The Library Media Center contains various types of media items (digital, print, visual, audio, etc.) for reading, watching, hearing and accessing for the purpose of pleasure and advancement of knowledge in a multitude of fields, in particular titles that focus on the development of students as well as subjects and theme pertaining to advancing the mission of our school. For further reading please visit the Mission Statement page of the Library Media Center
I am certain that over time many of you have developed your own collections of various items. As you are aware, a collection needs regular attention to be effective. As the Library Media Specialist of our large community my role is to provide:
I am certain that over time many of you have developed your own collections of various items. As you are aware, a collection needs regular attention to be effective. As the Library Media Specialist of our large community my role is to provide:
- Access to information and ideas by assisting students and staff in identifying information resources and in interpreting and communicating intellectual content.
- Formal and informal instruction in information skills, the production of materials, and the use of informational and instructional technologies.
- Recommendations for instructional planning to individual teachers as well as assistance in school-wide planning of curricular and instructional activities.
The goals and objectives of the school Library Media Center should adhere to and reflect the policies in the Library Bill of Rights, the School Student Handbook, and the Freedom to Read Statement --
"Libraries should provide books and other materials presenting all points of view concerning the problems and issues of our time: no library materials should be proscribed or removed from libraries because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval."
It has long been a core value of librarians to preserve, protect, and defend people’s First Amendment right to freedom of expression and the corollary right to receive and consider ideas, information, and images. Libraries are essential sources of the information that is essential to the functioning of a free and democratic society, and librarians serve as guardians of the public’s access to that information, and to ideas more generally.-
- American Library Association
"Libraries should provide books and other materials presenting all points of view concerning the problems and issues of our time: no library materials should be proscribed or removed from libraries because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval."
It has long been a core value of librarians to preserve, protect, and defend people’s First Amendment right to freedom of expression and the corollary right to receive and consider ideas, information, and images. Libraries are essential sources of the information that is essential to the functioning of a free and democratic society, and librarians serve as guardians of the public’s access to that information, and to ideas more generally.-
- American Library Association
Selection of Materials:
Responsibility:
The school policy delegates the responsibility for selecting Library Media Center materials to the school Library Media Specialist. These instructional materials are defined as including both printed. Digital, audio and visual materials (not equipment). Although the selection process may involve teachers, administrators, students and parents, the final responsibility for coordination and recommendation for purchase rests with the professionally trained and certified school Library Media Specialist.
Responsibility:
The school policy delegates the responsibility for selecting Library Media Center materials to the school Library Media Specialist. These instructional materials are defined as including both printed. Digital, audio and visual materials (not equipment). Although the selection process may involve teachers, administrators, students and parents, the final responsibility for coordination and recommendation for purchase rests with the professionally trained and certified school Library Media Specialist.
Criteria:
Materials for the school Library Media Center will be selected in accordance with the following criteria:
1. Selected materials will support the educational goals of the district and the objectives of the specific courses.
2. The materials will contribute to the fulfillment of curriculum needs, as well as individual needs of students and teachers of the school.
3. Selected materials will possess high standards of quality in factual content and presentation.
4. The materials will be of an appropriate educational level and subject matter. The selected materials will also be suitable for the age level, ability level, emotional and social development of the students from whom they are intended. This will include the needs of special and challenged students.
5. The selected materials will reflect an interest in, and portray the changes and contributions made by the diverse cultural, ethnic and religious groups of our society.
These materials will assist the students in gaining an awareness and understanding of the contributions made by a variety of constituencies.
6. The materials chosen will be by competent and qualified authors and publishers.
7. The materials selected will present varied points of view in order to provide a balanced perspective for students to develop critical thinking skills.
8. Biased or slanted materials may also be provided only to meet specific curriculum needs.
9. The physical format and appearance of this selected materials will be suitable for their intended use.
Materials for the school Library Media Center will be selected in accordance with the following criteria:
1. Selected materials will support the educational goals of the district and the objectives of the specific courses.
2. The materials will contribute to the fulfillment of curriculum needs, as well as individual needs of students and teachers of the school.
3. Selected materials will possess high standards of quality in factual content and presentation.
4. The materials will be of an appropriate educational level and subject matter. The selected materials will also be suitable for the age level, ability level, emotional and social development of the students from whom they are intended. This will include the needs of special and challenged students.
5. The selected materials will reflect an interest in, and portray the changes and contributions made by the diverse cultural, ethnic and religious groups of our society.
These materials will assist the students in gaining an awareness and understanding of the contributions made by a variety of constituencies.
6. The materials chosen will be by competent and qualified authors and publishers.
7. The materials selected will present varied points of view in order to provide a balanced perspective for students to develop critical thinking skills.
8. Biased or slanted materials may also be provided only to meet specific curriculum needs.
9. The physical format and appearance of this selected materials will be suitable for their intended use.
Fiction Criteria
1. Fictional materials should be selected to support curriculum and to promote and develop the reading interests of students. It is to be understood that fiction serves an important service in helping to promote student understanding of their society, world and human relations. Furthermore, in addition to the previously mentioned criteria, the following considerations should be considered in selecting fiction materials. The materials will:
1. Fictional materials should be selected to support curriculum and to promote and develop the reading interests of students. It is to be understood that fiction serves an important service in helping to promote student understanding of their society, world and human relations. Furthermore, in addition to the previously mentioned criteria, the following considerations should be considered in selecting fiction materials. The materials will:
- have well-organized and creative plot lines
- have convincing characterization
- have established literary merit and significance
- have an authentic and honest representation of human emotions, values and ideas
- have appeal to or be in demand by the students
- have a reasonable price, corresponding with the potential value.
Non-fiction Criteria
2. Non-fiction materials selection will include some or all of the following criteria. The
materials will:
2. Non-fiction materials selection will include some or all of the following criteria. The
materials will:
- be produced by a reputable author and/or publisher
- have facts and opinions that are those of recognized authorities in the field
- have a format that is clear and readable, and organized in an acceptable style and manner for the intended age level. An index is to be recommended.
- have depth and scope of subject area that is appropriate
Non-Print Criteria
3. Non-print material selection will be judged on the previously stated criteria for selection. Additionally, further considerations should be made:
A. Audio/Visual materials should be considered with attention to: ƒ
C. Computer applications should be selected with consideration of:
3. Non-print material selection will be judged on the previously stated criteria for selection. Additionally, further considerations should be made:
A. Audio/Visual materials should be considered with attention to: ƒ
- appropriateness of the media chosen
- technical quality (clarity, color, sound, composition)
- artistic merit
- quality of presentation and honesty of interpretation
- ease of understanding
C. Computer applications should be selected with consideration of:
- ease of use
- appropriate educational and developmental topics
- sufficient documentation (manuals and guides)
- technical quality and compatibility
- clear on-screen instructions and graphic
Procedure for Selection
In selecting materials for inclusion in the Library Media Center, the Library Media Specialist will evaluate the existing collection and the curriculum needs; and will consult appropriate reviewing and selection sources. Recommended sources are, but not limited to, the following:
In selecting materials for inclusion in the Library Media Center, the Library Media Specialist will evaluate the existing collection and the curriculum needs; and will consult appropriate reviewing and selection sources. Recommended sources are, but not limited to, the following:
- Booklist
- Horn Book
- Follett
- Library Journal
- New York Times Book Review
- Kirkus Review
- School Library Journal
- VOYA
- Teen Ink
- YALSA
- MASLA
- NELA
Objections to, and Reconsideration of Materials
Any member of the Tri County District may address concerns with regard to materials used or not used in the district's educational program. Materials will remain in use until a final decision as to the appropriateness and/or affordability has been made. Upon receiving a concern, the following will be done:
1. The school official or Library Media Specialist initially receiving the concern will treat that concern in a courteous manner. The concerned individual will be referred to the building principal.
2. The principal will request that the concerned individual meet informally with the Library Media Specialist. At this time, the school's selection policy should be reviewed with the complainant. If the complainant still finds the offending material unacceptable, alternate reading materials or assignments will be found for the student.
3. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the concerned party should complete the Request of Reconsideration of Library Materials form. This form should be signed and returned to the Library Media Specialist. A copy will be forwarded to the building principal.
4. Upon receipt of the completed form, the Library Media Specialist will call a meeting of the Media Center Advisory Committee to review the specific concern and material. The Media Center Advisory Committee will consist of at least one senior teacher, one administrator, the Library Media Specialist, two parents, and one student. The chairperson of this committee should not be an employee or officer of the district. As credibility is of paramount importance, it is essential that the chairperson be a member of the community. It is advisable that the committee establish meeting times as needed. The principal will be notified of this meeting.
If it is possible to locate the reviews of the materials in question, they will also be presented to the committee. Upon completion of their investigation, the committee will present their opinion, in writing, to the Library Media Specialist within two week.
5. A written decision will be sent to the building principal, who will notify the concerned individual of the committee's decision within thirty days.
6. The principal will, at the same time, notify the superintendent of the complaint and
the attempts to resolve the problem.
7. If the concerned individual is not in agreement with the committee's decision, an appeal can be made to the Tri County Superintendent within thirty days.
8. If the concerned individual is not in agreement with the superintendent's decision, an appeal can be made to the Tri County School Committee within thirty days.
9. Any decision to remove a media from the collection shall be reported to the school committee prior to its removal.
Any member of the Tri County District may address concerns with regard to materials used or not used in the district's educational program. Materials will remain in use until a final decision as to the appropriateness and/or affordability has been made. Upon receiving a concern, the following will be done:
1. The school official or Library Media Specialist initially receiving the concern will treat that concern in a courteous manner. The concerned individual will be referred to the building principal.
2. The principal will request that the concerned individual meet informally with the Library Media Specialist. At this time, the school's selection policy should be reviewed with the complainant. If the complainant still finds the offending material unacceptable, alternate reading materials or assignments will be found for the student.
3. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the concerned party should complete the Request of Reconsideration of Library Materials form. This form should be signed and returned to the Library Media Specialist. A copy will be forwarded to the building principal.
4. Upon receipt of the completed form, the Library Media Specialist will call a meeting of the Media Center Advisory Committee to review the specific concern and material. The Media Center Advisory Committee will consist of at least one senior teacher, one administrator, the Library Media Specialist, two parents, and one student. The chairperson of this committee should not be an employee or officer of the district. As credibility is of paramount importance, it is essential that the chairperson be a member of the community. It is advisable that the committee establish meeting times as needed. The principal will be notified of this meeting.
If it is possible to locate the reviews of the materials in question, they will also be presented to the committee. Upon completion of their investigation, the committee will present their opinion, in writing, to the Library Media Specialist within two week.
5. A written decision will be sent to the building principal, who will notify the concerned individual of the committee's decision within thirty days.
6. The principal will, at the same time, notify the superintendent of the complaint and
the attempts to resolve the problem.
7. If the concerned individual is not in agreement with the committee's decision, an appeal can be made to the Tri County Superintendent within thirty days.
8. If the concerned individual is not in agreement with the superintendent's decision, an appeal can be made to the Tri County School Committee within thirty days.
9. Any decision to remove a media from the collection shall be reported to the school committee prior to its removal.
Collection Evaluation:
The collection will be continuously reviewed and evaluated in order to maintain and improve the quality of the resources available in the school Library Media Center. Evaluation will be conducted by the Library Media Specialist, who should conduct both qualitative and quantitative resource measurements. The Library Media Specialist has a responsibility to know their community, curriculum and collection. They are in a unique position to judge whether the collection is in keeping with the objectives set forth in the selection policy. The Library Media Specialist should be continuously re-evaluating the collection in relation to the curriculum content, changing student and faculty needs and teaching approaches. (Trained volunteers may be used in the evaluation process if needed).
Measurement tools that may be used to judge the collection can include:
The collection will be continuously reviewed and evaluated in order to maintain and improve the quality of the resources available in the school Library Media Center. Evaluation will be conducted by the Library Media Specialist, who should conduct both qualitative and quantitative resource measurements. The Library Media Specialist has a responsibility to know their community, curriculum and collection. They are in a unique position to judge whether the collection is in keeping with the objectives set forth in the selection policy. The Library Media Specialist should be continuously re-evaluating the collection in relation to the curriculum content, changing student and faculty needs and teaching approaches. (Trained volunteers may be used in the evaluation process if needed).
Measurement tools that may be used to judge the collection can include:
- checklists
- collection mapping
- direct examination
- circulation statistics
- accreditation standards
- user surveys
Collection Maintenance
The Library Media Specialists recognize that materials can become lost, stolen, worn, damaged, or outdated. As part of an ongoing process, the library media specialists must determine which items need to be repaired, replaced or removed from the collection. To maintain collections which are relevant, effective and appropriate to our school's needs, the following guidelines are recommended. Weeding (removal) will be deemed to be necessary when:
1. The item contains out of date or inaccurate information.
2. The item is in poor physical condition.
3. The Library Media Center currently owns multiple copies of the item and the item no longer has the demand it once had.
4. The item has been superseded by a later edition.
5. The item has not circulated in several years.
6. The item is no longer pertinent to the curriculum or students' interests.
Any items that have been weeded due to poor physical condition should be replaced or repaired whenever possible. If it is not possible or advisable to repair or replace these items, a serious effort should be made to locate substitute items with similar scope and content.
When possible, before final weeding decisions are made for items used in curriculum support, teacher and administration input should be sought.
The Library Media Specialists recognize that materials can become lost, stolen, worn, damaged, or outdated. As part of an ongoing process, the library media specialists must determine which items need to be repaired, replaced or removed from the collection. To maintain collections which are relevant, effective and appropriate to our school's needs, the following guidelines are recommended. Weeding (removal) will be deemed to be necessary when:
1. The item contains out of date or inaccurate information.
2. The item is in poor physical condition.
3. The Library Media Center currently owns multiple copies of the item and the item no longer has the demand it once had.
4. The item has been superseded by a later edition.
5. The item has not circulated in several years.
6. The item is no longer pertinent to the curriculum or students' interests.
Any items that have been weeded due to poor physical condition should be replaced or repaired whenever possible. If it is not possible or advisable to repair or replace these items, a serious effort should be made to locate substitute items with similar scope and content.
When possible, before final weeding decisions are made for items used in curriculum support, teacher and administration input should be sought.
Objections to, and Reconsideration of Materials
Any member of the Tri County District may address concerns with regard to materials used or not used in the district's educational program. Materials will remain in use until a final decision as to the appropriateness and/or affordability has been made. Upon receiving a concern, the following will be done:
1. The school official or Library Media Specialist initially receiving the concern will treat that concern in a courteous manner. The concerned individual will be referred to the building principal.
2. The principal will request that the concerned individual meet informally with the Library Media Specialist. At this time, the school's selection policy should be reviewed with the complainant. If the complainant still finds the offending material unacceptable, alternate reading materials or assignments will be found for the student.
3. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the concerned party should complete the Request of Reconsideration of Library Materials form. This form should be signed and returned to the Library Media Specialist. A copy will be forwarded to the building principal.
4. Upon receipt of the completed form, the Library Media Specialist will call a meeting of the Media Center Advisory Committee to review the specific concern and material. The Media Center Advisory Committee will consist of at least one senior teacher, one administrator, the Library Media Specialist, two parents, and one student. The chairperson of this committee should not be an employee or officer of the district. As credibility is of paramount importance, it is essential that the chairperson be a member of the community. It is advisable that the committee establish meeting times as needed. The principal will be notified of this meeting.
If it is possible to locate the reviews of the materials in question, they will also be presented to the committee. Upon completion of their investigation, the committee will present their opinion, in writing, to the Library Media Specialist within two week.
5. A written decision will be sent to the building principal, who will notify the concerned individual of the committee's decision within thirty days.
6. The principal will, at the same time, notify the superintendent of the complaint and
the attempts to resolve the problem.
7. If the concerned individual is not in agreement with the committee's decision, an appeal can be made to the Tri County Superintendent within thirty days.
8. If the concerned individual is not in agreement with the superintendent's decision, an appeal can be made to the Tri County School Committee within thirty days.
9. Any decision to remove a media from the collection shall be reported to the school committee prior to its removal.
Any member of the Tri County District may address concerns with regard to materials used or not used in the district's educational program. Materials will remain in use until a final decision as to the appropriateness and/or affordability has been made. Upon receiving a concern, the following will be done:
1. The school official or Library Media Specialist initially receiving the concern will treat that concern in a courteous manner. The concerned individual will be referred to the building principal.
2. The principal will request that the concerned individual meet informally with the Library Media Specialist. At this time, the school's selection policy should be reviewed with the complainant. If the complainant still finds the offending material unacceptable, alternate reading materials or assignments will be found for the student.
3. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the concerned party should complete the Request of Reconsideration of Library Materials form. This form should be signed and returned to the Library Media Specialist. A copy will be forwarded to the building principal.
4. Upon receipt of the completed form, the Library Media Specialist will call a meeting of the Media Center Advisory Committee to review the specific concern and material. The Media Center Advisory Committee will consist of at least one senior teacher, one administrator, the Library Media Specialist, two parents, and one student. The chairperson of this committee should not be an employee or officer of the district. As credibility is of paramount importance, it is essential that the chairperson be a member of the community. It is advisable that the committee establish meeting times as needed. The principal will be notified of this meeting.
If it is possible to locate the reviews of the materials in question, they will also be presented to the committee. Upon completion of their investigation, the committee will present their opinion, in writing, to the Library Media Specialist within two week.
5. A written decision will be sent to the building principal, who will notify the concerned individual of the committee's decision within thirty days.
6. The principal will, at the same time, notify the superintendent of the complaint and
the attempts to resolve the problem.
7. If the concerned individual is not in agreement with the committee's decision, an appeal can be made to the Tri County Superintendent within thirty days.
8. If the concerned individual is not in agreement with the superintendent's decision, an appeal can be made to the Tri County School Committee within thirty days.
9. Any decision to remove a media from the collection shall be reported to the school committee prior to its removal.
Collection Evaluation:
The collection will be continuously reviewed and evaluated in order to maintain and improve the quality of the resources available in the school Library Media Center. Evaluation will be conducted by the Library Media Specialist, who should conduct both qualitative and quantitative resource measurements. The Library Media Specialist has a responsibility to know their community, curriculum and collection. They are in a unique position to judge whether the collection is in keeping with the objectives set forth in the selection policy. The Library Media Specialist should be continuously re-evaluating the collection in relation to the curriculum content, changing student and faculty needs and teaching approaches. (Trained volunteers may be used in the evaluation process if needed).
Measurement tools that may be used to judge the collection can include:
The collection will be continuously reviewed and evaluated in order to maintain and improve the quality of the resources available in the school Library Media Center. Evaluation will be conducted by the Library Media Specialist, who should conduct both qualitative and quantitative resource measurements. The Library Media Specialist has a responsibility to know their community, curriculum and collection. They are in a unique position to judge whether the collection is in keeping with the objectives set forth in the selection policy. The Library Media Specialist should be continuously re-evaluating the collection in relation to the curriculum content, changing student and faculty needs and teaching approaches. (Trained volunteers may be used in the evaluation process if needed).
Measurement tools that may be used to judge the collection can include:
- checklists
- collection mapping
- direct examination
- circulation statistics
- accreditation standards
- user surveys
