Selecting Information from the Internet

School Library Selection Criteria

School libraries vary and include libraries in public schools, charter schools, independent private schools, schools with religious affiliations, and international schools based in countries outside the United States. Criteria for selection of materials in these libraries are dependent on the goals and objectives of the educational institution of which the library is a part of; however, there are general criteria that will fit most, if not all, school libraries.

Example: School Library Selection Criteria

General Criteria:

• Support and enrich the curriculum and/or students’ personal interests and learning

• Meet high standards in literary, artistic, and aesthetic quality; technical aspects; and physical format

• Be appropriate for the subject area and for the age, emotional development, ability level, learning styles, and social, emotional, and intellectual development of the students for whom the materials are selected

• Incorporate accurate and authentic factual content from authoritative sources

• Earn favorable reviews in standard reviewing sources and/or favorable recommendations based on preview and examination of materials by professional personnel

• Exhibit a high degree of potential user appeal and interest

• Represent differing viewpoints on controversial issues

• Provide a global perspective and promote diversity by including materials by authors and illustrators of all cultures

• Include a variety of resources in physical and virtual formats including print and non-print such as electronic and multimedia (including subscription databases and other online products, e-books, educational games, and other forms of emerging technologies)

• Demonstrate physical format, appearance, and durability suitable to their intended use

• Balance cost with need

Top Five Recommended School Library Reviewing Sources:

• Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Notable Children’s Books

• Booklist

• School Library Journal

• We Need Diverse Books website

• Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Best Books for Young Adults

Additional Review Resources