Collection Development Procedures Template

Adapted from the document created by Ginger Tebo (St. Lawrence BOCES)

This template can be used by a library department to create their own procedures. These are helpful prior to a challenge to show the procedures used when selecting and deselecting materials. It does very little good to get into a heated discussion with someone who has already made up their mind. This can be helpful when informal challenges are made to library materials.

The formal challenge policy is part of the District's Board of Education policies. Many of which are purchased through Erie 1 BOCES. At this current time (early 2022) those policies are being revised by a team of School Library System directors from around the state.

Your own policies can usually be found on the district website. Many districts use BoardDocs or similar software to share policies, minutes, and other items with the public. Knowing your policies is an important job of each educator.

Understanding the difference between Procedure and Policy is extremely important. A procedure can be easily changed and submitted to your supervisor. A policy must be board approved and cannot be created by a librarian/teacher.