“ So many books, so little time…

1. “Somany books, so little time… Book Selection for the Library/media Center

2. First things first…. • Collection development policy • Comprehensive plan adopted by local school board • Delineates how all materials are to be selected and purchased • Explains how the library and its collection serves its users • Notes strong and weak points of collection • Current and future goals

3. Book Selection Policy • May be part of collection development document or stand alone • Delegates authority for day-to-day book selection decisions to library professional • May stipulate reputable review sources • Outlines book selection procedures • Lists qualities sought in books • Should support the breadth of curriculum • Possess high user appeal • Be age appropriate • Offer contrasting points of view

4. Writing a Book Selection Policy • Internet resources are readily available • http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/workbook_selection.html • “The district is obligated to provide for a wide range of abilities and to respect the diversity of many differing points of view. To this end, principles must be placed above personal opinion and reason above prejudice in the selection of materials of the highest quality and appropriateness.” ALA Workbook

5. How do I know what I need? • Weed • Inventory • Survey staff • Consider curriculum • Balance collection • Student requests • Replacements • Money

6. Selection Aides…. • Professional journals • School Library Journal • Booklist • Horn Book Magazine • Kirkus Reviews $$

7. Other Review Sources • New York Times Book Review • Boston Book Review Internet sites • ALA Youth Book Award Winners • Assoc. for Library Service to Children, Children’s Notables Lists

8. On-line Search Engines • Follet’s TITLEWAVE • http://www.titlewave.com/ • Baker and Taylor • http://www.btol.com/

9. Keeping Track… • Book review data base • Suggestion folder • Catalog pages • Replacement info. • Previously cancelled items

10. So… good luck and good reading!