Collection Maintenance
Bowman's library collection is evaluated continually throughout the year in order to ensure students and staff have access to current, relevant and diverse information. Circulation reports and classroom curriculum will be used to determine how the collection is being used, and how it should change for our patrons' needs. Materials will be continuously assessed for their physical condition and their use.
Purchasing
Materials for the library will be based on grade-level curriculum and the age/condition of the existing collection. These needs are given first consideration in the selection of materials. Student, staff, and parent requests and recommendations are another consideration in selection of materials. Prospective materials are evaluated using journal and website reviews before they are purchased.
Weeding
The library’s collection will continually be evaluated in accordance with the curriculum changes, new material formats, interests and needs of users, and condition. Weeding is essential to maintain a relevant collection. Materials may be removed from the collection when materials:
1. Are in poor physical condition
2. Have not been checked out in three years or more
3. Contain inaccurate or obsolete information
4. Are no longer needed to support curriculum or student/faculty interests
Replacement Costs for Lost or Damaged Books
If a student loses a book or brings back a damaged book, the parent is responsible for replacing or paying to replace the book. A parent can either replace the book with a copy of the same or similar book, or can pay $7 for a paperback or $20 to replace a hardcover. Please contact the librarian if you need support with this policy.
Checkout Policy
Kindergarten- 1 book
1st and 2nd grade- 2 books
3rd-6th grades- 4 books
Donations
We deeply appreciate community members who wish to support the Bowman library through a donation to the collection. The library accepts books that are in like-new condition; however, the librarian reserves the right to accept or refuse any donation of books or materials. Financial donations to improve the collection are encouraged and can be made by speaking to the administrative assistant in the front office.
Library Bill of Rights (American Library Association)
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
1. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
2. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
3. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
4. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
5. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
6. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
The library welcomes suggestions from the community for possible purchase of books. All suggestions are given serious consideration and are considered by the same criteria as all other books and materials purchased for the library. Come in to the library and speak to the librarian or email binek_erin@asdk12.org.