Selection Reconsideration and the Selection Policy Chapters 7 and 8

Formulating Policies Group formulation  Teachers, administrators, students District policies  Review  Revise  Not media specialist’s role to personally approve or support every item in collection

Elements of Selection Policy Statement of philosophy  Reflects school’s beliefs and values  Mission/goals  First Amendment protection  Provide wide range of resources  See example on pg. 99

Selection objectives Demonstrates how the collection helps the school meet goals Objectives  Identify materials in collection  Present rationale for resource variety  Describe basis for judging suitability of materials (examples on pg )

Selection Responsibility Delegation of responsibility Identify participants

Selection Criteria General criteria  See bulleted list pg Specific areas criteria  Sensitive issues  Different formats

Intellectual Freedom States position on intellectual freedom Importance of access to information

Other Elements and Situations Statements regarding potentially controversial topics Role of reviewing and selection tools See examples on pg. 103 Teacher recommendations / Principal Information to be submitted for requests

Reconsideration of Materials Plan for handling complaints County or district may have policy Written examples on pg. 105 Advantages to written policy  Voices heard  Emotional situation to logical situation  Timely, fair review

Handling complaints See section II, on pg.106 and sample document on pg. 107.

The Selection Policy Chapter 8

Selection Process May begin with requests from teachers, students, etc. (Keep record) Lost or replacement copies Purchasing information Double check inventory for similar or duplicate items (ISBN’s, etc.)

Bibliographic Tools Examples: Books in Print, Senior High School Library Catalog, etc. Provide availability but not always analysis or evaluation See checklist on pg. 117 for selecting a bibliographic tool

Selection Tools Bibliographies that include evaluations or critical annotations Examples: Best Books for High School Readers, Children’s Catalog, School Library Journal, etc.

Selection Tools Book bibliographies  Publication time may be a factor Reviewing journals  Currently (or soon to be released) available materials  See table 8.2 on pg. 121 for coverage overview

Personal Examination Previewing  Highly reliable; you are able to evaluate  Easy to get others involved  Exhibits Usually by district Trade shows

Involving Others in Selection Route bibliographies to teachers, etc. Curriculum meetings Interest inventories with students Acquaint teachers with collection See evaluation form on pg. 127 Student budget from The Collection Program in Schools, by Van Orden and Bishop, 3 rd edition, 2001.

Activities A parent calls you to say that they want the book, The Great Gatsby, removed from the library due to graphic language and sexual references. How do you respond, and what action do you take?