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Policy Support for Preservice and Inservice Teacher-Librarians

Resources created by: Judi Moreillon, Ph.D.

Fall 2007


Internet Use Policies (IUP) or Acceptable Use Policies (AUP):

The IUP or AUP is a critical part of your library's administrative manual. In the 21st century, it could be the most important policy in your manual. Teacher-librarians should serve on district-level teams responsible for creating and refining these policies. As you consider the policy for your library, check out some of these resources. You can use a pre-existing policy, but you must cite it and tell why you found it superior to others. If you are basing your manual on an actual library that has an IUP or AUP, you must also cite it and detail its strengths and/or weaknesses.

From the Virginia Department of Education Web site:

COMPONENTS

A well-written Acceptable Use Policy focuses on responsible use of computer networks, including the Internet, and access and transmitting of information to K-12 classrooms and the library media center. Most Acceptable Use Policies include the following components:

-a description of the instructional philosophies and strategies to be supported by Internet access in schools


-a statement on the educational uses and advantages of the Internet in your school or division


-a list of the responsibilities of educators, parents, and students for using the Internet


-a code of conduct governing behavior on the Internet


-a description of the consequences of violating the AUP


-a description of what constitutes acceptable and unacceptable use of the Internet


-a disclaimer absolving the school division, under specific circumstances, from responsibility


-a statement reminding users that Internet access and the use of computer networks is a privilege


-a statement that the AUP is in compliance with state and national telecommunication rules and regulations


-a statement regarding the need to maintain personal safety and privacy while accessing the Internet


-a statement regarding the need to comply with Fair Use Laws and other copyright regulations while accessing the Internet


-a signature form for teachers, parents, and students indicating their intent to abide by the AUP


ALA Checklist for Creating an Internet Use Policy

 

Examples of School Internet or Acceptable Use Policies:

Kyrene School District (pdf)

Safford School District - Network Brochure (pdf)

Scottsdale School District: The student Internet Use Policy for Scottsdale is part of the code of conduct. You will find it on page 5 of this document.
http://www.susd.org/district/studentservices/CofC_Secondary2006-2007.pdf

Scottsdale School District: Teacher Use Policy


State-Level Policies:

Indiana Acceptable Use Policy

ALA Examples of Public Library Internet Use Policies

Last updated: 28 October 2007