Selection: A Very Important Process

https://www.odu.edu/library/news/2015/8/new_graphic_novels_p/_jcr_content/par/float/image.img.270.jpg/1440420580789.jpg

Selection: A Very Important Process

When stocking the shelves of any library, the librarian has an important responsibility. Librarians must be all-inclusive during the selection process, whether it is starting from scratch or adding to an older collection. Library materials should be current, engaging, diverse, and curriculum-based. They should also represent the overall languages, cultural beliefs, religions, and economics of the community. According to the Library Bill of Rights, “Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view.”

1)    ALA Library Bill of Rights http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/index.cfm

2)    Diversity in Collection Development http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/diversitycollection

The premise behind providing students and teachers with the proper materials sounds easy, but there are many factors that contribute to that success. The first is budget! Librarians must have ample funds to purchase all of the newest materials out there.  Books, DVDs and professional resources should be current and in the state of Virginia, must be supplemental to the Virginia Standards of Learning. Secondly, patrons should be allowed to utilize intellectual freedom in choosing books and materials from the library. Thus, librarians are ultimately responsible for choosing a wide-range of materials, even if the topics of the books might seem controversial. Librarians should not censor any materials and should remain unbiased in selections for the shelves. This could be difficult, depending on whether or not the administration of the school is completely supportive of the library and its success.

So, how do the librarians at your school select materials?  I wonder how budgets differ from county to county, or from district to district.  I plan to do some research in Louisa County to see how well our library programs are supported.  I recently had the opportunity to assess a library that appeared to have an awesome budget.  It was well endowed with current selections, up-to-date materials, and even an awesome "Makerspace" area. My assumption is that the budget for that library is likely hefty and that the library has a great support system. After all, without the support of the school administrations and school boards, the library selection process at each school could be awesome and easy or un-fulfilling and difficult.  Any thoughts?

~Jami Curry

Side note: The picture above is a representation (not the actual display) of the Graphic Novels section of the library I recently visited.  The display was colorful, plentiful and definitely eye-catching. I can't wait to select books and create displays like that :)