7410    Selection Policy of Media Centers

Teaching and Learning/Instructional Materials

Responsibility for Selection

The South Kingstown School Department Superintendent and School Committee are legally responsible for all matters relating to the operation of the South Kingstown School Department. The responsibility for selecting library media center materials is delegated to the school library media specialist.  These instructional materials are defined as including both printed and audiovisual materials (not equipment). Although the selection process may involve teachers, administrators, students and parents, the final responsibility for coordination and recommendation for purchase rests with the professionally trained and certified school library media specialist.

Criteria for Selection of Materials

Materials for the school library media center will be selected in accordance with the following criteria:

1.      Selected materials will support the educational goals of the district and the objectives of the specific courses.

2.      The materials will contribute to the fulfillment of curriculum needs, as well as individual needs of students and teachers of the school.

3.      Selected materials will possess high standards of quality in factual content and presentation.

4.      The materials will be of appropriate educational level and subject matter. The selected materials will also be suitable for the age level, ability level, emotional and social development of the students for whom they are intended. This will include the needs, of special and challenged students.

5.      The selected materials will reflect an interest in, and portray the changes and contributions made by the diverse cultural, ethnic and religious groups of our society. These materials will assist the students in gaining an awareness and understanding of the contributions made by a variety of constituencies.

6.      The materials selected will present varied points of view in order to provide a balanced perspective for students to develop critical thinking skills.

7.      Biased or slanted materials may also be provided only to meet specific curriculum needs.

Specific Criteria

1.      Fictional materials should be selected to support curriculum and to promote and develop the reading interests of students.  It is to be understood that fiction serves an important service in helping to promote student understanding of their society, world and human relations.  Furthermore, in addition to the previously mentioned criteria, the following considerations may be used in selecting fiction materials:

a.      have well-organized and creative plot lines

b.      have convincing characterization

c.      have established literary merit and significance..

d.      have an authentic and honest representation of human emotions, values and ideas

e.      have appeal to or be in demand by the students

2.      Non-fiction materials selection will include some or following criteria:

a.      have facts and opinions that are those of recognized authorities in the field;!

b.      have a format that is clear and readable, and organized in an acceptable style and manner for the intended age level;

c.      have depth and scope of subject area that is appropriate;

d.      The currency of information will be a significant consideration.

3.      Non-print material selection will be judged on the previously stated criteria for selection.  Additionally, further considerations should be made:

a.      Audio-visual materials {defined as videos, slides, filmstrips, transparencies, tapes, etc.) should be considered with attention to:

·       appropriateness of the media chosen

·       technical quality (clarity, color, sound, composition)

·       artistic merit

·       quality of presentation and honesty of interpretation

·       ease of understanding

b.      Periodicals and newspapers should be selected for their value as a source of current information.  Specific titles should be selected for recreational reading as well as research.

c.      Computer software should be selected with consideration of:

·       ease of use

·       appropriate educational and developmental topics

·       sufficient documentation (manuals and guides)

·       technical quality and compatibility

·       clear on-screen instructions and graphics

Procedure for Selection

In selecting materials for inclusion in the library media center, the library media specialist will evaluate the existing collection and the curriculum needs; and will consult appropriate reviewing and selection sources.

When appropriate, recommendations for materials will be solicited from subject specialists, faculty, staff, administrators, students, parents, and qualified consultants. Selection is an ongoing process and includes the removal of materials no longer deemed appropriate, the replacement of lost, missing, or worn materials still of educational value, and the addition and expansion of collections.

Gifts will be integrated into the general collection; there will be no provisions for special shelving or housing. The library media specialist is not an appraiser; therefore, no accommodations for estimates of value of the donations can be made. The final recommendation for disposition of gift materials is to be left to the discretion of the library media specialist.

Objections to, and Reconsideration of, Library Materials

Any resident or employee of the South Kingstown School Department may address concerns with regard to library materials used or not used in the district's educational program. Materials will remain in use until a final disposition as to the appropriateness.  Upon receiving a concern, the following will be done:

1.      The concern will be treated in a courteous manner. When an objection is presented to the school, the principal and school media specialist will be informed.

2.      The principal will request that the concerned individual meet informally with the library media specialist. At this time, the school’s selection policy should be reviewed with the complainant.  If the complainant is a parent and still finds the offending material unacceptable, alternate reading materials or assignments may be found for the student.  

3.      If the matter cannot be resolved informally, the concerned party should complete the Request of Reconsideration of Library Materials Form. This form should be signed and returned to the library media specialist involved. A copy will be forwarded to the Building Principal and Assistant Superintendent.

4.      Upon receipt of the completed form, the principal will call a meeting of an Library Media Committee to review the specific concern and material.  The Assistant Superintendent will be notified of this meeting.  If it is possible to locate the reviews of the materials in question, they will also be presented to the Library Media Committee.  Upon completion of its investigation, the committee will present its opinion, in writing, to the complainant and library media specialist within two weeks of being convened.

a.      The Library Media Committee will consist of at least one senior teacher, one administrator, one library media specialist (from another building), a librarian from the public library, two parents, and one student (at secondary level only).

b.      The chairperson of this committee will not be an employee or officer of the district. As credibility is of paramount importance, it is essential that the chairperson be a member of the community.

5.      If the concerned individual is not in agreement with the committee's decision, an appeal can be made to the superintendent within thirty (30) calendar days.

6.      If the concerned individual is not in agreement with the Superintendent's decision, an appeal can be made to the School Committee within thirty (30) calendar days.

Policy adopted:   8/27/96