1. Introduction & Purpose The Lockwood School Board hereby declares it is the policy of the Lockwood School District #26 to provide a wide range of library materials on all levels of difficulty, with diversity of appeal and the presentation of different points of view and to allow the review of library materials through established procedures.
   
   In support of these objectives, the Board reaffirms the principles of intellectual freedom inherent in the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States and expressed in the Library Bill of Rights, endorsed by the American Association of School Librarians.
   
   The mission of the library media program is to ensure that all members of the learning community are effective users of ideas and information.


2. General Collection Management and Development Policies User groups defined School library books are provided primarily for use by District students and staff. District residents or parents/guardians of non-resident students attending Lockwood Schools may be allowed use of library books at the discretion of the building principal/librarian.
   
   Because individual values and standards vary so widely, and the levels of development and understanding differ greatly among library users, it is solely the right and responsibility of parents or guardians to determine what is suitable material for their children and to enforce those decisions.
   
   Gifts
   Gift materials shall be judged by the criteria outlined and shall be accepted or rejected by those criteria.
   
   
3. Selection Policy The Superintendent is responsible for selection of library materials. Ultimate responsibility for the selection of library materials rests with the Board. The Board, acting through the Superintendent, thereby delegates the authority for the selection and de-selection of library materials to the principal in each of the schools. The Principal further delegates that authority to the Librarian in the school.
   
   

School Library Collection Development Policy

Selection Criteria
•Pertinent to the curriculum and the objectives of the instructional program
•Appropriate format to effectively teach the curriculum
•Acceptable in literary style and technical quality
•Accurate in terms of content
•Reflective of a global society
•Free of bias and stereotype
•Representative of differing viewpoints on controversial subjects
•Appropriate for recommended levels
•Recent copyright date as appropriate to the subject
•Appropriate for students with special needs
•Cost effective in terms of use

At Lockwood School, librarians employ a number of selection aides and receive input from students, parents, staff and curriculum committee members when considering books for purchase. Additionally, in the search for library materials, librarians read numerous reviews in professional journals and online.

The following recommended lists shall be consulted in the selection of materials, but selection is not limited to their listings:

Bibliographies (latest editions available, including supplements)
American Historical Fiction
Basic Book Collection for Elementary Grades
The Best in Children’s Books
Children and Books
Children’s Catalog
Elementary School Library Collection
European Historical Fiction and Biography
Guide to Sources in Educational Media
Junior High School Catalog
Reference Books for School Libraries
Subject Guide to Children’s Books in Print
Subject Index to Books for Intermediate Grades
Subject Index to Books for Primary Grades
Westinghouse Learning Directory
AASA Science Books and Films
American Film & Video Association Evaluations
Booklist
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Horn Book
Kirkus Reviews
School Library Journal
Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database (subscription required)

School Library Collection Development Policy

4. Analysis and Evaluation of Collection
   Librarians will perform a collection analysis annually using nationally established standards for
   school collections. Collection analysis is the process of examining the quantity and quality of the
   collection to identify its strengths and weaknesses. An ongoing evaluation of the collection will
   take place to ensure that the collection will meet established levels. The librarians will follow
   standard guidelines for de-selection of materials.
5. Policies and Procedures for Dealing with Challenged Materials
   The first step of the reconsideration process is an informal discussion with the librarian and/or
   principal. If the challenge is not resolved, completion of the Citizen’s Request for Reconsideration
   of Materials Form will begin the formal process of reconsidering the challenged material.
   
   When a written complaint is filed through the school principal, it is sent immediately to the librarian and Superintendent. The Superintendent will then convene a Reconsideration Review Committee. When a Reconsideration Review Committee is needed for the reconsideration process, one librarian, one teacher, two (2) parents, and one building administrator will be named by the Superintendent representing K-2, 3-5 or 6-8, as appropriate. Parents will be chosen (in rotation) from a volunteer list managed by the Family Resource Center. The committee members called to serve will not be from the school where the reconsideration request originated. This committee should be convened as rapidly as possible, and in no case longer than ten (10) school days.
   
   During this period the book or other materials in question will be available for check out with no restrictions until the committee review is completed. Any material may only be challenged once per school year.
   
   Once the book and professional selection and review tools are in the hands of the committee, the report of this committee should be completed as rapidly as possible, and in no case longer than (15) school days.
   
   The Superintendent will give instructions about the book selection process to the Reconsideration Review Committee. A written report detailing the committee’s decision will be sent as a recommendation to the Superintendent. The Superintendent will send a summary of the recommendation along with her/his decision (within 5 days) to the building principal and librarian where the complaint originated as well as to the complainant. A summary of the decision will be sent to district employees.
   

School Library Collection Development Policy

The Superintendent will keep all articles and correspondence associated with each material challenge.

Any affected person may appeal the decision to the Board of Trustees within (10) ten working days of the issuance of the Superintendent’s decision. The appeal must be made in writing to the District Clerk. Upon receipt of a written request for appeal from the Clerk, the Board Chair will place tappeal on the agenda of a regular or special Board meeting. A decision of the Board is final.


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