How Library Books are Chosen for School Libraries

We care what you read! Here are the criteria for selecting library books for a school library according to The American Library Association:

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 Adult

Kpekoll. “Selection Criteria.” Tools, Publications & Resources, 11 Jan. 2018, www.ala.org/tools/challengesupport/selectionpolicytoolkit/criteria.