Tina Shealy

Selection Policy
TE 871: Collection Development and Management
February 22, 2015

Selection Policy for The Ideal Middle School Collection

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School Mission
The mission of the Ideal Middle School is to:
-Support a community of life-long learners by providing successful experiences using
standards-based curriculum which actively encourages students participation and critical
thinking while utilizing 21st Century Skills.
-Provide a safe and positive environment where students develop a strong self-esteem,
appropriate social skills, and responsible decision making.
-Create an academic environment that celebrates cultural diversity and individual
differences through mutual respect, direct communication, and common courtesy.
(Hickory)
Library Mission
The mission of the Ideal Middle School Library Media Center is to ensure that students are
effective users of the library media centers resources and technology. It is the goal of the library
media center to provide students with a variety of materials, up-to-date technology, and a
knowledgeable staff. Using research-based practices, the library media center will inspire a love
of reading, instill information literacy, and encourage students to persist in their academics.
(DeKalb)
Materials Selection
The selection committee shall be made up of the library media specialist and paraprofessional(s), principal (as desired), and a minimum of two other staff members.
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Priority selection will be based on the needs of the school utilizing curriculum guidelines
as well as the status of the existing collection. (Based on the Mt. Ararat High School
Media Selection policy)
Purchase of new materials will be decided on the following criteria:

Overall purpose
Importance of the subject matter
Quality of the writing/production
Readability and popular appeal
Reputation of the publisher/producer
Reputation and significance of the creator
Format and price

Any requests from staff members, students, or parents will be considered on an as

needed/pertinent basis.
Controversial and Challenged Materials
Should a complaint arise in regards to an item from within the media center, the follow
procedure will be followed:
1. The complainant will be contacted by the library media specialist, if the LMS is not the
one who received the complaint. The LMS will listen objectively to the complainants
concerns.
2. The complainant will be asked to complete a Challenged Article form. Once completed,
this form should be returned to the library media specialist.
3. The LMS will review the form, and (temporarily) remove the item from the shelves.
4. The LMS will then share the complaint with the principal and the reviewing committee.
5. The committee will review the questioned item by using professional resources available
to them.
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6. Once the review is complete, the library media specialist will contact the complainant
with the decision of the committee.
7. If the complainant is not satisfied with the findings of the committee, a further extension
review to the school board and super intendant may be required.
Professional Collections
Within the media center, a collection of profession materials will be available to staff members.
The collection will include access to online databases, professional periodicals, and technology
equipment, to name a few. Professional development on use of these materials will be made
available as a refresher for veteran staff members and as an introduction for new staff.
Gifts
Any and all gifts given to the library media center will be processed through the appropriate
channels (i.e. library media specialist, school principle, or school board). Any monetary gifts
given as a memorial or in a persons honor will also be process through the appropriate channels.
Weeding
Weeding the collection in the media center maintains balance with the selection of new library
materials. As time changes, so do the needs of the library media center, as well as the students
and staff that utilize the materials within it. Technology advances along with the development of
new reading materials, requires that the library media center stay abreast of these changes, and
assuring that the media center can accommodate any needed new materials. Weeding shall be
done every other year, unless otherwise needed. The Ideal Middle School Library Media Center
will follow the MUSTY guidelines (stated on the California Department of Education website, as
coined by ALA in cooperation with The Texas State Library in 1976):
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M: Misleading Can occur more rapidly in technology than mythology.

Look for:

Dated popular fiction

Obsolete information

Books containing racial, cultural or sexual stereotyping

U: Ugly Refers to the physical condition of the book.

Antiquated appearance

Worn-out, frayed, dirty

Unable to mend

S: Superseded There may be newer copies available.

Duplicate copies

Almanacs, yearbooks, encyclopedias superseded by newer editions

T: Trivial Look for appropriateness for the collection. Check for poor writing, inaccurate
information, an inappropriate interest or reading level for students.
Y: Your collection has no use for the book. It is irrelevant to your curriculum.
Use of Collection Tools
The collection within the library media center will be made available to all students and staff of
The Ideal Middle School. Library hours will extend fifteen minutes before and after the official
school day for additional use. If more time is needed, by students or staff, prior coordination with
the library media specialist must made.
Communication/Adoption Process
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a. Process for adoption: The selection policy formation will go through appropriate
channels beginning with the building administrator and ending with the members
of the school board. Upon board approval, this policy will be put into action at the
beginning of the next calendar year.
b. Communication with staff: All staff members will be given the opportunity to
discuss the policy as well as share questions and/or concerns. Once this policy is
put into place, staff compliance and support will be expected. After completion, a
copy of the policy will be given to each staff member.

References
California Department of Education. (n.d.). Weeding the School Library. Retrieved February 22,
2015, from http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/lb/documents/weedingbrochure.pdf (weeding)
DeKalb County Public School System. (n.d.). Plainville School Policies Manual. Retrieved
October 14, 2014, from http://www.dekalbk12.org/plainview/School%20Library
%20Policy%20and%20Procedure%20Manual2.pdf (library mission)
Hickory Elementary School. (2005). Hickory Elementary Mission Statement. Retrieved October
14, 2014, from http://www.hickoryelementary.com/about/mission.html (school mission)

Mt. Ararat High School. (n.d.). Media Selection Policy. Retrieved February 22, 2015, from
http://mta.msad75.schoolfusion.us/modules/cms/pages.phtml?
sessionid=&pageid=222782 (materials selection)