Vision

In order to execute the vision and philosophy of Gateway Preparatory Academy an emphasis will be placed on the establishment of a library. The Academy library will be the foundation and center of academic learning for the students at the Academy. Therefore the Academy library media program intends to be the primary resource for literacy, information, and curriculum support. The Academy will utilize the talents of a library mentor/teacher to integrate literature as the major component of all areas of education for the students. The Academy library media program, through the coordinated efforts of the library mentor/teacher, will contribute to the achievement of the student learning by providing instruction, resources, and activities that emphasize and enable students and staff to become effective, independent users of ideas and information for lifelong learning.

The Academy's Goals and Objectives for Student learning, to align with all Utah State Standards of Education in Library Media, are that students will:

1. Demonstrate the ability to locate, evaluate, interpret, and communicate information and ideas for intellectual development, personal enjoyment, and lifelong learning.
2. Demonstrate media literacy skills including ethical use of information and information technology.
3. Demonstrate the ability to learn independently and adopt habits and attitudes of lifelong learning.
4. Demonstrate the ability to recognize and identify their information needs and show self-confidence in solving information problems.
5. Develop media literacy skills and critical thinking processes necessary to analyze information and opinions in order to develop new understandings and make informed decisions.
6. Demonstrate the ability to explore the ideas and creative achievements of a variety of people from many cultures and times.

The Academy intends to provide activities and measures for the student population in alignment with Utah State Library Media standards. The Academy will expand this vision by building a literary collection that is the basis for all academic learning at the Academy. In accordance with the philosophy of the Academy competencies will be established and measured in relation to the Library Media materials by the library mentor/teacher in coordination with the teachers in alignment with the curriculum used in the classrooms. These competencies will facilitate in the academic success of the students and provide the students with a solid foundation for continued learning and contribution to society. One of the main focuses of the Academy will be to establish a reading program in order to expose students to a variety of genres within the classical literary model. This program will provide the students with the opportunity to track and receive credit for meritorious literary pursuits.

Location and Access

The Academy library will be located so as to be strategically accessible to all students in accordance with IDEA. The library media program will be available to individual students and class groups throughout the day. Students will also be given time each week to spend in the library having books read to them and/or given the opportunity to check out books to take home and read.

Staffing

The entire Academy population is expected to accommodate 675 students. Therefore the Academy library will be supervised by a library mentor/teacher and a minimum of one additional library mentor or library assistant. The Academy will hire based on efficiently and successfully maintaining the library for the use of the students. The Academy will hire additional library assistants as needed to successfully serve the academic needs of the student population.

The Academy library will also utilize volunteers to assist in the function and academic success of the students. These volunteers will come from the population of advanced readers within the academy. The advanced readers will be encouraged to read with and mentor their fellow students. Additional volunteers will be drawn from the community that will include, but is not limited to, the parents of the students, college interns, and senior citizens interested in assisting in the literary academic advancement of the Academy.

Facilities

The library media facility will provide an inviting environment that is conducive to student learning. The library media facility will be of sufficient size and flexibility to accommodate a variety of functions simultaneously. The library media facility will contain bookshelves, computers, tables and chairs, comfortable reading areas, and a librarian office. The Academy library will be built with the intention for future expansion on an "as needed" basis.

Collection

The Academy is a special purpose education facility that caters to students K-8. Therefore, it will provide 15 volumes per students, or a minimum of approximately 10,125 volumes. The collection of books will be a strong focus of the Academy. The collection of books and resource materials will be as extensive as financially possible and expand as funds become available. The Academy will primarily utilize budgetary allowances as the main source of income in meeting the library media requirements. In an effort to expand the library's collection, the Academy will work diligently to raise monies for additional library media needs. These include, but are not limited to, book fairs, book exchanges, business partnerships, fundraisers, read-a-thons, donations, and grants to meet the literary needs of the students.

Literacy and a love of reading will be hallmarks of the Gateway Preparatory Academy. Literature for all reading abilities and enjoyment levels will be made available. Opportunities will be provided for students, parents, and volunteers to recommend literary additions to the library. The Academy will give priority to classic books containing primary sources of historical and academic information. Controversial works of literature will be available in the Library, but students will be required to have prior parental permission to access them.