Collection Development Policy - Dieter

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY Maggie Mae Middle School 900 Starlight Lane Richmond, VA 23235

Valerie Lynn Dieter EDSL 503 Fall 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Introductory Analysis................................................................................................A Philosophy .....................................................................................................................B Mission Statements Goals and Objectives Library Media Center Goals and Objectives..........................................................C Selection Statement ............................................................................................. .....D Acquisitions Statement..............................................................................................E Gifts Statement...........................................................................................................F Cooperative Resources and Networking Statement............................................G Weeding/Deselection Statement.............................................................................L Intellectual Freedom Statement.............................................................................H Policy/Procedures for Handling Challenges............................................................I Technology Statement................................................................................................J Evaluation of Collection..............................................................................................K Revision Policy..............................................................................................................M Appendices Appendix a—Library Bill of Rights Appendix b—Code of Ethics of the ALA Appendix c—The Freedom to Read Statement Form A — Sample Purchase Order Form B — Gift Receipt Form Form C — Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials Bibliography..................................................................................................................... .

INTRODUCTORY ANALYSIS

Maggie Mae Middle School is located in Chesterfield County, Virginia, only a few miles from the Richmond City limits. Chesterfield County is one of the largest school systems in the area and has thirty-six elementary schools, twelve middle schools (with an additional middle school projected to open in 2008), eleven high schools, and a technical center. Maggie Mae Middle School is located in a lower middle to upper middle class suburban area with approximately ninety percent of students falling in this economic range. Five percent of the student body comes from poverty level, and two percent comes from a wealthy background. One percent of the student body lives in group homes. Maggie Mae Middle School houses grades six through eight. The total school population is approximately 888 students: 461 males, 416 females. The student population consists of Caucasian 343 African-American 402 Hispanic 101 Asian 29 Native American / 3 Native Alaskan Unspecified 12 The student population is broken down into two teams of students on each grade level. The two teams on each grade level are separate throughout the school day except during elective courses. The faculty and staff of Maggie Mae Middle School is made up of 115 individuals with the majority living in the surrounding area of the school. Maggie Mae Middle School opened its door in the fall of 1968 as a junior high school serving grades seven through nine. In 1972, sixth graders were introduced to the school, and the ninth graders moved to the high school. In 1974, the school reverted to seventh through ninth grade and remained that way until 1980 when it became a true middle school, six through eight. Two

Section A

additions were made to the school in the early 1980s providing more classroom space, and auxiliary gym, and meeting rooms. With the growth of the surrounding population, four mobile classrooms were added to the school grounds. Currently the school operates on a block schedule with four classes per day. The students attend three core classes per day: English, math, and either science or social studies. At the end of the first semester, the students will finish their science or social studies class and switch to the other one for second semester. The students also take two elective courses, one on even days, and one on odd days. The Maggie Mae Middle Library Media Center is located in the center of the school in an enclosed area. The upper portion of the longest library wall is made up of windows allowing the students to see the interior of the library. Maggie Mae Middle School’s library is part of a The media center’s primary objective is to enrich and support the instructional goals of the school. It should make available through its collection a wide range of materials at varying levels of difficulty having a diversity of appeal compatible with the different needs, interests, and viewpoints of students and teachers.

Section A

Philosophy Statements

CCPS Mission Statement: The mission of CCPS is to work in partnership with students, families and the community to ensure that each student acquires the knowledge, skills and core values necessary to achieve personal success and to enrich the community.

Maggie Mae Middle School’s Belief Statements: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Students need to know that we care about them. Students, who are honest, responsible, accountable for their actions, and respectful of others should be academically successful. Parent involvement is crucial to student success. Students need to be pushed beyond their comfort levels. All students can learn and succeed, regardless of their labels, limitations, problems or personal hardships. Every child has positive and worthwhile attributes which need to be explored. We should be aware of the emotional and academic needs of students. Teachers and students need to appreciate, as well as, be sensitized to cultural diversity. Mutual respect is valued; we should treat others as we wish to be treated. Faculty and staff are role models and teach more than content. The “Core Values” of honesty, respect, responsibility, and accountability have a valued place in our curriculum. There are many ways to deliver instruction; creative and relevant delivery modes should be practiced. A community raises a child; all parts need to be active in order for children to be successful.

Section B

CCPS Library Media Services School library media programs enable students to learn. Through promoting reading and literature appreciation, teaching information literacy skills, providing access to intellectual resources, and fostering critical thinking and independent learning, Chesterfield County Public Schools library media programs contribute to student success and the support of lifelong learning.

CCPS Library Media Services Philosophy Statement The philosophy of Chesterfield County library media services is to provide access to information and ideas that support the mission and the instructional program of Chesterfield County Public Schools. Library media collections support the curriculum and state standards of learning and provide for the informational needs of all students and staff in Chesterfield County Public Schools. Library media specialists shall use established procedures for the selection of library media to build the collection through selecting and discarding of library media resources. The procedures will also assist students, teachers, administrators, parents, and community members in understanding the principles behind selection and collection management in Chesterfield County Public School library media centers.

Section C

GIFTS STATEMENT Maggie Mae Middle School’s Library Media Center gladly accepts gifts of materials or funds with which to purchase materials. The following guidelines will apply to all such gifts: •

Gift resources are evaluated by the same criteria as purchased resources;

• Any items donated become the property of Maggie Mae Middle School’s Library Media Center and may be used or disposed of without obligation or explanation to the donor;

• If the donation is monetary, the money will be put in the general library fund and used for library acquisitions as deemed appropriate by the library media specialist; •

All gifts shall be treated as any other media in the library media center and cannot be treated in any special way that distinguishes them from the general collection or have any stipulations placed upon them;

• A completed gift form will accompany all donations (Appendix Form B); and

• The donator will receive a signed copy of the gift form as a receipt for all donations for tax purposes; however, the media center will not provide valuation for any items.

 Please note: the library media center cannot accept computer equipment or computer software.

Section F

CONSIDERATION OF CONTROVERSIAL MATERIALS I. PURPOSE To establish a procedure for reviewing challenges of instructional materials. II. PROCEDURES A. Right to Challenge Instructional Materials Instructional materials, whether basal, supplemental, or library materials, may be challenged by any parent of a child in Chesterfield County Public Schools. Challenged materials will continue to be used until the challenge has been resolved or the appeals process has been completed. B. Levels of Responsibility There are three levels of responsibility for review of instructional materials: 1. Level One: Conference with Principal 2. Level Two: Local School Review Committee 3. Level Three: Chesterfield County Public School Review Committee C. Level One - Conference with Principal 1. If a parent is concerned about a material, a conference shall be held with the principal and the teacher or librarian who shall discuss the use of the material. 2. If the complainant requests the material be withdrawn from use with his or her child, the principal may honor the request if he or she decides that the substitution of other instructional material is appropriate. The material shall not be withdrawn from use with other students at this time. 3. If the parent desires action concerning materials on the list of approved instructional materials or material in the library media center, the principal shall provide him with the "Material/Media Consideration Form" (see attached). The form is due seven school days after the principal's conference. The principal shall notify in writing the Deputy Superintendent that the material is under consideration. The principal will also notify involved school instructional personnel that the material is under consideration. D. Level Two - Local School Review Committee

1. Upon receipt of the completed "Material/Media Consideration Form," the principal shall establish a review committee to include at least one administrator, two teachers (one of whom is the teacher using the curriculum material), a librarian, and two community members. The high school committee shall include one student. 2. The Review Committee shall: a. Review completed "Material/Media Consideration Form." b. Study the material in question and utilize appropriate authoritative/review sources. c. Provide the parent an opportunity to appear before the committee to present views. d. Write recommendations concerning the continued use/non-use of the material.

Section I

e. Inform involved instructional personnel of the recommendations. f. Have the principal write a letter of response to the parent reflecting the committee's recommendations. g. Maintain a file of committee deliberations, recommendations, and correspondence in the school office. h. Have the principal forward the letter of response, the "Material/Media Consideration Form," and the committee's recommendations to the Deputy Superintendent. 3. Appeal Procedure If the parent is not satisfied with the decision of the review committee, he/she may appeal the decision to a Chesterfield County Public School Review Committee. The principal shall inform the Deputy Superintendent that a request for consideration of instructional materials has been reviewed by the School Review Committee and the decision of the committee has been appealed to the Chesterfield County Public School Review Committee. E. Level Three - Chesterfield County Public School Review Committee 1. Upon receipt of an appeal of the decision of the School Review Committee, the Deputy Superintendent shall call a meeting of an ad hoc committee for the appropriate school level. Elementary/middle school committees shall consist of one principal, two teachers, one librarian, and three parents. High school committees shall include one student. Members of the local review committee of the school from which an appeal is received may not serve on the Chesterfield County Public School Review Committee.

Section I

Technology At Southampton County Schools the belief is that technology is a vital part of the learning process. The library media specialists will work along side technology teachers on the school grounds and technology specialists for the county to ensure students, faculty, and staff are able to use the latest in educational technology. However, in doing so, the library media specialists must maintain the integrity of the collections within the library media centers, with the greatest portion of the budget going to meet those requirements. In addition, any technology purchased for the media centers, such as computer software, will be done with the recommendation and approval of the technology specialists for the county and requested through Central Office. Any technology equipment, such as computers, will be provided to the individual schools as funds become available and as needs are recognized. The library media centers will provide students with many opportunities to engage in activities to broaden their knowledge of technology in relation to the Virginia SOL. These activities are: • • • • •

Accelerated Reader Program access to the Internet for research and communication Electronic Patron Catalog access to programs, such as World Book Online word processing and database programs

*The Technology Use Form issuing the acceptable uses of the Internet for students can be found in Appendix E, along with a copy of the letter that is sent home to parents

Maggie Mae Middle School Library Media Center Gift Form Name of Person or Organization Street Address City, State, Zip Phone Email

Please list all items being donated including quantity and format: Quantity

*

Title / Description

Type / Format

Please note that items cannot be returned once they are donated whether they are added to the library media center’s collection or not.

If the gift is monetary, please indicate the amount $

.

Thank you again for your donation; it is highly appreciated by the faculty and staff of Maggie Mae Middle School.

Date

Library Media Specialist’s Signature

FORM B

Section F

FORM C