Library Media Services

School Libraries

Library Media Services FAQ

Staying Connected

How can I learn more about what's happening in our libraries?
- Connect with us on social media to stay updated on library events, new resources, and student activities. You can find us on both Facebook and Instagram @r7libraries, where we regularly share highlights from our library community.
How can I access my child's library account?
- Our library catalog is readily accessible through multiple paths. You can visit your school's library website directly or access it through the PowerSchool parent portal. For convenience, your child's Schoology account includes a dedicated library course with direct links to the catalog and additional library resources. Click here for a tutorial.
- Pre-K, Great Beginnings and Miller Park students are unique and will need to contact their student’s librarian for specific directions.

Library Collections

How do librarians select books to be part of the library collection?
- Watch this video for information about how library books are selected in LSR7.
Does my child have access to eBooks or audiobooks through LSR7 libraries?
- Our digital collection is available to all students through Sora, our digital reading platform. We maintain separate collections for elementary, middle and high school students. Students can easily browse, borrow, and enjoy eBooks and audiobooks anytime using their school login credentials.

Lost and Damaged Materials

What should I do if I can't find my child's library book?
- Start your search with our "I've Looked Everywhere” handout. While some suggested locations might seem unusual, many students have successfully located missing books using this guide. If the book remains missing, email your child's librarian. They'll note the situation, but won't request payment until May since most books typically turn up during the school year.
How much do replacement materials cost?
- We've simplified our replacement policy to make it straightforward for families. All lost or damaged books have a flat replacement fee of $10. This approach helps us maintain our collection while keeping the process simple for everyone. Best of all, we don't charge late fees – we understand that life gets busy, and we want to keep reading accessible for all students.
What if I find a book after paying for it?
- Return the book to the library, and we'll process your refund. We issue refunds twice yearly, in October and May. This system helps us efficiently manage our administrative processes while ensuring families receive their reimbursements. We do not issue refunds for books that have been lost for a year or more.

Reading Guidance

How do librarians help students select books?
- Our LSR7 librarians help students become confident, responsible readers by teaching them how to select books that are right for them depending on their grade level. Elementary students learn how to find a just-right book they can read independently. Librarians teach students how to:
  - Read book summaries and covers to understand a book's content
  - Assess whether a book matches their personal interests and comfort level
  - Use resources like Common Sense Media for additional book research
- For high school students, we encourage:
  - Exploring titles carefully if certain subjects might conflict with personal or family values
  - Being mindful of potential triggers related to past experiences
- Our goal is to empower students to make informed reading choices that respect their individual boundaries and well-being.
How can I discuss books with my child?
- Reading together creates valuable opportunities for connection and discussion. Consider researching books together using trusted review sources, or read the same book to create shared experiences. Maintain open communication by creating a judgment-free environment where your child feels comfortable sharing thoughts and questions about their reading material.

Collection Access

Are there restrictions on accessing different grade-level collections?
- We have established boundaries between our collections. LSR7 high school libraries do not lend books from their collection to LSR7 elementary or middle school students unless the book is already part of a LSR7 middle or elementary school library collection. LSR7 middle school libraries do not lend books from their collection to LSR7 elementary school students unless the book is already part of a LSR7 elementary school library collection.
What is restricted patron status?
- Restricted patron status offers parents additional oversight of their child's library activities. This status allows you to limit access to 20 specific titles in the print collection. You'll receive email notifications for checkouts and daily return reminders until books are returned. The restriction also blocks access to the district’s digital fiction collection, SORA, on district devices. Contact your school librarian directly to discuss implementing these restrictions.

Research Support

How Can I Help My Child with Research Projects?
- Our research support system offers several resources for students and families. Students can access our extensive database collection through their school’s library website. Information on how to access these databases from home is also available on the website. All secondary students have access to NoodleTools for citation management; click here for a quick guide. Video tutorials are also available through their school’s library website. High school students can use DraftCoach, an extension in Google Docs, for writing support and plagiarism prevention. For teacher-specific directions and materials, please refer to your child’s Schoology course.

Does the district have AI Guidelines?
- Yes, the district AI guidelines were written by the Library Media Service Department and Instructional Technology Specialists. Click here to review the guidelines.

Additional Services

Does the district offer summer reading support?
- Our summer reading program includes several components to keep students engaged with books year-round. The Bag of Books program allows students to check out multiple books in May for summer reading. Our LSR7 Bookmobile makes weekly visits throughout the community, and students maintain access to our digital library through Sora. Complete program details are distributed each May.
Can students access Mid-Continent Library resources?
- Families can opt into Mid-Continent Library access during school registration. Our librarians assist students in accessing Mid-Continent databases and integrating these resources with their Sora account. To modify your student's access to Mid-Continent resources, contact your school librarian, who will coordinate with our technology department to adjust permissions according to your preferences.

The mission of the LSR7 Library Department

is to provide students and staff with open, equitable access to information and library instruction. Our vision is to empower students for success in life as readers, critical thinkers, and ethical users of information.

Coordinator of Library Media Services

Amy Taylor

Tricia Hitchcock
Administrative Assistant & Resource Library Clerk

Phone: 816.986.1067