Selection and Intellectual Freedom and Access
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HF Home / Index / Procedures / Staff / E&S and Access / Book Rap
Library books are literary works, narratives, and other texts that are selected for
research or free choice reading but not used for directed instruction.
Procedures
All instructional materials and library books are selected from those approved through the evaluation process.
Selection Criteria for Library Materials
Pertinent to the curriculum and the objectives of the instructional program
Accurate in terms of content
Reflective of the pluralistic nature of a global society
Free of bias and stereotype
Representative of differing viewpoints on controversial subjects
Appropriate format to effectively teach the curriculum
Age/grade appropriate (in the case of motion media, Motion Picture Movie Association age ratings must be applied when applicable)
Recent copyright date as appropriate to the subject
Acceptable in literary style and technical quality
Cost effective in terms of use Appropriate for students with special needs
Compliant with MCPS hardware and network standards (electronic materials and resources).
Library Bill of Rights
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
Adopted June 18, 1948, by the ALA Council; amended February 2, 1961; January 23, 1980; inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996.
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Email me at jankevics@aol.com
Created by Anita Anderson April 3, 2006
I encourage teachers to keep me informed of any changes in the curriculum and of any needs particular to the school or their classrooms, particularly as applies to students with special needs. I try to order teacher requests as quickly as possible. Please email me a copy of the Request Form.
Students or Parents
I value suggestions from both students and parents for both curricular and personal needs or interests. Please fill out a Request Form.
All instructional materials and library books received as gifts and intended for use with or by MCPS students must be evaluated.
Evaluation of Library Materials
Approval of library books requires review and signature of more than one professional staff member using MCPS Form 365-25: Record of Evaluation for Instructional Materials.
Professional staff members may use reviews from selected journals and MCPS bibliographies to evaluate library books.
Reconsideration of Instructional and Library Materials
If you question the appropriateness of a library book or material, please come and talk to me. If a resolution cannot be reached, you may obtain a “Request for Reconsideration of Instructional Materials and Library Books” form from the supervisor of Evaluation and Selection.