Collection Development

"Next to emptying the outdoor bookdrop on cold and snowy days, weeding is the most undesirable job in the library. It is also one of the most important. Collections that go unweeded tend to be cluttered, unattractive, and unreliable informational resources."

- Will Manley, "The Manley Arts," Booklist, March 1, 1996, p. 1108.

Collection Development: The need for Collection Development: Supporting the ultimate needs of our student body and staff is the main objective for continuously updating and assessing the collection of materials available in the Media Center. Creating lifelong learners through a wide variety of materials will be available for all who enter. Enhancing the classroom curriculum by providing materials conducive to student learning is a priority. Keeping in mind that materials included will be subject to both formal and informal learning for all. Materials include book titles, DVD's, supplementary reading and software for classroom use.

• Collection Development is set by not only the media specialist, library assistant, but classroom teacher suggestion as well. The Media Center is responsible for reinforcing classroom learning by supporting education with supplemental book materials as additional resources. Student audience is carefully considered when collecting materials. Age group, lexile reading level, and individual interests are always taken into consideration.
• Providing reading materials that engage readers and enhance knowledge is a priority.
• The Media Center provides titles with unbiased opinions through various literature. This allows for students to examine and develop independent opinions. The ability to intellectually read, become informed, and choose for themselves.
• The Media Centers mission is to always be careful to reserve a book collection conducive to the elementary school community. Ethnicity, Religion, and Culture are part of this mission.
• Donated Material: Donated material is approved and processed following careful examination.

Funding: The library book collection is funded through annual school district approved funding, book donations, and the annual Spring - Scholastic Book Fair. Funds are used to purchase library resources, materials, and technology equipment when necessary.

Maintaining Book Collection/Weeding of Material: Maintaining the Media Centers book collection and weeding of material is an ongoing process throughout the school year. Student input through book suggestion is continuous throughout the academic calendar year as well. Student input assists in adding fresh titles to the libraries book collection. Referring to the digital library "Destiny" helps with book weeding as the system dictates title usage for each trimester.