“So many books, so little time…

Book Selection for the Library/media Center

First things first…. Collection development policy Comprehensive plan adopted

by local school board Delineates how all materials

are to be selected and purchased

Explains how the library and its collection serves its users

Notes strong and weak points of collection

Current and future goals

Book Selection Policy May be part of collection development

document or stand alone Delegates authority for day-to-day book

selection decisions to library professional May stipulate reputable review sources Outlines book selection procedures Lists qualities sought in books Should support the breadth of curriculum Possess high user appeal Be age appropriate Offer contrasting points of view

Writing a Book Selection Policy Internet resources are readily available http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/workbook_selecti

on.html  

“The district is obligated to provide for a wide range of abilities and to respect the diversity of many differing points of view. To this end, principles must be placed above personal opinion and reason above prejudice in the selection of materials of the highest quality and appropriateness.” ALA Workbook

How do I know what I need?

Weed Inventory Survey staff Consider curriculum Balance collection Student requests Replacements Money

Selection Aides….

Professional journals– School Library

Journal– Booklist– Horn Book Magazine– Kirkus Reviews $$

Other Review Sources

New York Times Book Review

Boston Book Review

Internet sites– ALA Youth Book Award

Winners – Assoc. for Library

Service to Children, Children’s Notables Lists

On-line Search Engines

Follet’s TITLEWAVE http://www.titlewave.com/ Baker and Taylor http://www.btol.com/

Keeping Track…

Book review data base

Suggestion folder Catalog pages Replacement info. Previously cancelled

items

So… good luck and

good reading!