have a policy of a maximum of three books for three weeks. Students may renew their books as needed. We also suggest that students get Howard County Public Library cards so they can use the public library resources too.
 • Mrs. Bailey's answer...
We ask that you pay for the cost of the material to replace it so others can continue to enjoy our collection. If you find the book within a year, we will reimburse the cost of the book. If a book is damaged beyond repair we also ask for replacement costs.
 • Mrs. Bailey's answer...
We have at least one book fair a year. All proceeds from the book fair go toward improving the media center's collection, equipment, and services. Book fairs will be announced in school notices and on our website.
 • Mrs. Bailey's answer...
Yes, it can be found at:
Murray Hill Media Center: http://www2.mcdaniel.edu/slm/student/baileya/media%20web/t04/mediaweb.htm
The website is updated regularly and contains a lot of resources for parents and students.
 • Mrs. Bailey's answer...
Students can work in school with our print references, such as encyclopedias and atlases, but they cannot be checked out. Students also have access to electronic resources within our school. Students can use many of the electronic resources from home. You can access them for free over the Internet. The link can be found at:
The password is “laur_log”
You can also get homework help at:
The Howard County Library brings this site to you.
 • Mrs. Bailey's answer...
Mrs. Bailey: Students are not allowed to freely use the Internet. A staff member must supervise students and it is highly recommended to staff that all sites be thoroughly previewed and that students are restricted to the sites designated for their lesson. Staff will often use Backflip files as a resource to direct student Internet use. Internet research is also limited to search engines that are age appropriate, such as Yahooligans and Ask Jeeves for kids. Students are not allowed access to email or instant messaging (IM) at any time in the school building. Before students use the school computers they are required to sign a Computer Use Agreement form and that parents sign it as well to ensure the proper use of computers and electronic information.
 • Mrs. Bailey's answer...
We respect the right of parents to manage and restrict their child's use of any materials in the media center. Either the student or the parent can return the materials to the media center. Materials in the media meet all the selection standards for Howard County Schools. We affirm and support the Library Bill of Rights and the rights of individuals to access information. This applies to both print and electronic materials. Any requests for reevaluation of materials should be address to our principal, Mrs. Jameson.
Details about the Library Bill of Rights can be found at: http://www.howard.k12.md.us:16080/met/media/handbook/appendix/librarybillofrights.htm
 • Mrs. Bailey's answer...
Children need our support to become lifelong readers. Today there are so many activities available today that children need guidance in making choices. Here are a few ideas to guide your child toward good reading habits:
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Be a good role model and read in front of your kids. Everyone is busy today, but taking 20 minutes out of your busy schedule to sit a read will make a big difference. You might even find you are more relaxed too.
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Set aside time for your child to read. Often going to bed can be a difficult transition period and even a great struggle. Set a time for bed which allows for about 30 minutes of free reading time. Children will transition easier into sleep and enjoy reading.
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Children often say they have nothing to read, or they don't like reading. Sit down with them and find out what they like to do. Then take this list to your public library and ask for assistance in finding books that they would like to read.
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Get a subscription to a magazine in your child's name.
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Read a book together. You don't have to read side by side. Make it your own small book club. Get two copies of a book and compare notes as your read. You might find out that you end up sharing more than just what is in the book.
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