Selection of Materials

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR MATERIAL SELECTION:

The media specialist has the ultimate responsibility of providing a balanced collection to meet the curriculum needs and the interests of the center’s users.  The media specialist will:

• Evaluate the existing collection to determine curriculum needs and assess the current collection for weaknesses.  

• Consult with the school media committee, teachers, administrators and students to evaluate needs.  All requests will be considered based on the standards stated in this policy.  If approved, the material will be purchased or placed in a consideration file for future purchase.  

• Consult professional selection aids. 

CRITERIA FOR MATERIAL SELECTION:

Any item considered for selection must meet the selection criteria stated in the selection policy.  Materials are selected in accordance with one or more of the following guidelines: 

• Appropriateness of content to user

• Scope/overall coverage

• Importance of subject matter

• Authority and competence of author/producer/composer

• Clarity and accuracy of information and/or presentation

• Balanced treatment of information

• Literary merit

• Readability and popular appeal

• Arrangement and organization

• Relationship to existing materials in collection

• Timeliness or permanency of information

• Awareness of significant new trends in literature, technology, and formats

• Format and durability

• Cost

• Special features  (if applicable)

GIFTS:

Gifts are accepted with the understanding that they will be evaluated with the same criteria used for purchased materials.

RESOURCES FROM OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM:

Non-school owned materials and resource speakers must meet the same selection standards and must be approved by an administrator.  (Policy: IFBED)

ELECTRONIC INFORMATION SOURCES:

Providing connections to global information, services, and networks is not the same as selecting and purchasing material for a library collection. Determining the accuracy or authenticity of electronic information may present special problems. Some information accessed electronically may not meet a library’s selection or collection development policy. All users shall follow the guidelines set forth in the Lowndes County Technology Acceptable Use Policy. (The Acceptable Use Policy is found in the Student Handbook.)

All board policies and regulations concerning purchasing will be followed when acquiring materials.  Materials will be obtained from the most cost-effective and efficient source.  Preference will be given to the most reliable vendor that can supply the greatest percentage of an order within sixty days.