RCPS Library Information
Policies and Procedures
The Roanoke County Public Schools Internet Policy applies whenever a student is using a computer at school.
Vision and Mission of Roanoke County School Libraries
The vision of the Roanoke County Public School Library program is to empower students to learn technology and 21st-century skills incorporating collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, and citizenship.
The mission of the Roanoke County Public School Library program is to provide quality learning experiences designed to equip students with the skills to adapt and thrive in a changing global environment. The libraries extend and enhance the classroom experience: a place where students, teachers, and librarians can explore, learn, create, and collaborate. Librarians foster a love of reading and learning in addition to modeling and utilizing current technologies to assist students in becoming proficient and responsible users of information.
Roanoke County Book Selection Policy
The Roanoke County Public Schools library program has a book selection policy for our schools that supports the curriculum, incorporates current educational trends, and considers the needs, interests, and diversity of our students.
When selecting books for purchase, school librarians consider professional reviews and recommended reading ages. Nonfiction books are selected based on accuracy, scope, reliability, format, points of interest, and potential use. Materials on opposing sides of controversial issues are purchased so that students may develop critical thinking skills. Fiction books are selected based on the needs of the collection, popularity, quality, curriculum-connections, and professional book reviews. Recommendations from students and staff members are encouraged and honored when possible. Donated books must meet the same criteria as newly purchased books.
Parent Support
Roanoke County Schools prioritize supporting parents in accessing and managing their child's library materials. We offer three features for parent engagement:
1. Parents may choose to opt in or out of receiving email notifications when their child checks out a book. This preference was initially set through the beginning-of-the-year forms but can be updated at any time by contacting your school librarian.
2. Parents can view newly added books in their child's library by visiting the catalog link or app on the library homepage of the school website. Instructions are available here.
3. Our new library system includes a feature called Guardian Engagement, which allows parents to browse their child's library collection and create a list of prohibitive titles. Books marked as prohibited by the guardian will be unavailable for checkout by that student in the school library. This option is available to interested families. If you did not receive instructions on creating a Guardian Engagement account, please complete this form, and our team will provide the necessary information: https://forms.office.com/r/NpZGayuRfx
Additionally, the following resources are available: