Instruction Procedure 2021P: Instructional Resources

Textbooks will be selected in the manner described in policy and procedure 2020 and 2020P. Materials to be included in a library/media center shall be selected as outlined.

Suggestions for Acquisition:
Suggestions may originate from students and teachers. Those suggestions are considered by the library/media staff member who weighs requests, evaluates materials and selects those which fulfill the needs of the instructional program.

Criteria for Selection:
Selection of materials is a continuous process. New materials become available daily. The factors to be employed in selection are:

1. Needs of the school, curriculum and/or individual student. (The program should provide for a wide range of materials on appropriate levels of difficulty with a diversity of appeal and presentation of a variety of viewpoints);
2. Artistic and literary quality;
3. Reliability and breadth of information with particular concern for the contributions (current and historical) of both sexes and members of the several specific religious, ethnic, political and cultural groups;
4. Accents on sex, profanity, obscenity subjected to a stern test of literary merit and reality; and
5. Professional reviews. (The library/media staff member employs professional reviewing materials, the judgments of other professions – teachers and librarians – to aid in the selection process. Professional reviewing materials include:
   • Current reviews - Library Journal and School Library Journal, Booklist, Hornbook, English Journal, Choice and other professional and commercial periodicals which review materials objectively.
   • Published lists of appropriate materials - H.W. Wilson's Children's Catalog, ALA Basic Book Collection series, Bowker's Best Books for Children, AAAS Science Book List for Young Adults; materials suggested by the National Councils of Teachers of English and Social Studies; plus Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Books for School Libraries; and other professional publications which evaluate material.)

Complaints or Concerns about Materials:
Complaints and/or concerns about the use and/or availability of specific materials should be directed to the principal.

ADOPTED: November 22, 2004