Selection+Policies


 * Introduction || Creating a Selection Policy || Selection Criteria || Selection Tools || Censorship & Challenges || Questions || Other Considerations || References ||

The purpose of this wiki is to present information on the need for, creation and implementation of, and adherence to selection policies in school libraries. Particular issues of censorship and challenges that are connected to selection of materials is also covered, along with several other topics for consideration. Some of the information is from a general viewpoint but most is in specific relation to graphic novels. Although there may be information and materials that deal with public library settings, I feel that the information is also applicable to school libraries. Written policies or guidelines are essential for developing and maintaining library collections.
 * Selection Policies**
 * Introduction**

Collection Development, or Collection Management policies establish guidelines and procedures for the management and operation of a library and its collection. Full policies include information on: Policies on collection development require the teacher-librarian to be knowledgeable about the needs of the community, students, and faculty; requirements of curricula; various types of media; existing collection; reviewing tools available; and the library's budget (Morris, 2004).
 * school philosophy or mission statement
 * library goals and objectives
 * staff job descriptions
 * hours of operation
 * cataloguing philosophy and procedures
 * types of materials in the collection
 * materials processing
 * circulation policies
 * selection policies
 * weeding criteria
 * information on fines
 * procedures for challenged materials
 * statements on freedom of information and freedom to read.

The Selection Policy is only part of a library's overall Collection Development Policy but it is a critical component of managing the collection. Selection policies are created for both library and non-library staff, as well as patrons, to clearly describe and guide the process of selecting and purchasing materials for a library. Such guidelines inform staff and patrons how materials are considered and chosen for a collection and how they fit into the school's philosophy or mission statement. In the case of challenges, the selection policy can provide justification for keeping the challenged item.

For general information and guidelines on writing collection development policies, and to view a variety of collection development policies, there are a number of great resources on the "Resources for School Librarians" website: @http://www.sldirectory.com/libsf/resf/coldev2.html I have also included full collection development policies from my own two schools for your perusal.