Regulation 4045a: Basic Procedures for the Selection of Materials for the School Libraries

Objectives of Selection

It is the primary objective for a school library to provide library materials which will develop (a) critical judgment in the choices of materials, (b) reading skills, and (c) appreciation of literary values.

Other objectives are concerned with the building of a library collection which will (a) satisfy the needs of the curriculum, (b) encourage and develop a love of pleasure reading, and (c) aid in the development of the student's social, intellectual and spiritual values.

Methods of Selection

  1. All library materials are selected by the librarian with the cooperation of teachers, principals and, on occasion, students. Final decision for purchase rests with the principal, with the close cooperation of the librarian as a resource person.
  2. As often as possible, such materials are evaluated before purchase through reading or examination.
  3. Selections are made from reputable professional selection aids, basic book collection lists and standard book reviewing media.

Criteria for Selection

  1. Materials are chosen which best meet the needs and interests of all students and teachers and the requirements of the entire school curriculum.
  2. In all cases, the aim of the librarian is to maintain the highest possible standards of format, accuracy, authoritativeness, and literary merit.
  3. It is a basic objective of the librarian to purchase materials representing various points of view concerning problems and issues of our times - international, national and local.
  4. Books, and other library materials which meet the criteria mentioned above, are not excluded because of the race, nationality, political or religious views of the author.
  5. The use of occasional non-conventional language or realistic incidents in portraying honestly real-life situations does not automatically disqualify books and other materials of proven value.
  6. Gifts presented to the library are judged by the same criteria mentioned above and are accepted or rejected on this basis.

Furthermore, we endorse the principles set forth in the School Library Bill of Rights (Endorsed by the Council of the American Library Association, July, 1955) as follows:

School Library Bill of Rights

School libraries are concerned with generating understanding of American freedoms and with the preservation of these freedoms through the development of informed and responsible citizens. To this end, the American Association of School Librarians reaffirms the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association and asserts that the responsibility of the school library is:

To provide materials that will enrich and support the curriculum, taking into consideration the varied interests, abilities, and maturity levels of the pupils served

To provide materials that will stimulate growth in factual knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values, and ethical standards

To provide a background of information which will enable pupils to make intelligent judgements in their daily life

To provide materials representative of the many religious, ethnic, and cultural groups and their contributions to our American heritage

To provide materials on opposing side of controversial issues so that young citizens may develop under guidance the practice of critical reading and thinking

To place principle above personal opinion and reason above prejudice in the selection of materials of the highest quality in order to assure a comprehensive collection appropriate for the users of the library.

Procedure in Formal Criticism

  1. Formal criticisms of any books that are in the libraries of the Chappaqua Public Schools must be submitted in writing to the Superintendent of Schools. Such a criticism will be submitted on a form which we will provide as advocated by the National Council of Teachers of English. (Form No. 4045a1)
  2. Formal criticisms of any non-book library materials (such as tapes, recordings, film strips, etc.) must be submitted in writing to the Superintendent of Schools, on a form appropriate for these materials, and which we will provide. (Form No. 4045a2)
  3. Criticisms thus submitted will be considered by a committee of the faculty appointed by the Superintendent. Such a committee will judge the book or other materials according to the criteria outlined above and will make a written recommendation to the Superintendent of Schools. The Superintendent will render a decision on the matter. If the citizen so requests, the Superintendent's recommendation will then be submitted to the Board of Education for its consideration and action.

Administrative Regulation

Approved by Superintendent of Schools: September 26, 1967

Reaffirmed: September 1, 1996