Selection Guidelines
The primary role of the Library Learning Commons at South Delta Secondary School is to support and enrich the educational programs at the school and within Delta School District. It is the responsibility of the Teacher-Librarian to provide a wide range of materials transcending various levels of difficulty, diversity, and points of view.
The selection of library resources is based on several factors: interest of readers, support of the curriculum, academic needs of the students and staff, knowledge of existing collection, and the mission and philosophy of the Library Learning Commons, South Delta Secondary School, and Delta School District.
Selection Criteria
● Authoritativeness and accuracy of content
● Reputation of author
● Reputation of publisher
● Relevance and significance of subject matter to curriculum
● Relevance and significance of subject matter to school district educational goals
● Relevance and significance of reading tastes of students and staff
● Resource has easy to access critical reviews
● Timeliness of material and subject matter
● Literary merit and / or artistic quality
● Suitability of the subject and style for library users
Selection Aids
The Teacher-Librarian continuously reviews useful selection aids. In addition to professional librarian blogs and resources, the resources listed below are consulted to meet the selection criteria:
● British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF)
● CBC Reads
● Focused (formerly Educational Resource and Acquisition Consortium (ERAC))
● Globe and Mail Book Review
● Kirkus Review
● Maclean’s Magazine Book Review
● New York Times Book Review
● School Library Journal
● Teen Toolbox Librarian
● Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
South Delta’s Library Learning Commons receives publishers’ catalogues on a regular basis. These catalogues are promotional materials rather than selection aids. The Teacher-Librarian relies on reviews from the aforementioned professional resources before ordering materials for the school library collection.
Acquisitions Statement
South Delta’s Library Learning Commons will acquire the best material for the most reasonable price. The Teacher-Librarian will use professional judgement and experience when selecting reputable vendors for purchase. Whenever possible, the following considerations will be followed when acquiring materials:
● Materials must be durable and attractive with print sizes appropriate for the population served.
● Material must support a balanced collection in various formats, including books, audiobooks, periodicals, newspapers, digital books, digital databases, audiovisual materials and other non-print materials as appropriate.
● Materials purchased with Delta School District library funds and Delta School District grant funds will be housed in the Library Learning Commons and are accessible to all members of our learning community.
● Selection of materials will provide a fair balance between general interest or students and professional use for staff.
● Consideration will be given to materials that are cost effective, durable, timely, and fall within budget standards.