February 2022

How to be proactive with school library materials

BY: Joe Mannozzi, Coordinator of School Library Systems & Professional Library

Schools take appropriate steps to prepare for the when in many areas (drills, walk-throughs, etc.). Along these same lines, it is important that they are prepared for when a material is challenged, whether it be a book in the school library or in the classroom. This process begins with the right professional or professionals selecting the materials. In the case of school libraries, a school library media specialist is a NYSED-certified teacher with a master of library science who has taken school library-specific K-12 collection development and literacy coursework. They are trained experts in library material selection. They stay on top of the latest books and book reviews. They know which books are appropriate and best meet the needs and interests of students.

With this in mind, it is essential that regular conversations and/or meetings occur between building administrators and school library media specialists, in addition to regular districtwide meetings between school library media specialists and district administrators, with building administrators looped in. School library media specialists, along with building and district administrators should all be familiar with the school library materials process and reviewing resources, along with the district process for challenges to school library materials. All these parties should be well-versed in the district board policies related to school library material selection and complaints about school library materials. It is the responsibility of all district employees and the school board to adhere to board policies.

In addition, school library media specialists can follow materials that are being challenged regionally, statewide, and nationally, and be prepared if that title were to be challenged. This would include having read reviews of the title and, in some instances, having read the book. They should also keep their administrators in the loop if they have these titles in the collection. Another way to prepare is for school library media specialists and their administrators to run through potential challenge scenarios (e.g., information gathering; informal; formal; in-person; online). Practicing these scenarios will help the school representative be ready to confirm that they acknowledge the complainant’s concern; assure them it will be addressed; listen without apologizing or arguing; and manage the situation according to policy. Being prepared when a challenge arises can make all the difference if the complainant is satisfied with the school’s response and decides not to escalate the challenge.