8320 - Selection of Library and Autovisual Materials

Policy:  Selection of Library and Autovisual Materials	Policy Number: 8320
Date of Original Policy: 07/10/2002	Date Revision Adopted: 07/11/2018
Reviewed by Policy Committee: 09/15/2021	Date of Next Review: 08/19/2024
Replacement of Policy Number:

The Board of Education agrees that the responsibility of the school library is:
       
a)    To provide materials that will enrich and support the curriculum, taking into consideration the varied interests, abilities and maturity levels of the students served.
       
b)    To provide materials that will stimulate growth in factual knowledge, literary appreciation, aesthetic values and that comply with the Code of Conduct.
       
c)    To provide a background of information that will enable students to make intelligent judgments in their daily lives.
       
d)    To provide materials on opposing sides of controversial issues so that young citizens may develop, under guidance, the practice of critical reading and thinking.
       
e)    To provide materials representative of the many religious, ethnic, and cultural groups and their contribution to our American heritage.
       
f)    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.

In interpreting these principles, the following will apply:
       
a)    Broad and varied collections will be developed systematically by the librarian based on recommendations of the professional staff and suggestions of students and parents. Final approval will be made by the building principal.
       
b)    Qualitative standards of selection involving factual accuracy, authoritativeness, artistic quality and appeal will be applied by librarians and audiovisual specialists before purchases are made.
       
c)    Materials will not be excluded because of the race, nationality, political opinions or religious views of the author.
       
d)    Materials will be continuously re-evaluated in relation to changing curriculum and instructional needs. Worn out, outdated materials will be discarded by Board of Education approval as required.
     
 Rules of the Board of Regents Section 21.4