Library Home Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Section 5 Section 6
Section 4: Library Collection
4.1 Understanding Collection Development (School Library Guide p. 33)
Collection development can be defined as the carefully chosen purchases of materials in multiple formats, designed to support the instructional goals and information needs of the school population served. Ultimately those purchases determine the impact of the school library’s collections on student success and achievement.
4.2 Selection Tools (School Library Guide p. 35)
Selection decisions are usually made based on reviews and standard collection development tools by school librarians and may also be done by teachers and students to help create a well-rounded collection that connects to both the curriculum and interests.
While appropriate within the context of the unit or lesson, books, articles, and reading passages may contain language and content that will require additional review to ensure the selection is suitable for your students and instructional goals.
4.3 Honor/Award and Notable Books (School Library Guide p. 36)
Book Awards and Honors are given to publications and authors, illustrators, and publishers who use their talent and love for reading to create these works of art.
Honor/Award Books:
- Caldecott Award
- Coretta Scott King Award
- The Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature
- Mississippi Children’s Choice Award: Magnolia Award
- Newbery Medal
- Pura Belpre Award
Notable Books:
- ALA Notable Books for Children
- Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
- Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12
- School Library Journal’s Best Books List
- Young Adult Library Services Association Best of the Best
4.4 Collection Guidelines (School Library Guide p. 36)
Collection guidelines are essential for the systematic development and maintenance of the library’s print, media, and electronic collections so that the holdings of the school library supplement, enrich, and support the needs of its patrons. Print/digital formats library, materials are selected, acquired, maintained, and deselected to serve this purpose. The following guidelines address all aspects of collection development.
- MDE: CCRS Collection Development for School Libraries
- MDE: Collection Evaluation Forms
- MDE: Curriculum Map Evaluation Worksheet
4.5 Weeding of Collection Resources (School Library Guide p. 44)
To maintain a collection that meets the needs of the learning community, deselection (weeding) of materials is essential. School library weeding guidelines should include the rationale and established criteria for weeding, as stated in the School Library Selection Policy.
4.6 Challenged Materials (School Library Guide p. 46)
The business of the school is to educate children to become responsible citizens. Students need to learn about cultures, viewpoints, and lifestyles other than their own - not only those of fellow Americans - but also the other peoples of the world. To this end, the school library collection is expected to reflect many viewpoints, including the works of acknowledged experts or leaders.
4.7 Cataloging and Processing (School Library Guide p. 47)
An automated library system is needed to establish circulation procedures for easy access to the school library’s collection and to maintain accurate records and statistics on the use of materials. All library materials’ automated records should match the spine label placed on the physical items.
4.8 Book Maintenance (School Library Guide p. 48)
How an item is handled, processed, and shelved in addition to such environmental factors as sunlight, humidity, and pests do much to affect the physical condition of the collection. The life and value of a school library’s collection can be increased by maintaining and repairing materials.