"Guidelines for Writing a Selection Policy" Cynthia Mae Helms * |
 
Introduction
- The librarian is accused of buying too many books on his/her favorite B. Need
- Avoid personal biases, interests, preferences, blind spots of selector
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Basic Components of a Selection Policy
(See Appendix A for Basic Outline)
Levels Diversity Philosophy and Principles (See Appendix B)
Life-long learning Curriculum Levels of difficulty Variety of formats Individual needs, abilities, learning styles Supplement classroom instruction Develop critical thinking Support Christian philosophy of education
Librarian's role to coordinate, recommend, purchase Name the other position/s and their roles
Technical qualities Cost Educational significance Authority publisher, author Content - Literary and artistic elements - Validity - Factual - Currency - Reading level and understanding Clarity Potential use - curriculum, citizenship, Christian principles Potential users - age, emotional development, ability level, learning style, social development - interests, needs Timeliness or permanence
F. Procedures for Selection
Who are the people involved How the work is coordinated among different people involved Include procedures also for replacement, duplication, weeding, etc. Choosing textbooks, videos, media, and other non-print materials Preview and return process List selection aids to be used and not used (See Appendix C.) Special Areas
Sponsored materials Expensive materials Ephemeral materials Jobbers and salespersons Free and inexpensive materials Professional materials Special collections
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Appendix A: Basic Outline - Material Selection Policy
(Name of School and Library)
B. Objectives of Selection
C. Responsibility for Selection
D. Criteria for Selection
E. Criteria for Gifts and Unsolicited Materials
F. Procedures for Selection
B. Request for Informal Reconsideration
C. Request for Formal Reconsideration
D. The Reconsideration Committee
E. Resolution
F. Guiding Principles |
 
Appendix B: Philosophy and Principles
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Appendix C: Selection Aids
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Appendix D: Reconsideration Form
(Name of School and Library)
Name Contact Information Representing self or what organization Bibliographic information of title in question Format Questions pertaining to the material being challenged, such as:
Date
Please send this request to (name, address). |
 
Appendix E: List of Samples
Selection Policy Writing." Revised June 27, 1995. http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oifworkbook_selection.html
Materials." Adopted by the Philadelphia Board of Education on Nov. 15, 1996. Revised Feb. 2002. http://www.libraries.phila.k12.pa.us/misc/selection-policy.html (accessed 19 Jan., 2005).
(accessed 19 Jan., 2005). Letter to Complainant ALA Workbook for Selection Policy Writing, p. 9 Instructions to Reconsideration Committee ALA Workbook for Selection Policy Writing, pp. 9-10 District of Philadelphia Selection Policy for School Library Materials, p. 7. Statement of Concern/Reconsideration/Complaint ALA Workbook for Selection Policy Writing, pp. 10-11 School District of Philadelphia Selection Policy for School Library Materials, p. 6.
Groton Public Schools Materials Selection Policy, pp. 4-5
Baltimore County Public School Selection Criteria for School Library
Media Center Collections, pp. 11-12. |
 
References:
http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/informationpower/InformationLiteracy Standards_final.pdf (accessed 20 Apr., 2005).
http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/challengesupport/dealing/workbookselection.htm (accessed 07 Mar., 2005).
http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/office/admin/selection.html (accessed 19 Jan., 2005).
http://www.ncte.org/about/over/positions/level/gen/107616.htm (accessed 20 Apr., 2005)
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Presented by Cynthia Mae Helms - Head: Information Services
Department Andrews University - helmsc@andrews.edu at the 25th ASDAL Conference, School Library Section - Union College - Nebraska - July 14, 2005 |