Critique of Collection Management Policies

A. Organization & Ease of Use

The Piner Elementary Library Media Center Collection Development Policy is superb in

its organization and ease of use due to each section being clearly labeled into the different

subheadings required for an effective policy. A major component of this policy is that

each section follows a logical sequence. Their policy begins with their mission statement

followed by the school’s philosophy regarding the library and concluding with what goals

should be met by both the library and the librarian for the school populous.

Different sections contained within the policy include selection guidelines, budget

considerations, internet usage policies, and district allocation of funds. Each of the areas

contain a breakdown of guidelines that must be followed prior to any materials being

purchased or being allowed to remain within the library. The format can be easily

understood by school staff, parents, and patrons as it is written in clear, concise language

using short bullet statements below each major section. This allows the reader to be able

to zone in on the major points of the policy without having to read through lengthy

documents that are technical oriented. The school also ensures that the following areas

are given equitable consideration into purchases: books, periodicals, comic books, films,

CD’s, DVD’s, audio materials, and online materials. All acquisition within the preceding

areas must meet the schools’ guidelines set forth by the current school district guidelines.

While one is reading through the document there is ample white space to allow concerns

or questions to be documented that can be used for further discussion with the librarian.

When browsing through the list that Mardis suggests for the different sections of a policy

development it meets most if not all the requirements listed. However, it needs to include
 a more detailed appendix regarding classroom guidelines and management, evaluation

forms for the library and librarian, and guidelines for volunteers to assist with the library

program. In summation, this school district has sought to provide a collection

development policy regarding the needs and wants of its patrons, students, and teachers.

It strives to continue to meet those needs with continually evaluating and reviewing the

collection as the needs arise. By having such a strong, easily accessible, and

understandable framework the school has ensured that they are providing a policy that

can be maintained and used as a springboard into the future.

B. Thoroughness & Appropriateness of Sections

This schools’ collection development policy would be more thorough if it contained a

title page with date, table of contents, signature page that includes the librarian, principal,

and school board members. It does, however, contain an appendix regarding the freedom

to read and their interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights. This allows any patron the

ability to question and/or challenge any existing or pending resource being placed within

the school’s library. They have included easy to use forms located at the back of this

policy. This policy includes a very helpful section on copyright laws and internet usage.

This ensures that all rules are being met and the students are aware and using the Internet

appropriately. A section on short term and long-term goals is well established as it

breaks down how selected information meets the needs of students and staff. This ensures

that the policy is free of bias and is unique for its community. It also points out the

importance of collaboration between the librarian, school personnel, students, parents,

and patrons when assessing if the materials are meeting the instruction and curriculum
 needs of the school. This school uses very effectively the Dewey classification system by

inventorying the percentage of materials found within the different required areas. It

further requires the librarian to assess at the end of the year how many materials were

checked out or used during the school year to see if the percentages are accurate.

Weeding is an integral part of maintaining a strong and valuable collection. By

continually weeding out worn, lost, biased, and inappropriate materials it allows for the

librarian to more accurately view the collection and buy or replace materials where

needed. This leads to how funds are allocated by the district to the library for its overall

expenditures in different areas. It is broken down by percentages that include books,

periodicals, software, multimedia, general supplies, and fixed assets such as tables and

chairs, equipment etc. Modifications to the budget can be made by a suggestion from the

librarian to school administration pending approval by the district. Gifts are gratefully

acknowledged but must meet the requirements listed in the school district’s general

policies. The gifts are limited to and include money, books, and any other types of

donations. This school and district have thoughtfully and thoroughly executed a

collection development policy that is appropriate for their school and community needs.

C. Usefulness

This school district feels that the school library program must play a unique role in

intellectual freedom. The school district requires that all resource materials support

intellectual growth, personal development, individual interests, and recreational needs of

their students. Their mission is for the library to be the center of the learning community

where information is easily accessible and enhances the curriculum needs of the teachers.
The library should provide a variety of formats that interest, enlighten, and provide

information for students and staff. This school truly feels that all students can learn, and

literacy skills enable students to become lifelong learners. This school feels that the

percentage of students that belong to different ethnic areas need to be represented in the

materials found within the library. They have developed specific selection policy

guidelines for the purchase of future materials. Each resource must meet a variety of

requirements in order to be included in the collection. The requirements for selection are:

authority, scope, format and technical quality, authenticity, aesthetics, cost, suitability,

and special features such as language, readability and levels. Further considerations prior

to purchase is the timeliness and permanence of the subject area and if any reviews are

available regarding the selection. Their main goal is purchasing is to always consider the

intended audience and usage and how it will benefit being added to the existing

collection. They also include that faculty and students may also submit requests for

consideration. The school district charges the librarian to evaluate existing collections,

assess curricula needs, examine materials, and solicit recommendations from faculty and

students every year to ensure that materials being provided are being utilized by students,

school personnel, and community. This schools’ library development collection policy

needs to include some of the following areas that directly affect students, faculty, and

community. Are the students able to access the collection from home? Is an orientation

provided for new students and staff when needed? Is a book fair conducted? Are their

materials and furniture provided for students with special needs? Does the librarian

provide professional development workshops for teachers? Adding these areas to their

already comprehensive plan will provide this school and district with a very thorough and
well-developed plan. I applaud that this school district feels that a thriving library is a

vital component to a successful learning environment.