Introduction to Sora HVLA Consortium's Collection Development Policy 

Selecting titles for the Sora HVLA Consortium is an ongoing process. The consortium leadership team in partnership with the OverDrive/Sora’s Content Specialist Librarian, selects the titles for the consortium according to the budget and interests we (HVLA) communicate. Our goal is to offer a robust collection with an emphasis on eBooks. Titles will be diverse in every sense of the word with a focus on pleasure reading. The Sora HVLA Consortium Leadership committee will sign off on final approval of each divisional list. Individual schools can further tweak their students' access levels to expand or restrict access. We will reserve some funds to make purchases throughout the school year of high interest titles as they are published, to keep the collection fresh and vibrant.

Selection Process 

Among the criteria considered when making acquisition decisions are: currency, cost and format, authority and longevity, language, age appropriateness and feedback from the consortium leadership committee.  Sora HVLA consortium members will be given the opportunity to provide their input as well through an annual collection development survey. Additional selection guidelines are included below: 

• Interest and need: Diverse (socio-economics, multicultural, gender, sexuality, religion, race, culture, ability, etc.)

• High-Interest pleasure reading, including narrative nonfiction

• Reviews from professional organizations/publishers such as ALA and other award-winning titles (SLJ starred reviews, The Horn Book, NY Times, etc.) with mix of affordable/sale titles

• Includes holidays, celebrations, and observances reflecting diverse world cultures, traditions, and religions.

• Includes read-alongs for Lower Division

• Includes magazines

• Includes books translated into English

• Includes books in world languages: Frecnh, Mandarin, Spanish

Formats and Compatible Devices

• Aim for 85% eBook and 15% audiobook  

Intellectual Freedom Policy and Reconsideration of Materials

The Consortium supports the Freedom to Read Statement from the American Library Association, and also references it in our circulation policies. The Library upholds the right of the individual to access information, even though the content may be controversial, unorthodox or unacceptable to others. However, the reading and viewing activity of children is ultimately the responsibility of parents, who guide and oversee their own children's development.   In the event that there are questions regarding the purchase or holding of a particular title or resource, please contact the Consortium Committee at consortiumhvla@gmail.com. The Consortium Committee will make the final decision on whether to keep or de-accession the material. 

---Updated 06/2025