Castle+High+School+Media+Center

=Media Specialist: Steve Devillez= =﻿Interview Information:=
 * //Length of Service: 12 Years//
 * //Educational Background: Bachelor's of Science in Education; Master's in Library Science from Indiana State//
 * //Previous Employment Background: Middle School Teacher; Media Specialist at Merriville High School//
 * Collaboration: a flexible schedule allows for mainly informal collaboration; collaborates with teachers by providing resources for research projects and instruction on using databases. In addition, in the past has provided afterschool PD opportunities for teachers.
 * Technology: the brand new media center provides access to 6 desk tops and 80 laptops. All computers are wireless and have access to printing and scanning. In addition, three large flat screen televisions are mounted throughout the media center. The school uses INSPIRE as the main data base. The DESTINY server based system is used for cataloguing and circulation; in addition, the school purchases Web Express through Destiny to be used as the main search engine by students doing research.
 * Program Planning & Accountability: Indiana academic standards, ALA standards, and 21st century standards are used to guide program planning. Accountability is maintained through the administration.
 * Policies and Procedures: As Castle is a part of a large district; policies and procedures are set at the district level with Castle maintaining a large portion of the responsibility for carrying out library procedures.
 * Collections: 13,000 fiction and non fiction titles are available in addition to a large periodical collection. Print reference materials are no longer purchased as teachers and students use mainly online reference materials. Weeding and inventory are done annually.
 * Time Management & Scheduling: a flexible schedule that is available online for teachers to sign up for media center usage and assistance. This is done on a monthly basis.
 * Facilities: a large state of the art open floor plan with the majority of the collection lining the walls. Two computer stations are located in the center; one of which is for catalog searching and the other for printing and scanning. There are several comfortable seating areas for reading. In addition, there are multiple table and chair areas for research and studying. Sprinkled throughout the interior floor space are displays of new arrivals and ROSIE books. Attached to the library is a community room for student meetings and a PD room with available copy equipment.
 * Human Resources: 2 full time staff members assisted by multiple student volunteers.
 * Budget: the budget has been cut by 40% in the last couple of years. A separate library budget used for supplies, books, and periodicals is managed by the head media specialist.
 * Advocacy: Promotion & Events Displays outside and inside show new arrivals and a display for Banned Books. New arrivals are highlighted on the daily announcements. A yearly used book sale is hosted by the PTF; however, funding is not given to the library.