How are library materials chosen?

Posted by:

Per Policy EFB (LOCAL), library materials shall be chosen in accordance with guidelines adopted by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. In the selection of library materials, librarians and other professional staff shall ensure that the materials shall not include "harmful material" as defined by Penal Code 43.24(a)(2) or "obscene" material as defined by Penal Code 43.21(a)(1).  Library materials shall also comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA), including technology protection measures. [See policy CQ]

For more information, see Rockwall ISD policies EF (LEGAL) and EFB (LOCAL). 


When selecting library materials, librarians and other professional staff shall ensure that the materials:

    1. Enrich and support the curriculum, taking into consideration students’ varied interests, abilities, learning styles, maturity levels, and ages.
    2. Stimulate growth in factual knowledge, enjoyment of reading, literary appreciation, aesthetic values, and societal standards.
    3. Develop a balanced collection presenting multiple viewpoints related to controversial issues to foster critical thinking skills and encourage discussion based on rational analysis [see EMB LEGAL and EMB LOCAL regarding instruction about controversial issues].
    4. Represent many ethnic, religious, and cultural groups and their contributions to the national heritage and world community.
    5. Demonstrate literary merit, quality, value, and significance.
    6. Have received favorable professional library reviews from state and nationally recognized review publications.
    7. Are included on recommended reading lists developed by library professionals and educators.
    8. Cover topics, authors, series, or genres that fill gaps in the school library collection.
    9. Include accurate and authentic factual content from authoritative sources.
    10. Have a high degree of potential user appeal and interest.
    11. Offer a global perspective that promotes equity of access, including print and non-print materials such as electronic and multimedia, to meet the needs of individual learners.
    12. Are requested or recommended by students and teachers.
    13. Represent diverse viewpoints and cultures appropriate to each campus to ensure the collection embodies the unique background of its student population.

      For more information, see Rockwall ISD policies EF (LEGAL) and EFB (LOCAL). 

       
Author: