The mission of the VCS Library is to foster the development of lifelong learners and prepare students to contribute to a global society, both personally and professionally. The school library strives to provide equitable access to information for all learners, empowering them to think critically and creatively, and to lead responsibly. 

The VCS Library is central to our school's curriculum. Collaborative partnerships among faculty, staff, students, and families provide opportunities for students to see their work as relevant and meaningful. Our library provides equitable access to information for all learners by removing barriers (i.e., providing access to audiobooks for book clubs, high interest books at instructional levels, etc.) and recognizing individual strengths. Learners can utilize the latest technologies, promoting reading for both research and enjoyment purposes. Our collection is comprised of a wide variety of acclaimed children’s literature, especially titles written by and featuring diverse individuals. Critical thinking, inquiry, and creativity are encouraged and developed through inquiry and discourse. Through instruction as well as practice, learners understand how to locate, evaluate, select, and synthesize information from multiple sources, as well as use library resources effectively and responsibly. Finally, students are encouraged to create and innovate through tinkering and play in the library by engaging in design challenges and long-term projects.

Selection Criteria

The selection of all library materials is the responsibility of the librarian. Selection is based on current curricular and student needs of VCS along with professional tools such as reviewer blogs, publisher websites, and library organization sources. Suggestions made by faculty members of materials related to the curriculum are also used. Consideration of materials for acquisition stresses authorship authority, content accuracy, literary merit, curriculum relevance, and student choice. Materials are selected with the VCS Diversity Statement in mind; acquisitions reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences in order to provide both mirrors in which to see themselves, windows to see the world, and sliding glass doors through which they may step (Sims Bishop, 1990).

In keeping with the scope of technology available to VCS students and faculty members, the library provides access to subscription databases through the state of New York. When considering electronic resources, the library uses criteria resembling those for print materials. Trial subscriptions represent an important element in their selection. The library supports the Computer Acceptable Use Policy adopted by the VCS Technology Department.

Gifts

All gifts are judged with the same criteria as purchased materials, and accepted or rejected accordingly. Gift items must be in new condition with no highlighting or annotations. Unless arrangements are made with the librarian, gift books that are not added to the collection will be donated to a local charity.

Weeding & Withdrawals from the Collection

The VCS Library re-evaluates its collection periodically to maintain a collection that is current, appropriate, and useful. Traditional guidelines of appearance, duplication, accuracy or currency of content, and circulation statistics are noted; however, content related to the curriculum and primary source material may cause an item to be retained despite violating the traditional guidelines. The final decision concerning the removal or replacement of resources rests with the librarian.

Requests for Consideration of Library Materials Policy

Criticism of library material must be made in writing and include author, title, publisher, and page number of each item to which objection is being made. The statement must be signed in order for a proper reply to be made. A committee of school personnel will be appointed to re-evaluate the materials challenged and make appropriate recommendations. During the process, the item in question will remain in circulation.