6:230-AP1 – Selection of Materials for Learning Resource Centers

General Philosophy for Selection:

Learning resources will be obtained, promoted and utilized in compliance with current copyright law.  Additionally, the presence of any learning resource does not indicate endorsement of its content.

The LRC Director will endeavor to participate in online selection seminars, workshops and conferences to review materials first-hand before purchasing.  However, because it is impossible for the LRC Director to review personally all resources to be considered reviews and evaluations found in professional, literary or trade publications may be used as a basis for selection.  Typical publications include School Library Journal, Reader’s Choice Awards lists and electronic listings provided by the American Library Association.  Many different reviewing media representing a variety of opinions, will be consulted.

All faculty members are encouraged to use their subject expertise in making recommendations to the LRC Director.  Also, careful consideration will be given to stakeholder suggestions.

Learning resources include, but are not limited to: curriculum support materials, library books, electronic books, online databases, web sites, supplementary reading and informational materials, audio-recordings, video-recordings, organizations, and community resources.

Learning Resource Selection Procedures

The review of instructional resources takes place at three levels: District, building, and classroom.

1. In selecting learning resources, all certified staff members are encouraged to use personal knowledge of curriculum needs combined with professionally accepted selection aids.
2. Gift materials will be judged by criteria outlined and will be accepted or rejected by those criteria.
3. Selection is an ongoing process which should include the removal of learning resources which no longer meet established selection criteria.
4. Learning resources that are not the property of the School District — which are brought in for use with students — must meet established selection criteria.
5. The LRC Director will work cooperatively with staff members to interpret and guide the application of this policy in making selections for the Learning Resource Center; however, final responsibility for selection of materials for the LRC lies with the Building Principal.

General Criteria for Selection:

In general the policy will be to identify purchase, and use the best materials which achieve the mission of the LRC, and are consistent with the educational goals of the state, the district, and specific courses. The established criteria for all fields includes:

1. Importance of subject matter to the collection.
2. Relationship of subject matter to the curriculum.
3. Authoritativeness and accuracy of information.
4. Reputation of the author and his/her significance in the field.
5. Timeliness and permanence of the material.
6. Appearance of the title in standard selection aids.
7. Scarcity of material on the subject.
8. Appropriateness for the age, emotional development, ability, level, learning styles, and social development of the students.
9. Clarity of style and format.
10. Reputation and standing of the publisher.
11. Cost benefit balance.
12. Durability of material in relation to its intended use.
13. Variety of selections that satisfy the personal and recreational reading, listening, and viewing needs of the students.
14.  Collection Maintenance

•  LRC Directors shall regularly complete a collection analysis that identifies the breadth, depth, and age of the collection to ensure that the collection meets the needs of students and staff.
• Collection maintenance (weeding/removal of materials) will be done regularly on a schedule created by the LRC director.
• Criteria for weeding may include, but are not limited to, the following: a) Materials that have become damaged or unattractive b) Materials that no longer meet curricular needs c) Materials that no longer have currency and accuracy d) Availability of funds to replace weeded resources

• Withdrawn learning resources will be offered to the following groups in the order listed: other teachers, students, charitable organizations.
• Leftover resources and those that are potentially dangerous, e.g. outdated health information, will be removed. LRC Directors are encouraged to explore recycling opportunities.
• Withdrawn learning resources are not subject to the Disposal of District Property policy.

Date Adopted: 04/10/2007

Date Amended:  10/20/2015