FPBS Library Policies

SELECTION CRITERIA (Board Policy 2522)

Selection of materials for the library shall be based upon information value as a whole and not in part. Specific incidents of controversial content shall not automatically disqualify materials from library collections. Nor shall materials be deemed inappropriate for age groups based on the identities of the characters or authors.

The following criteria will be considered in selecting library materials. Some criteria may not apply in each situation and not all criteria need to be met in order to acquire and incorporate library materials. Materials should:

1. support and enrich the curriculum and/or students’ personal interests and learning;

2. meet high standards in literary, artistic, and aesthetic quality; technical aspects; and physical format;

3. be relevant for the subject area, age, and developmental level of the students for whom the materials are selected; 

4. incorporate accurate, authentic, and up-to-date content from authoritative sources;

5. earn favorable reviews in professional library publications;

6. exhibit potential user appeal and interest;

7. represent differing viewpoints;

8. provide a global perspective and promote cultural diversity and reflect the pluralistic nature of American society by including materials from authors and illustrators of all cultures and identities;

9. include a variety of resources in physical and virtual formats including print, electronic, multimedia, and emerging technologies in accordance with technology software selection as per 7540.03 - Student Technology Acceptable Use and Safety Policy;

10. demonstrate physical format, appearance, and durability suitable for their intended use;

11. balance cost with need.

COLLECTION MAINTENANCE  (WEEDING)

Selection is an ongoing process that should include removing materials that are no longer accurate, relevant, used, or needed (weeding); adding materials; and replacing lost and worn materials that still have educational value. Library materials will be weeded when: 

• They are in poor physical condition

• They have low circulation statistics

• They have become outdated, are no longer relevant, or contain inaccurate information

• They have become outdated because of the graphic design or photography contained within the material

• They are of poor quality

• Are no longer needed to support the curriculum or student or faculty interests

When materials are weeded from the library collection they will be donated or discarded. The final decision as to what library materials will be discarded is up to the discretion of the library media specialist.

RECONSIDERATION OF LIBRARY BOOKS (Board Policy 2522)

Any resident of the District, any parent/guardian of a child enrolled in the District, or any employee who raises objection to books in the school library which can not be satisfied by conference at the building level shall be given the opportunity to complete a request for reconsideration of library books form. This form is available from the building principal.

The complainant is required to complete and submit the reconsideration form to the building principal within seven business days. If a completed reconsideration form is not submitted within seven business days, the matter is considered closed.

The work in question will remain on library shelves and in circulation until a formal decision is made and after all appeals have been resolved.

The Reconsideration Committee will be appointed by the Superintendent and consist of, at a minimum, a teacher, a building level administrator, a Library Media Specialist, a reading specialist or language arts teacher, and member(s) of the community. The Superintendent will appoint a chairperson. The Reconsideration Committee should schedule a formal reconsideration meeting within 14 school days after the principal receives the written request for reconsideration. The principal should notify the superintendent as to this schedule.

The complainant may make an initial verbal presentation about the book under reconsideration or may choose to share the written form. The complainant is asked to provide sources for quotes used during this presentation. The complainant may not participate in or observe the committee’s deliberations unless invited to do so by the committee chair.

The committee's written decision (including a minority report if needed) shall be presented to the complainant and the superintendent of schools within five school days after the decision is made. If the complainant is not satisfied with the decision by the Resolution Committee, a written appeal can be made within seven business days to the School Board of Education. This request should be delivered to the superintendent of school.

The procedures for an appeal to the Board of Education will be as follows.

1. An appeal of the decision made by the Reconsideration Committee must be made in writing to the superintendent within seven business days of the reconsideration committee decision.

2. If a written appeal is not submitted within seven business days, the matter is considered closed.

3. A decision on the complaint will be made at the next regular meeting or special meeting within 30 days of the written request to the superintendent.

4. The board reserves the right to use outside expertise if necessary to help in its decision making.

5. The chairperson for the Reconsideration Committee will present the committee's decision to the board.

6. The complainant or designee will present the petitioner’s position.

7. The board decision will be final, and the superintendent will implement the decision.

8.  Decisions on reconsidered books will stand for five years before new requests for reconsideration of those items will be entertained.