This content reflects work done as part of the Indigenous Perspectives in School Librarianship (IPSL) grant funded by IMLS (RE-246303-OLS-20). Actual assignments may vary.

Module 4: Collection Policies

Collection development policies and procedures are the “guiding element” (Hughes-Hassell, 2020, p. 51) in creating equitable access to the library collection. They provide guidance to the library staff and inform the community of what to expect from the library collection. A learner-centered and inclusive collection development policy must be collaboratively created. Most likely, your district already has a policy, but it may have gaps or need improvement. In this module, you will locate and evaluate your school’s collection development policy against professional guidelines and make a plan of action to advocate for an improved policy.

Module Objectives

  • Evaluate local collection development policies to reflect principles of access, equity, and intellectual freedom.
  • Identify and analyze solutions for addressing physical, social, virtual, economic, geographic, and intellectual barriers to equitable access to resources and services.

Think

  • Hughes-Hassell, S. (2020). Policy as the foundation for the collection. In Collection management for youth: Equity, inclusion, and learning (2nd edition; pp. 51-74). Chicago, IL: ALA Editions.
  • Mardis, M. (2016). Policies and procedures. In The collection program in schools: Concepts and practices (6th edition; pp. 47-56). Libraries Unlimited.
  • Selection & reconsideration policy toolkit for public, school, & academic libraries

Create

  • Complete Tool 1: Stakeholder Contact / SWOT Analysis from Hughes-Hassell (2020). Be sure to consider both your school community and your broader community; consider whether you have represented all the cultural groups in your community. Remember, culture is more than ethnicity.
  • Complete Tool 5: Learner-Centered Equitable Access Environment Policy Critique from Hughes-Hassell (2020).

Share

In the #4policies channel respond to the following and then respond to at least two of your classmates:

  • Post Tool 1 and Tool 5 along with a copy (or link to) the collection development policy you evaluated.
  • Based on your answers from Tool 1 and Tool 5: What would you improve about your policy and why? What steps would you take to advocate for an improved policy? Who would you collaborate with to engage in this process?
  • Write a brief reflection that addresses what you learned from this exercise. How did this prompt you to think about collection development policies in a new way?

Grow

Share your takeaway from the module as well as any challenges you have experienced this week.