Kristin Dardano wrote:
>I am really enjoying this discussion, although I am unnerved by the willingness of
>some to censor what they deem inappropriate. I can't help but think that as
>Americans we are losing ground...
>
>That said, I do believe that following your districts selection policy is the way
>to go - But, I am curious about what you all do if:
>
>1. A teacher requests a book that doesn't follow the selection policy?
>
>
Show the teacher the policy and explain why the book doesn't fit the
requirements. Of course, if the teacher is really going to use the book
in class it probably DOES fit. The key words, though, are "use the book
in class."
>2. You have inherited your collection from previous librarians and you are not
>sure if the books follow your district's policy?
>
Weeding is not censoring. If the book doesn't fit the current curriculum
then it is a good candidate to be weeded. I've got books here that were
purchased within the past two years that aren't being used because of a
change in curriculum. Yes, I could weed them, but I'm hoping that those
classes will come back soon and I don't really need the shelf space there.
I suspect that most of us have books on the shelves that don't meet
current needs or standards. If we have a decent (not necessarily
perfect) weeding plan those misfits will eventually be found. If someone
finds one and complains, we can take it to the reconsideration request
level, or we can look at it and recognize that it should have been
weeded already. At that point we can thank the student (or parent,
teacher, administrator) for bringing it to our attention and take care
of it.
Another thing that can be done is to recognize that perhaps a book is in
the wrong building. We're pretty small here, one elementary library and
one high school library, both on the same campus. When a books shows up
in either library that is more appropriate in the other library we just
take it to the other building, and that's the end of the issue. We
recognize that all the money comes out of the same pocket anyway (the
taxpayer's pocket), so we move things around as they are needed.
--
David Lininger, kb0zke,
MS/HS librarian
Hickory County R-1 Schools
Urbana, MO 65767
417-993-4226
tss003 at tnp dot more dot net
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation.
* LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
* LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
* EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://lm-net.info/
* LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
* LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------------
LM_NET
Mailing List Home